Several organizations are actively involved in developing open standards for the defense electronics industry. Here are some key examples, along with their standards:
VITA
The mission of the nonprofit VITA organization is to promote the concept of open technology for critical embedded computing via standards. Accredited as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developer, VITA enables its members to develop and promote open-technology standards.
VITA’s continuing goal is to unite manufacturers and users through acceptance and implementation of open standards; these standards will encourage use of VITA technologies in complex systems.
Computing system designers worldwide face significant design challenges: reliability of operation, difficult operating environments, long product life cycles to manage, demanding performance, system interoperability, data and system security, and ever-shortening time-to-market windows. VITA technologies are a favorite choice in many embedded systems architectures to address these challenges.
The Open Group SOSA Consortium
The Open Group promotes the adoption of open standards and collaborates with various industries, including defense, to develop standards for interoperability and data exchange. Under the Open Group, the SOSA [Sensor Open Systems Architecture] Consortium is a collaborative effort between government and industry to develop open standards for C5ISR [command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] systems.
The SOSA Technical Standard is a modular open systems approach (MOSA) that builds upon the VITA VPX standard that aims to improve interoperability and modularity, reduce costs, and accelerate development cycles for C5ISR systems. By adopting the SOSA approach, the defense industry can reduce costs, accelerate development cycles, and improve system performance.
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
While not exclusively focused on defense electronics, the IEEE develops numerous standards that are relevant to the industry, including standards for wireless communication, cybersecurity, and signal processing. One is IEEE 1588, a precision clock synchronization protocol used to synchronize clocks across multiple devices in a network. It is widely used in telecommunications and networking, including defense applications. Another is IEEE 802.11, which is a set of standards for wireless LAN (WLAN) technology, commonly known as Wi-Fi. These standards are used in various military and defense applications, including tactical communications and network connectivity.
JEDEC Solid State Technology Association
JEDEC develops standards for microelectronics, including memory, storage, and semiconductor devices. These standards are essential for ensuring compatibility and reliability in defense electronics systems.
By promoting open standards, these organizations help to foster innovation, reduce costs, and improve the overall performance and reliability of defense electronics systems.
It’s important to note that the defense industry is increasingly embracing open standards to improve system performance, reduce costs, and accelerate development cycles. By adopting open standards, the industry can foster innovation, competition, and collaboration among different vendors and suppliers.
Participation
The development of VITA standards is a collaborative effort involving many individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds. By working together, these individuals and organizations help to ensure that VITA standards meet the evolving needs of the target industries. The following groups and companies are instrumental in shaping VITA standards.
VITA Member companies: Numerous companies, including technology providers and leading defense and aerospace contractors, have contributed to the development of VITA standards. These companies often have representatives who actively participate in VITA working groups and contribute their expertise.
- Defense and aerospace contractors: Engineers from companies like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing play a crucial role in shaping VITA standards. They bring real-world experience and insights into the development process.
- Technology providers: Representatives from companies like Mercury Systems, Curtiss-Wright, Elma Electronics, Samtec, TE Connectivity, Amphenol, and others provide expertise in hardware and software technologies.
Government agencies: Government agencies have played a significant role in shaping the requirements and specifications for VITA standards. Engineers and program managers from government agencies like the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and NASA contribute to VITA standards by providing specific requirements and feedback. They often collaborate with industry representatives to ensure that standards meet the needs of military and defense applications.
Academic institutions: Universities and research institutions contribute to the development of VITA standards by providing technical expertise and conducting research in relevant areas. Researchers from universities like MIT, Georgia Tech, and Johns Hopkins often participate in VITA working groups.
Individual engineers and technical experts: Many individual engineers and technical experts have made significant contributions to VITA standards. These individuals often have deep knowledge and experience in specific areas of embedded computing and system design. VITA has the VITA Distinguished Fellows program to encourage individual participation from subject matter experts in the industry.
It’s important to note that the development of VITA standards is an ongoing process, with new standards being developed and existing standards being updated to keep pace with technological advancements. The collaborative nature of VITA ensures that standards are relevant, practical, and meet the evolving needs of the defense and aerospace industries.
Significant challenges
Developing computer standards for the defense industry presents several significant challenges:
Security and cybersecurity:
- Protecting sensitive information: Defense systems handle highly classified and sensitive information. Standards must prioritize robust security measures to protect against cyberattacks and unauthorized access.
- Balancing security and usability: Implementing stringent security protocols can sometimes hinder usability and efficiency. Standards must strike a balance between security and user experience.
Interoperability and compatibility:
- Diverse systems and platforms: Defense systems often involve a wide range of hardware and software components from different vendors. Standards must ensure seamless interoperability between these diverse systems.
- Legacy systems: Many defense systems rely on legacy technologies that may not be easily integrated with newer systems. Standards must consider compatibility with legacy systems while promoting modernization.
Rapid technological advancements:
- Evolving technologies: The rapid pace of technological change can quickly render existing standards obsolete. Standards must be flexible and adaptable to accommodate emerging technologies.
- Balancing innovation and standardization: Encouraging innovation while maintaining standardization can be challenging. Standards must strike a balance between promoting cutting-edge technologies and ensuring consistency.
Cost and time-to-market:
- Rigorous testing and certification: Adherence to strict standards can increase development costs and time-to-market. Standards must balance the need for rigorous testing with the urgency of deploying systems.
- Balancing cost-effectiveness and performance: Standards must consider the trade-offs between cost and performance, ensuring that systems are both affordable and capable.
International collaboration:
- Harmonizing standards: Collaborating with international organizations to harmonize standards is crucial for global interoperability and supply chain efficiency.
- Addressing cultural and regulatory differences: Different countries may have varying security requirements and regulatory frameworks, which can complicate the development of international standards.
By addressing these challenges, the defense industry can develop effective computer standards that promote interoperability, security, and innovation.