DAYTON, OH – September 1, 2010 — Curtiss-Wright Controls Electronic Systems (CWCEL), a business group of Curtiss-Wright Controls, and the originator of the Physical Layer Switch (PLS), has announced the availability of its new VPX2500. This VPX-based managed, non-blocking, multi-protocol Layer 1 PLS is packaged in a 6U VPX (VITA 46) form factor. The VPX2500 is able to connect any serial digital signal input to any single output at speeds up to 2.5Gbps. Its flexible, expandable crossbar switch performance enables users to control their network configurations while reducing set-up time, limiting network errors, and cutting costs. Designed for defense and aerospace applications, it speeds and eases the integration of high performance switching.
“Curtiss-Wright Controls’ VPX2500 combines the high bandwidth performance advantages of VPX with optimal switching capability, providing unmatched flexibility in system design and configuration” said David Dietz, vice president and general manager of Curtiss-Wright Controls Electronic Systems group.
The VPX2500 provides an 18-port switch solution via VPX rear I/O backplane connections. Each port input provides an option of data retiming or bypassing the retiming circuitry altogether. The protocol or structure of data routed through the switch is ignored by the VPX2500 and is unaltered by its passage through the switch; therefore, the VPX2500 can be used with many different types of networks and signals. Communication with the VPX2500 is through its RS-232 link, where the user can log on and use the command line interface (CLI) to configure the cross-point, set up access levers, port topology, retiming option, and check status.
The VPX Advantage
The VPX2500 complies with VITA 46 standards for a 6U (266.7 mm, 10.5″ wide) 0.8″ pitch form factor. Because it is VPX-compliant, it utilizes high-speed serial connectors instead of the standard VME, improved card keying, and safety ground contacts for ESD protection. The VPX2500 plugs into any VPX chassis that accommodates conduction-cooled 6U modules and only requires 5V from the VPX backplane. Maintenance procedures are simple and quick due to the VPX2500’s rear I/O design, which routes all signals through the VPX connectors, eliminating other cable connections.
Optical Transceiver Option
The COTS version of the VPX2500 offers all of its connections via the back panel. In addition, the VPX2500 can optionally support eight (8) LC-type rugged ST11 transceivers on the front panel. 850 nm optical media is provided for digital signals that travel 300 meters from sensor to DSP. 1310 nm optical media is provided for distances of a kilometer or more. The VPX2500 enables optical signals to be brought to the front panel optical transceivers and then converted to copper signals that can be routed to the VPX backplane for data processing.
Key Advantages of the VPX2500 PLS Approach
· The VPX2500 supports automated testing to significantly reduce network errors. Using a password protected connection via Ethernet (or RS-232) the user can remotely change topologies and emulate optical power loss or cable breaks. Scripts may be written in PERL, TCL, or other popular languages using the simple, but powerful CLI.
· The VPX2500 supports flexible media conversion, enabling, for example, copper media input to be output using optical media. 850 nm optical can be easily changed to 1550 nm optical for DWDM applications.
· The PLS has the ability to “wire once”. After connecting all network devices under test, all topology changes or fault tests can be simply applied using the switch via the GUI and CLI, delivering significant reductions in system configuration time costs.
VPX2500 Physical Layer Switch Features:
· 6U, 0.8” single width VPX board
· Rugged, conduction-cooled environment
· Topologies supported: point-to-point, loop, multi-cast
· Four unique configurations stored for instant recall
· 2.5 Gb/s line rate (option to 4 Gb/s)
· 32 ports to VPX backplane – 18 standard, 14 optional
· Eight front panel optical transceivers (optional)
· 32 ports to a special mezzanine board
· Out-of-band control: RS-232 standard, Ethernet optional
Sales & Editorial Contacts
Please, contact factory for price and availability.
For editorial information regarding Curtiss-Wright Controls Electronic Systems products or services, contact John Wranovics, public relations director, Curtiss-Wright Controls, Tel: (925) 640-6402; email. [email protected].
Inquiries: Please forward all Sales and reader service inquiries to Matt Young, Curtiss-Wright Controls Electronic Systems, Tel: (937) 252-5601 x1363; Fax (937) 258-2729; email: [email protected]
About Curtiss-Wright Controls Electronic Systems
Curtiss-Wright Controls Electronic Systems is one of the industry’s most comprehensive and experienced single sources for rugged, integrated solutions that are qualified for military platforms. Our product and service expertise includes Motion Control, Network Centric Computing, Rate Sensor Assemblies, Vehicle Management Computers, High-Speed Recording & Storage, Chassis/Enclosures, Power Supplies and Electronic Manufacturing Services. The Electronic Systems group serves the defense, aerospace, commercial and industrial markets and is part of Curtiss-Wright Controls Inc. For more information about Curtiss-Wright Controls Electronic Systems, visit www.cwcelectronicsystems.com.
About Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Curtiss-Wright Controls is the motion control segment of Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW). With manufacturing facilities around the world, Curtiss-Wright Controls is a leading technology-based organization providing niche motion control products, subsystems and services internationally for the aerospace and defense markets. For more information, visit www.cwcontrols.com.