Thales Computers PowerPC SBC runs Linux in new AMS High-Availability Naval Console
Thales Computers PowerPC SBC runs Linux in new AMS High-Availability Naval Console
(PRWEB) March 25, 2004
Thales Computers, a leader in providing integrated PowerPCä and Pentium-based VME COTS systems and solutions to OEMs and system integrators, has announced that its series of PowerEngine single-board computers (SBCs) based on the latest IBM PowerPC 750FX processor, has been selected by AMS (Essex, England; Rome, Italy) as the processing engines for a new, integrated Compact Redundant Naval Console, the CTI 2000.
Thales ComputersÂ’ PowerEngine series will serve as the central processors in each of the two modules incorporated into the CTI 2000: a Man Machine Interface (MMI) module running under BlueCat Linux and a real-time module running under LynxOS. Both are installed in the same VME rack to provide a compact, high-performance, high-availability management system for naval applications. The CTI 2000 will be the first system deployed as part of a $15 million upgrade of the command and control systems on two Royal Malaysian Navy Laksamana class Corvettes, awarded to AMS in 2002.
The CTI 2000 is a collaborative effort between AMS (Rome, Italy), Elesia, Thales Computers, and Primagraphics (Cambridge, UK). In addition to the PowerEngine boards provided by Thales Computers, Elesia developed the high-availability architecture and a high-availability library used in the CTI 2000, and also supplies a PMC Mezzanine Card (PMC) providing enhanced I/O; while Primagraphics is supplying an advanced graphics PMC.
The engineering staffs of all four companies worked together over a two-year period to develop the first naval console based on a PowerPC running Linux. The challenges overcome during development included the migration of the MMI feature from an AIX-based PowerPC to the PowerPC running Bluecat Linux, while simultaneously implementing a new generation of graphics board. The collaborative project has demonstrated the feasibility of developing stable, reliable, high-performance solutions for mission-critical applications, based only on COTS components, open standards, and open-source software.
According to Robert Negre, Thales Computers’ Vice President of Technology, “It’s a major accomplishment to reach the deployment stage in the defense market with a Linux solution. This effort emphasizes the commitment of Thales Computers to implement Linux-based solutions on PowerPC. And equally important, it demonstrates our ability to deliver those solutions rapidly in a collaborative relationship.”
For more information about PowerPC-based board and system solutions for mission-critical applications, please visit Thales ComputersÂ’ website at www. thalescomputers. com, or contact Thales Computers at 1-800-848-2330, fax 919-231-8001.
Please forward all reader service inquiries to lkirby@thalescomputers. com.
About Thales:
Thales is a world leader in professional electronics in three key markets: Aerospace, Defense and Information Technology & Services (IT&S). The Group employs 63,000 people in nearly 50 countries worldwide, and generated revenues of €10.6 billion in 2003.
Thales Computers is the leading developer of commercial and ruggedized VMEbus hardware and software solutions based on PowerPC and Pentium microprocessors. The companyÂ’s products are optimized for a wide variety of applications in military, aerospace, communications and industrial markets and are in active use by customers worldwide, including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, Toshiba, EADS, British Aerospace, Ericsson, Alcatel and the Thales Group. Visit www. thalescomputers. com.
About AMS: AMS is an equal shares joint venture between FINMECCANICA of Italy and BAE SYSTEMS of the UK. AMS is a multi-national electronic systems company specializing in the design, manufacture and supply of radar and mission critical command, control and management systems to defense forces and air and maritime traffic management authorities throughout the world. It employs 7,400 people, has a turnover in excess of 1.2bn Euros with a healthy order book of 3.3bn Euros which underpins its ambitious growth plans for the next four years. AMS has an established customer base in over 100 countries.
About Elesia: Elesia is a leading Italian distributor and systems integrator of COTS professional electronics specializing in Aerospace, Defense and Information Technology & Services applications. Elesia’s key role of products & systems engineering expert (H/W &S/W) acting between the manufacturer and large OEMs is a proven guarantee of successful solutions. The Elesia group employs 55 people in 3 different offices nationwide, and generated revenues of over €13 million in 2002.
About Primagraphics: Primagraphics, a specialist supplier of graphics and video display systems for VME, PCI, Compact PCI and PMC formats, is a recognized leader in the radar and command and control markets. Its expertise encompasses radar scan conversion and tracking solutions, as well as compression, decompression and distribution of data (radar and TV video) across wide and local area networks. As well as providing a range of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products, Primagraphics designs and manufactures high performance systems to meet specific customer requirements. Founded in 1982, PrimagraphicsÂ’ European headquarters is located at Litlington, near Cambridge, UK. It also has offices in the USA and a network of dealers and distributors worldwide.
