Aitech Systems has released the A178-AV, the latest in the company’s range of rugged GPGPU AI supercomputers based on the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier System-on-Module.
With its compact size, the A178-AV is ideal for providing artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, and video and signal processing capabilities for avionics and aerospace applications.
The system’s Volta GPU with 512 CUDA cores and 64 Tensor cores reaches 32 TOPS INT8 and 11 TFLOPS FP16 at a high level of energy efficiency, providing all the power needed for AI-based local processing where needed, next to the sensors. The A178-AV also features two dedicated NVDLA (NVIDIA Deep-Learning Accelerator) engines, providing an interface for deep learning applications.
The A178-AV is an upgraded variant of Aitech’s A178 COTS system, with new features including:
- CoaXPress (CXP)
- MIL-STD 1553
- ARINC429
- RedHawk Real-Time OS
CoaXPress video input provides avionics systems with a reliable, high-bandwidth, low-latency, and cost-effective solution for transmitting video data, essential for tasks such as navigation, surveillance, pilot assistance, and situational awareness in aircraft operations.
MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 protocols offer users a flexible, reliable, deterministic, and cost-effective communication solution for avionics systems, making the supercomputer well-suited for critical aerospace applications where safety, performance, and interoperability are paramount.
With extremely low latency, advanced tuning features, and real-time decision-making, RedHawk guarantees real-time performance in mission-critical applications where rapid response is crucial to mission success.
The A178-AV provides the same large storage capacity, variety of I/O interfaces and high-speed 10Gb Ethernet connectivity as the base A178 platform. The new design is testament to the adaptability of this COTS-based SFF supercomputer that can be easily customized to meet existing embedded architectures.
Dan Mor, Director of Products & Solutions at Aitech, commented: “AI in avionic electronics continues to grow in complexity. A small form factor AI system such as the A178-AV provides powerful, efficient, and reliable computing solutions ranging from low power, high-speed video acquisition, and avionic communication interfaces to high-performance AI capabilities and a real-time operating system, tailored to meet the unique needs of aircraft operations across rugged environments.”
