FAQ - VPX / OpenVPX / SOSA
What is VPX?
VPX (VITA 46) is an open standard for building rugged, modular embedded computers. It replaces shared parallel buses with high‑speed point‑to‑point serial fabrics (PCIe, Ethernet, RapidIO, etc.), and comes in 3U and 6U Eurocard formats for harsh defense/aerospace environments.
What is VPX used for?
To implement mission‑critical embedded systems that need high bandwidth, robustness, and long life: combining CPU, GPU, FPGA, avionics I/O, storage and switching boards in a high‑speed backplane chassis.
What are the alternatives to VPX?
- PICMG standards: CompactPCI (cPCI, parallel PCI bus) for industrial markets; CompactPCI Serial (cPCI‑S.0) with modern serial links (PCIe/Ethernet/SATA) — typically lower cost but generally less rugged/modular than VPX for mil‑aero.
- Other embedded standards: COM Express, PC/104 / PCIe104, SMARC, Mini‑PCIe — suited to compact or cost‑sensitive systems.
- Related VITA standards: VITA 62 (power), VITA 66 (optical), VITA 67 (RF), VNX/VNX+ (VITA 74/90) for smaller footprints or special interconnects.
What are VPX advantages and limitations?
- Advantages of VPX: very high throughput (PCIe/Ethernet 10/40/100GbE), MIL‑STD/DO‑160 ruggedization, extreme modularity (CPU/GPU/FPGA/RF/optics), multiple cooling options (conduction/air/liquid), and multi‑vendor interoperability via OpenVPX.
- Limitations of VPX: higher cost than small form factor COTS; greater integration complexity (many profiles); larger 3U/6U footprint; strong thermal design requirements for high‑power boards.
What is OpenVPX?
OpenVPX (VITA 65) adds system‑level definitions on top of VPX: module/slot/backplane profiles, planes and topologies to ensure multi‑vendor interoperability and simplify integration.
How does VPX relate to SOSA?
The SOSA™ Technical Standard builds on VPX/OpenVPX, constraining options and prescribing profiles (3U/6U), power (VITA 62), management (VITA 46.11/IPMI), and RF/optical interconnects (VITA 66/67) to ensure interoperable, reusable C5ISR systems.
What VPX modules exist?
x86/ARM/PowerPC SBCs, GPGPUs, FPGAs, video capture/encode, avionics I/O (MIL‑STD‑1553, ARINC), 10/40/100GbE switches, storage, VITA 62 PSUs, RF/optical (VITA 67/66).
Typical applications for VPX?
Defense C4ISR, avionics, naval, ground vehicles, UAV/UGV, and industrial real‑time systems.