The X-ES XCalibur4740 D-1700 processor-based 6U VPX-REDI module is a specialized computer hardware designed for use in demanding computing environments. This high-performance processor module targets computationally heavy applications requiring maximum data and information protection such as command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, radar, and other mission-critical defense systems.

X-ES’s XCalibur4740 Processor

Let’s talk about the X-EX processor’s advantages, speed, and security.

One of the key features of the XCalibur4740 D-1700 is its use of a D-1700 processor. This processor is known for its high performance and low power consumption, making it an ideal choice for applications where energy efficiency is a key concern.

The Intel Xeon D-1700 processors are power-efficient System-on-Chip (SoC) packages with integrated 40 Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed connectivity. Offering significant improvements over existing Xeon D processors in terms of sheer processing power and memory density, Ice Lake-D technology is ideal for computationally heavy applications with native temperature support between -40˚C and up to 85˚C enables embedded applications using these Intel Xeon D processors to excel in thermally challenging environments.

The XCalibur4740 D-1700 also offers a number of other features that make it a versatile and powerful computing platform. For example, it supports a range of I/O interfaces, including Ethernet, USB, and serial ports, which allows it to be easily integrated into a variety of different systems. It also includes a range of memory options, including DDR3 and DDR4 memory, which allows users to customize the module to suit their specific needs.

At the security level, the Xpedite4740 integrates SecureCOTS technology with a Microsemi PolarFire FPGA for hosting custom functions to protect data from being modified or observed and provides an ideal solution when stringent security capabilities are required.

The XCalibur4740 D-1700 is also designed to be rugged and reliable, with a number of features that help it withstand the demands of harsh environments. For example, it is built to meet MIL-STD-810F and DO-160F standards, which are some of the most rigorous standards for ruggedness in the industry. This makes it ideal for use in military and aerospace applications where it may be subjected to extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and other environmental conditions.

What, in a nutshell, are the main advantages of the newest X-ES processor?

1. High performance: The D-1700 processor used in the XCalibur4740 D-1700 is a high-performance processor that is capable of handling a wide range of computing tasks.
2. Low power consumption: The D-1700 processor is designed to be energy-efficient, which helps to reduce power consumption and save on operating costs.
3. Rugged and reliable design: The XCalibur4740 D-1700 is built to meet MIL-STD-810F and DO-160F standards, making it ideal for use in demanding environments where it may be subjected to extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and other environmental conditions.
4. Versatile I/O interfaces: The XCalibur4740 D-1700 supports a range of I/O interfaces, including Ethernet, USB, and serial ports, which allows it to be easily integrated into a variety of different systems.
5. Customizable memory options: The XCalibur4740 D-1700 includes a range of memory options, including DDR3 and DDR4 memory, which allows users to customize the module to suit their specific needs.

Overall, the X-ES XCalibur4740 D-1700 processor-based 6U VPX-REDI module with its high-performance D-1700 processor, versatile I/O interfaces, and rugged design, it is a great choice for applications in the military, aerospace, and other industries where reliability and performance are critical.

Expando’s partners and suppliers

Expando AB is a regional expert offering defense components and integration projects. We act as representatives or distributors for first-class suppliers and our aim is to be your long-term reliable partner.

Contact us for price questions and technical solutions at info@expando.se or call us at +46 (0)8-544 900 44.

The 2022 Technology Innovators Awards have been announced by Military & Aerospace Electronics to honor businesses that provide noteworthy avionics, aerospace, and military design solutions. The highest recognition given by this Awards has been received by VPT, a HEICO company, for its VSC Series of DC-DC converters.

Photo: VPT website

The Military & Aerospace Technology Innovators Awards are divided into three categories: Platinum, as the highest honor, and then followed by Gold, and Silver awards. We are extremely proud to represent one of our greatest partners, VPT, in order to receive the highest level of recognition during the 2022 award announcements. These Awards are given to organizations that exhibit excellence in the use of a product or system.

What contributed to VPT’s VSC series winning this award?

VPT is a global provider of innovative technology for avionics, military, space, and industrial applications. For over 20 years, VPT’s award-winning DC-DC converters, EMI filters, accessory products, and engineering services have powered systems for world-class organizations and programs. NASA, ESA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, BAE Systems, Thales, and many other organizations rely on VPT’s high-reliability solutions on a daily basis to power critical systems.

“The VSC Series leverages VPT’s extensive experience in radiation-hardened DC-DC converter development to provide the appropriate level of radiation performance for LEO applications at an extremely competitive price point.” says Leonard Leslie, Vice President of Engineering.

VSC Series of DC-DC Converters

The VSC Series from VPT Inc. in Blacksburg, Va., is a commercial off-the-shelf DC-DC converter developed for smaller satellites in low-Earth orbits (LEO), launch vehicles, and NASA Class D missions where the balance of cost and guaranteed performance is critical. This VSC Series is guaranteed for radiation tolerance in low-Earth orbits applications at an extremely competitive price point. The series is radiation guaranteed and tested to:

• Tested to 42 MeV/mg/cm2 and guaranteed to 30 MeV/mg/cm2 for SEE
• Tested to 40 krad(Si) and guaranteed to 30 krad(Si) for TID

The VSC Series of commercial off the shelf (COTS) products are intended for “New Space” applications as part of their space product line. Do you want to learn more about our long-term supplier, VPT, Inc.? Click here.

Expando’s partners and suppliers

Expando AB is a regional expert offering defense components and integration projects. We act as representatives or distributors for first-class suppliers and our aim is to be your long-term reliable partner.

Contact us for price questions and technical solutions at info@expando.se or call us at +46 (0)8-544 900 44.

HMS Södermanland is a Swedish naval submarine that was launched in 1988. On behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces, FMV has signed an overhaul agreement that includes going through existing equipment to ensure the submarine’s operational availability and making necessary modifications to meet changed requirements. In this article, we will highlight the importance of extensive upgrades that will keep the submarine’s capabilities for years to come.

Image from: Första Ubåtsflottiljen

What do we know about HMS Södermanland?

HMS Södermanland is the third ship of the Västergötland-class submarine and was named after Södermanland, Sweden in 1988. Since then, this submarine has been under life extension one time in 2000. Through the extension, the submarine was lengthened by 12 meters and fitted with an air-independent Stirling engine which increase efficiency most significantly in order to operate in international warm and salty underwater for several weeks.

After 12 years, FMV has signed the second agreement with Saab Kockums AB in Muskö, outside Stockholm, to upgrade the submarine HMS Södermanland within the framework of continued operation. This extension will be the submarine’s second life extension which according to an article from FMV, “includes a number of modifications aimed at technically maintaining the submarine’s capacity, service life and availability”. The goal is to ensure the maintenance of HMS Södermanland’s capabilities for another six years.

According to the agreement, the lifetime extension is carried out in parallel with the general overhaul, which is 72 months of maintenance.

What has to be considered in this life extension?

The life extension strategy has been developed with both technical and management support expertise to ensure that it will deliver a safe, capable, available, and maintainable platform for the duration of the extension period.

When the end-use of a computer is in a military submarine, that computer has to be designed to withstand shock events to military standards. Submarines, such as warcraft, are subject to high levels of shock from collisions or nearby weapon detonation and a submarine computer must be able to handle the blow, while not creating projectiles that could damage other equipment or imperil personnel. This is where Ruggeddized Technologies stepped in to help.

A ruggedized computing device could be used by the military to support mission-critical weapons, radar and communications systems, or by industries to support assembly line automation and to collect field data. Any program or application that requires durability and powerful performance can benefit from the introduction of a rugged computer or device. If you want to learn more about rugged devices, read our blog.

Expando AB specializes in fully rugged servers, rugged mission computers, rugged servers, routers and switches. We act as representatives or distributors for first-class suppliers and our aim is to be your long-term reliable partner. To discuss your rugged server needs with us get in touch.

MIL-STD-461 is a common requirement for military programs and systems that provides guidance on EMI/ EMC verification requirements for all equipment and subsystems procured by military equipment. In this news article, we will discuss the MIL-STD-461 test and the importance of electromagnetic compatibility.

Note: Expando is not a compliance testing facility. Our products are rugged servers and workstations that comply with military and industrial standards. We have  partners and suppliers that can assist you with your testing needs.

What is the MIL-STD-461 test?

MIL-STD-461 is a military and defense equipment testing standard that was first released in 1967. This test assures that the ruggedized computer systems can function properly within electromagnetic (EM) environments and avoid releasing EM energy that could potentially cause EM Interference (EMI) with nearby devices.

Electromagnetic interference, also called radio-frequency interference when in the radio frequency spectrum, is a disturbance generated by an external source that affects an electrical circuit by electromagnetic induction, electrostatic coupling, or conduction.

It is worth mentioning, that since its initial publication in 1967, MIL-STD-461 has undergone a total of seven revisions:

MIL-STD-461A (1968)
MIL-STD-461B (1980)
MIL-STD-461C (1986)
MIL-STD-461D (1993)
MIL-STD-461E (1999)
MIL-STD-461F (2007)
MIL-STD-461G (2015)

Why is MIL-STD-461 important?

MIL-STD-461 is critical for mission success and safety. As the number of space-constrained programs and applications that use several embedded computer systems grows, so does the likelihood of EMI between them. Given that our mission-critical servers and workstations power high-stakes military systems and applications, military personnel need assurance that their systems will not be disturbed by EMI.

If a rugged server or workstation isn’t MIL-STD-461 compliant but is used in a mission-critical system, there’s a higher risk of mission disruption, mission failure, and even data loss, all of which can have severe consequences, especially when national security is at stake. Below you can a few purposes of this test:

• Ensures the equipment is electromagnetically compatible with its installation environment
• Equipment shall not interfere with the operation of other equipment
• Equipment shall operate reliably and as designed in the presence of the electromagnetic sources within its installation environment

What tests are in MIL-STD-461?

MIL-STD-461 test procedures are designated by an alphanumeric coding system. And each MIL-STD-461 requirement is identified by a three-digit number succeeding a two-letter combination.

• Conducted emissions requirements are designated by CE
• Radiated emissions requirements are designated by RE
• Conducted susceptibility requirements are designated by CS
• Radiated susceptibility requirements are designated by RS

Conducted emissions refer to EM energy generated by a system or device and transmitted through its power cord via an electric current. Radiated emissions, on the other hand, refer to the unintentional generation of EM energy from a system or device.

Moreover, conducted susceptibility and radiated susceptibility refers to a device’s or system’s vulnerability to conducted and radiated emissions, respectively. These can also be referred to as conducted immunity and radiated immunity, which instead specifies a system’s or device’s resistance to both types of emissions.

Introducing partners or suppliers

Expando has partners and suppliers that are qualified to perform the tests and we are happy to guide you on that.

If your rugged server or workstation is expected to operate in proximity to any number of electrical and electronic systems, a MIL-STD-461 compliance certification is a must. That is why Expando assures our products to be MIL-STD-461 certified.
Check out our next news article on the MIL-STD-810 series if you’re interested in learning more about military and industrial standards.

Contact us for price questions and technical solutions at info@expando.se or call us at +46 (0)8-544 900 44.

The Expando crew is welcoming Daniel Lund on board. Daniel has many years of experience as a Capability Manager within the Gripen E project as well as having a great experience working with the military. With your experience and passion, you will be a great addition to our team. Welcome to Expando!

We at Expando have a welcome package for each of our new members. The aim is to get to know our colleagues better by asking them to answer a few professional and personal questions. So, keep reading to learn more about Daniel!

What did you do before you joined Expando? 
A great part of my work life has been spent in the military, and for the last 3 years, I’ve worked as a capability manager at FMV within the Gripen E project.

How would you describe your first few weeks at Expando?
Since I started during the Eastern period it hasn’t been too intense, which has given me a calm and smooth onboarding. I’ve felt more than welcome here at Expando and have been given time to get to know the company, its products, and its customers.

What do you think you can bring to the role as a key account manager here at Expando?
I think with my previous experience with the Swedish armed forces and the Swedish defence administration I can hopefully understand our customers and their need for our rugged products and the harsh environment they need to operate in, and through that create a long-lasting trustworthy collaboration.

Tell us a little about your journey to Expando and what are you most looking forward to in your new role here?
I got in touch with Expando and Otto (Expando’s CEO) through a mutual friend, and after an ongoing conversation for a while, it felt right to join Expando on their journey.

I’m looking forward to being on this side of the supply chain of the defense industry and having the opportunity to see our product go all the way from components to a fully operating system on the other end, it feels very inspiring and challenging.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Agile, Competitive, Grateful

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given?
Doing something is better than doing nothing

What do you enjoy doing as soon as you have spare time?
Play golf, if the weather is nice and I have some spare time you’ll find me on a golf course

At the top of my bucket list is…
Skiing in Aspen

My Favorite podcast is…
Fighter Pilot Podcast

The top 3 apps used on my phone currently are…
Spotify, FotMob and GlofMore

We are looking forward to working with you and seeing you achieve great things! If you have any questions, feel free to check Daniel’s LinkedIn here.