Miniature Parvus mNIC-210 delivers network capabilities of two individual mini-PCIe NIC modules in a single slot for Mission Computer LAN connectivity in UAV, UGV, UUV and other SWaP-constrained platforms
Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions introduced an innovative SWaP-optimized solution for adding dual Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) interfaces to its Parvus DuraCOR and DuraWORX mission computers in order to support in-platform local area network (LAN) connectivity. The new Parvus® mNIC-210 Mini-PCI Express® (mPCIe) GbE Network Interface Card (NIC) is the industry’s first rugged fully compliant mPCIe module designed to support dual GbE interfaces. The fully rugged small form factor (SFF) module delivers the network capabilities of two individual mini-PCIe NIC modules in a single slot. The card uniquely conforms to the miniature mPCIe physical form factor (including height) while featuring well-supported industrial temperature-rated Intel® I210 network interfaces and on-board Ethernet magnetics. Designed to expand the network connectivity of Curtiss-Wright’s industry leading family of SFF mission computers, the mNIC-210 is ideal for use as a network control module in systems deployed on-board unmanned vehicle (UAS, UGV, UUV), helicopter, ground vehicle, and industrial applications. The card is available as an add-on integration option for Curtiss-Wright’s family of SFF rugged DuraCOR® and DuraWORX® modular mission processors (featuring Intel® Xeon®, Core™ i7 and Atom™ processors), as well as in other systems used in customer specific industrial and military applications.
Very Small and Very Rugged
The mNIC-210 is designed for optimal performance in harsh environments. It supports a wide operating temperature range (-40 to +85°C) and is shock and vibration rated to the MIL-STD-810G environmental standard. For airborne applications, the module supports operation in altitudes up to 60,000 ft. (18288m). Like other rugged Curtiss-Wright products, the mNIC-210 has ruggedization enhancements, include potting of components and conformal coating.
“Designers of unmanned platforms for aerospace and defense continue to drive advances in SWaP reduction while also demanding more capabilities in small form factor mission computers,” said Lynn Bamford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defense Solutions division. “The new mNIC-210 Network Interface Card frees up slots in our Parvus DuraCOR and DuraWORX mission processors, enabling our customers to add more capabilities into their deployed systems. Already integrated into UAS platforms and successfully tested at altitudes greater than 60,000 ft., this innovative, fully rugged Gigabit Ethernet interface card extends functionality without increasing space and weight.”
The Parvus DuraCOR and DuraWorx Family of SFF Modular COTS Subsystems
Curtiss-Wright offers a broad and comprehensive family of Intel-based SFF mission computers, ranging from the Parvus DuraCOR XD1500, DuraCOR 8043, DuraCOR 8042, and DuraCOR 8041 modular mission computers. For applications demanding the smallest space/weight envelope, Curtiss-Wright offers a family of ultra-small form factor (USFF) mission computers, including the DuraCOR 310 (iMX6 ARM), DuraCOR 311 (“Baytrail” Atom®) and DuraCOR 312 (NVIDIA® TX2 ARM) mission computers. When a combined processor and networking solution is required, the DuraWORX family provides a range of options for multi-function computing and networking systems that combine an Intel-based mission processor and a Cisco 5915 IOS-managed secure network router into a single modular platform, including the Parvus DuraWORX 8041, DuraWORX 8043 and DuraWORX 10-10.