Modern defense and aerospace systems increasingly depend on embedded computing platforms that can deliver higher performance, while operating within strict size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) constraints.
As missions move closer to the tactical edge and platforms become more autonomous, the demand for compact, modular, and interoperable computing architectures has never been greater.
Open standards play a critical role in meeting these requirements by ensuring scalability, reuse, and rapid technology insertion across a wide range of applications. Aligned closely with the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), open standards enable interoperable components, scalable architectures, faster technology insertion, and obsolescence management. Embedded developers can build better systems that defense applications demand today and will enable future tech upgrades. (Figure 1)
The Emergence of VNX+ (VITA 90)
Embedded systems designers using VITA and SOSA standards needed to find a more compact solution than OpenVPX to address smaller form factors (SFFs). Working in tandem, members of both organizations contributed to a well-thought-out standard that also has electrical compatibility with 3U VPX cards aligned to SOSA. Today’s VNX+ (VITA 90) strengths lie in addressing specific performance and integration needs in a small, modular platform. The new architecture allows embedded computing systems to achieve new levels of efficiency and functionality.
Offering similar technical features, but in a form factor about 30% of the size of 3U OpenVPX, VNX+ addresses modern SWaP-C challenges. This equates to robust, flexible, and interoperable solutions for today’s SFF computing needs.
Over the past year, there has been a significant leap forward in VNX+ technologies, including the industry’s first 3-slot FlexVNX+ development chassis from Elma Electronic. Geared towards early-stage developers and system integrators, it allows engineers to test and validate VNX+ payload modules to accelerate time-to-market for compact, VNX+ based systems.
This along with other technologies related to VNX+ are paving the way for more efficient and powerful SFF systems in defense and aerospace technologies.
QMC (VITA 93) for I/O Flexibility
Engineers in VITA’s VNX+ Working Group also recognized the need for a new approach to adding I/O capabilities to compact embedded systems. Not just something smaller, but I/O that was also more flexible than existing solutions.
What was once designed to work specifically with VNX+, QMC (VITA 93) is now an emerging, independent standard that solves limitations in size, processing and scalability. It defines a flexible, next-generation mezzanine concept for small form factor modules used in a broad range of high-speed, PCIe-based systems. These include not only aerospace and defense, but industrial, transportation, energy and manufacturing markets as well as in medical and scientific research.
Thanks to the wide applicability of QMC, users can mix and match I/O functions on several open standards platforms. Multiple QMCs on a single carrier can support simplified I/O mapping, variable stacking heights for SWaP-C applications, and scalability through interchangeable configurations. Elma partners, like TEWS Technologies are expanding available QMC offerings, engineers can maximize functionality, while reducing design constraints.
Modularity Ensures a Strong Ecosystem
Open standards and interoperability go hand in hand. VNX+ defines a modular computing architecture, delivering high-speed fabrics across standardized planes. QMC’s scalable I/O complements VNX+ to provide enhanced flexibility and deployment across rugged computing systems.
In addition, QMC supports air and conduction cooling for both front and rear I/O systems as well as PCIe 5.0 performance in various small form factors. When working in tandem, VNX+ and QMC form a unified, MOSA-aligned ecosystem supporting edge computing, sensor fusion, and AI/ML payloads with SWaP-constrained characteristics.
Modular SFF computing has shifted the battlefield at the edge. While systems across land, sea, and air are getting smaller and denser, the increase in bandwidth and compute abilities continues to grow. VNX+ and QMC are bridging the gap between miniaturization and mission-grade performance. (Figures 2 & 3)
A Path Forward with VNX+ and QMC
Autonomy is increasing, as unmanned systems incorporate real-time AI-driven decision-making. Critical functions, such as radar processing for situational awareness and high-bandwidth RF communication, are becoming more sophisticated, more enhanced and more real time.
As data-driven integration continues to drive strategic intelligence in defense, VNX+ and QMC will help compact, high-density systems keep pace. A larger adoption of these standards in UAVs, EW systems, wearables and space payloads is inevitable. VNX+ and QMC are small enough that many uncrewed systems, which couldn’t use COTS in the past due to SWaP constraints, can now reap the benefits, while broadening system capabilities.
Modern Defense Based on Open Standards
As has been demonstrated in modern system development, modular architectures like VNX+ and QMC are enabling the next generation of compact, high-performance embedded systems. By combining scalable processing with flexible I/O in a standards-based framework, technologies based on these standards are help engineers develop systems to meet demanding SWaP-C requirements. (Figure 4)
An open standards-based methodology supports the broader goals of MOSA. As defense and aerospace platforms continue to push further toward autonomy, edge computing, and rapid technology refresh, VNX+ and QMC provide a clear path forward for building adaptable, future-ready systems.
Learn more through the link below about our webinar: Leveraging VNX+ and QMC Open Standards for Next-Generation Embedded Defense Systems.
