OpenVPX(tm) System Specification Standard Reaches ANSI Ratification

VITA, the trade association dedicated to fostering American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited open system architectures in critical embedded system applications, announced the ratification by ANSI of the OpenVPX™ System Specification under ANSI/VITA 65.0-2010. OpenVPX is the architecture framework that defines system-level VPX interoperability for multivendor, multimodule, integrated system environments.

The VITA 65 working group set an aggressive goal to have the ANSI ratification completed by the spring of 2010. They have achieved that pace-setting goal by completing the criteria for a successful ballot.

“The efforts of the VITA 65 working group represent a significant shift in the industry,” stated Ray Alderman, executive director of VITA. “Major industry buyers came to us to get an architectural framework for VPX in place, and quickly. The team responded start to finish in less than 14 months, which is quite incredible given the scope of the project.”

“OpenVPX truly defines a system-wide specification that streamlines the use of VPX,” said Neil Peterson, Chairman of the VPX Marketing Alliance. “OpenVPX was defined to give us room to grow the technology and meet future industry needs without impacting current work.”

VPX is gaining design wins in many data-intensive applications where performance in throughput and high-compute density (size) are critical factors. Example applications in which VPX systems are expected to be deployed in the coming year include signal and Video processing, Radar, communications, transportation, and control and management.

VPX is a broadly defined technology utilizing the latest in a variety of switch fabric technologies in 3U and 6U Eurocard format modules. The OpenVPX framework delineates clear interoperability points necessary for integrating module to module, module to Backplane, and chassis. OpenVPX will evolve and incorporate new fabric, connector, and system technologies as new standards are defined.

In support of the VPX family of specifications, VITA members have been rolling out a wide range of products suited to a variety of applications, from backplanes and chassis to 3U and 6U boards of various types Nearly 100 products are already listed in the VITA product directory under OpenVPX, and more are added each week. With the completion of this specification, suppliers are now identifying their products with the profile information necessary to make product selection for specific profiles.

Companies that develop VPX products are encouraged to contact VITA to join the VPX Marketing Alliance. For more information, visit the VPX Marketing Alliance website at www.vita.com/vpx.

The ANSI/VITA65-2010 document is available from VITA.

About VITA

Founded in 1984, VITA is an incorporated, non-profit organization of suppliers and users who share a common market interest in critical embedded systems. VITA champions open system architectures. Its activities are international in scope, technical, promotional, and user-centric. VITA aims to increase total market size for its members, expand market exposure for suppliers, and deliver timely technical information. VITA has ANSI and IEC accreditation to develop standards (VME, VXS, VPX, OpenVPX™, PMC, XMC, FMC, etc) for embedded systems used in a myriad of critical applications and harsh environments. For further information, visit www.vita.com.