ANSI and VITA Ratify ANSI/VITA 48.x-2020 Standards for VPX REDI Cooling Schemes

Press Release

September 01, 2020

VITA, September 1, 2020 — VITA, the trade association for standard computing architectures serving critical and intelligent embedded computing systems markets, announces the ratification by ANSI and VITA of the VPX REDI suite of standards, ANSI/VITA 48.0-2020, ANSI/VITA 48.1-2020, and ANSI/VITA 48.2-2020.

The Ruggedized Enhanced Design Implementation (REDI) laid out in VITA 48 describes how to implement layout techniques to better support cooling methodologies on specific board form factors. These standards were originally ratified in 2010 but have completed minor updates under the VITA and ANSI processes reaching full recognition under guidance of VITA.

"The work on VPX REDI dovetails with the OpenVPX™ architectural framework, providing standards for various cooling schemes," said David Mosier, President at WaveTherm Corporation and Chair of the VITA 48 working group. “New cooling schemes that apply to VPX continue to emerge making this a great time to update these popular standards," Mosier added.

VPX REDI is a computing standard defining mechanical specifications for cooling and maintenance strategies for VPX systems. VPX is an embedded computing platform utilizing the latest in a variety of switch fabric technologies in 3U and 6U Eurocard format modules.

VPX REDI was inspired by the need for higher density electronics, increased power draw that requires more effective cooling strategies, and rugged and maintainable modules. VPX REDI targets the requirements of Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) platforms for defense and aerospace, defining mechanical design implementations for embedded computing modules with three primary design objectives:

Accommodating cooling methods including forced air, conduction, and liquid cooling.
Adding features compatible with ESD covers required for two-level maintenance strategies.
Facilitating module designs with components on the secondary side of the circuit board.

The following VPX REDI standards have been ANSI/VITA ratified.

ANSI/VITA 48.0-2020: Mechanical Specification for Microcomputers using Ruggedized Enhanced Design Implementation (REDI).

This standard defines a mechanical implementation for Plug-In Modules.
Two types of Plug-In Modules are defined: Type 1 and Type 2. Both Type 1 and Type 2 Plug-In Modules take advantage of increased slot pitch to provide enhanced thermal performance and increased structural durability. Type 1 units support Two Level Maintenance while Type 2 units do not.
Originally ratified in 2010, this edition adds consideration for additional cooling schemes: Liquid Cooled Systems - Outboard Quick Disconnects (QDs), Air Flow-By Cooling Technology, and Air Flow Through Cooling

ANSI/VITA 48.1-2020: Mechanical Specification for Microcomputers REDI Air Cooling Applied to VPX.

This standard defines the mechanical requirements that are needed to insure the mechanical interchangeability of air cooled 3U and 6U Plug-In Modules and define the features required to achieve Two Level Maintenance compatibility.
Originally ratified in 2010, this edition made clarifying editorial changes and modified Table 4: “Backplane Dimensions”, including an observation and permission. ANSI/VITA 48.2-2020: Mechanical Specification for Microcomputers Using REDI Conduction Cooling Applied to VPX
This Standard defines the mechanical requirements that are needed to ensure the mechanical interchangeability of conduction cooled 3U and 6U Plug-In Modules and defines the features required to achieve Two Level Maintenance compatibility.
Originally ratified in 2010, this edition made clarifying editorial changes and added Appendix A with PCB examples.

The ANSI/VITA 48.x standards are available for purchase at the VITA Online Store (www.vita.com/Purchase).

About VITA
Founded in 1984, VITA is an incorporated, non-profit organization of suppliers and users who share a common market interest in critical embedded systems. VITA champions open system architectures. Its activities are international in scope, technical, promotional, and user-centric. VITA aims to increase total market size for its members, expand market exposure for suppliers, and deliver timely technical information. VITA has American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) accreditation to develop standards (VME, VXS, VPX, OpenVPX, VPX REDI, XMC, FMC, FMC+, VNX, Reliability Community, etc.) for embedded systems used in a myriad of critical applications and harsh environments. For more information, visit www.VITA.com.

VITA and the VITA, VMEbus Technology, VXS, VPX, OpenVPX, VPX REDI, XMC, FMC, FMC+, VNX, and Reliability Community logos are trademarks of VITA in the United States and other countries. Other names and brands may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Air Flow-By is trademarked by Mercury Systems.