VPX / OpenVPX Backplanes

VPX backplanes are advanced interconnect solutions used in defense applications for high-performance computing and networking. Integral components of rugged computing systems, VPX backplanes employ a standardized architecture, such as OpenVPX, facilitating interoperability and scalability among embedded computing modules.
Overview VPX / OpenVPX Backplanes
By Mike Ball Last updated: December 3rd, 2024

VPX backplanes are printed circuit boards that provide physical and electrical connections between plug-in cards, memory, I/O, peripherals and other devices, according to the VITA 46 set of standards. They take advantage of the innovations provided by VPX technology, such as support for switched-fabric networking and high-speed connectors.

Thanks to high data rates, VPX backplanes are widely used for military embedded computing, especially for applications requiring high speeds and significant amounts of data transfer. These use cases may include ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), SIGINT (signals intelligence), EW (electronic warfare) and radar processing.

3U & 6U VPX Backplanes

VPX backplane designs may accept cards or boards that are 3U or 6U in size.

  • 3U VPX backplanes are smaller and lighter, making them ideal for small drones, aircraft avionics, and portable computing systems.
  • 6U VPX backplanes provide greater capacity and can handle higher-power subsystems, making them highly suited to compute-intensive applications such as radar, AI (artificial intelligence) and GPGPU (general-purpose graphics processing unit) computing.

OpenVPX Backplanes

Gen4/5 OpenVPX Backplane Series by Atrenne Computing Solutions

Gen4/5 OpenVPX Backplane Series by Atrenne Computing Solutions

OpenVPX backplanes are based on a set of standards that were derived from VPX and designed to make it easier to create interoperable systems, especially for U.S. Department of Defense and military requirements.

OpenVPX backplane architecture standardizes a number of elements to help ensure interoperability, including slot and module profiles. This in turn allows systems integrators to choose components from a wider variety of vendors, and reduces reliance on a single source.

OpenVPX is an evolving standard, and fits in with the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard used widely by the U.S. military. OpenVPX backplanes accept SOSA-aligned cards that can be easily swapped out and upgraded as technological progression occurs.

Products (1)

Gen-4/5 OpenVPX Series

High-throughput backplanes for demanding C4ISR, SIGINT and DSP applications

High-throughput backplanes for demanding C4ISR, SIGINT and DSP applications
...8217;s Gen-4/5 OpenVPX Series are the industry’s highest-performing backplanes, designed to...

Related Articles

Integrated Systems & Chassis for Military Systems

Defense Advancement showcases LCR Embedded Systems' integrated systems, chassis and backplanes for military aircraft, vehicles and systems operating in all domains

Jan 16, 2025
Collaboration to Develop SOSA-Aligned Flight Avionics Systems

Curtiss-Wright and Korean Airlines’ R&D Group will develop SOSA-aligned flight avionics systems, using Fabric100 3U and 6U VPX modules to prototype a demonstrator system

Nov 22, 2024
Accelerating Military Intelligence with 100Gb Networks

LCR Embedded Systems' highlights 100Gb connectivity VPX Systems, which enable lightning-fast data transmission, enhanced intelligence, and unprecedented operational effectiveness across complex defense environments

Nov 20, 2024
Enhancing Military Operations with 100Gb VPX Technology

LCR Embedded Systems discusses how increased data rates and high-speed connectivity are driving innovation in modern warfare, with 100Gb becoming the new standard

Aug 13, 2024
Key Considerations for Custom Backplane Design 

Atrenne delves into the key considerations in designing custom backplanes, focusing on signal integrity, power distribution, and scalability

Jul 29, 2024
Advantages of VPX & SOSA Systems as Open Standards

In LCR Embedded Systems’ article, discover how SOSA™ has leveraged evolving VPX standards, how these standards contribute to the MOSA approach, and learn about the goal of open standards and their benefits for defense electronics

May 23, 2024
Chassis Design & Cooling Considerations for SOSA Aligned Systems

LCR Embedded Systems discusses internal cooling challenges for VPX and SOSA aligned systems, addressing chassis design considerations for thermal management

May 14, 2024
Atrenne’s Guide to VITA Standards and Embedded Computing

Atrenne outlines the ways in which VITA standards are pertinent to embedded computing, being created to enable the design and manufacturing of crucial technologies

Dec 20, 2023
Rugged Computing & Electronics Solutions for Military & Aerospace Applications

Defense Advancement showcases Atrenne’s rugged electronic enclosures, VPX chassis and backplanes

Apr 17, 2023
Gold Partners
LCR Embedded Systems

Mission-Critical Integrated Systems, Chassis & Backplanes For Military Systems Operating In All Domains

Atrenne Computing Solutions

Rugged Electronic Enclosures, VPX Chassis & Backplanes for Military and Defense Applications

Related Categories