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The IMA system is a crate with backplane, which connectors are used for standard standalone modules. Repair and routine maintenance of these crates is achieved by separate modules prompt replacement, which makes it more comfortable to perform maintenance and repairs as well as enables cutting operating costs. Moreover, the use of standard parts and connectors reduces manufacturing costs.
The R&D company “Elara” has developed the crate of avionics indicator console in 3U VITA 46/48 format based on Vortex86DX processor board CPB906. The structure of VITA 46/48 crate is designed for operation in harsh environment, and at the same time – for using modern high-speed data exchange protocols and provision of electromagnetic compatibility.
System purpose and functions:
Indicator is intended for displaying video in ARINC 818 format which is transmitted via two optical channels. The system is controlled by the built-in protected keyboard.
The onboard information is transferred via ARINC 429 interface and the software is updated via Ethernet channel. The indicator also receives 8 input and generates 8 output one-time commands, including integral proper functionality of the system.
This carrier-board, manufactured by Elara company, using the CPU board with PCI interface as the basis, made it possible to manufacture CPU module in 3U VITA 46/48 format with PCI Express system bus, to provide a high-speed data exchange within the crate. The project’s key feature is the connection of three high-speed PCI Express channels to the much slower parallel PCI bus. Such a nonstandard solution was compulsory and caused by strict requirements to the mezzanine CPU board, however enabled saving time and resources for designing own CPU module with integrated PCI Express bus. At the design stage the developers could sufficiently reduce software development time due to their experience of using and adapting Linux to x86 systems based on SoC Vortex. The developed CPU module is a perfect match for systems which do not require transferring of large data volumes, as well as for practical experience of basic level IMA technical solutions with a possibility of further development of hardware and software tools.
The modern requirements to speed of inter-module data exchange shape a compelling need for small-size mezzanine PC modules with high-speed interfaces. Availability of such special-purpose CPU modules manufactured in Russia made it possible to reduce the time for development of such special-purpose equipment, improve their performance and increase their competitive advantage compared to their foreign counterparts.