Computing at high altitudes

The Xeon-E Swift embedded board (Image courtesy of Versalogic
The Xeon-E Swift embedded board (Image courtesy of Versalogic)

VersaLogic has developed a rugged, embedded computer with a high-performance Intel Xeon processor for uncrewed systems, writes Nick Flaherty.

Swift uses the 9th-generation, Xeon-E 6 core processor, codenamed Coffee Lake Refresh, with up to 32 GB of error-correcting memory, fast onboard NVMe SSD storage and TPM 2.0 security. The error-correcting memory is essential for mission-critical and avionics applications at higher altitudes.

“Swift is ideal for intensive processing, particularly in applications where there are security concerns or where limited communication bandwidth precludes sending raw data back to a data centre,” said VersaLogic’s president, Len Crane.

Swift includes several built-in interfaces, including 2.5 GB Ethernet, USB 3.1, serial ports, I2C, GPIO, analogue input/output (ADC/DAC) and Mini DisplayPort output. SATA III connectivity is provided for applications requiring offboard storage capability.

Onboard expansion includes one Mini PCIe slot and two M.2 slots. These expansion sites can support functions such as 5G cellular, AI accelerators, GPS, flash data storage, analogue and digital IO, additional data storage (SSD), display interfaces, wi-fi, Bluetooth and Ethernet. Modifications include conformal coating, revision locks, custom labelling, customised testing and screening.

The board measures 95 x 125 x 41 mm (3.7 x 4.9 x 1.6 in) for space-limited applications, and it is designed and tested for full industrial temperature operation (-40 C to 85 C). It meets MIL-STD-202H specifications for shock and vibration.

All of the VersaLogic products are designed for high reliability and long-term availability with a 10-year typical production lifecycle. For more information, visit www.versalogic.com/product/swift/

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