Rugged VXI Backplanes for Military & Defense

VXI Backplanes supply the backbone for VXI (VME eXtensions for Instrumentation) systems, providing modular instruments with a robust interconnection platform. This foundation supports rapid data synchronization and transfer, vital for defense applications that need precise measurement and control. The smooth integration of diverse instruments into a unified testing environment enables efficient analysis, monitoring, and simulation of sophisticated and defense systems. This VXI Backplane capability enhances operational readiness and effectiveness by enabling comprehensive testing and validation of critical military technologies.

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Overview Rugged VXI Backplanes for Military & Defense

By Mike Ball Last updated: December 3rd, 2024

VXI (VME eXtensions for Instrumentation) is a standard that was developed in order to enhance the existing VMEbus computing standard to make it more suitable for automated test and instrumentation applications.

These enhancements included improved EMC and cooling for additional ruggedness, definition of communications protocols for more seamless integration with existing hardware, and the addition of extra voltage rails to support a wider range of instrumentation.

VXI is widely used for military and avionics testing and data acquisition applications. It has also been used to build an embedded computing platform that routes signals and information between various communications subsystems on board naval submarines. The modular design of VXI ensures a low MTTR (Mean Time to Repair), which is crucial for military test systems.

VXI Backplane Design

VXI backplanes typically have 6 or 13 slots, and may host cards or modules that have four defined sizes, labeled A to D and all 6U in height. C and D are the larger cards, and this extra size enables the addition of EMI protection that can shield high-performance circuitry from electromagnetic interference. C-sized VXI cards are the most common, providing the optimal tradeoff between compactness and performance.

VXI was designed as an open standard, allowing cards from many different manufacturers to operate with any VXI backplane. The availability of a wide variety of modules from multiple vendors allows VXI systems to be used as a replacement for many obsolete and legacy military test systems. The modules may include: