Smallest rugged GPGPU AI supercomputer for avionics

Aitech Systems has released the A178-AV, the latest iteration of its smallest rugged GPGPU AI supercomputers available with the powerful NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier SoM. With its compact size, the device is the most advanced solution for AI, deep learning, and video and signal processing for the next generation of avionic platforms.

Its Volta GPU with 512 CUDA cores and 64 Tensor cores reaches 32 TOPS INT8 and 11 TFLOPS FP16 at an exceptional level of energy efficiency, supplying all the power needed for AI-based local processing where required, next to the sensors. The device also features two dedicated NVDLA engines, providing an interface for deep learning applications.

Dan Mor, director of Products and Solutions of Aitech, said, "AI in avionic electronics continues to grow in complexity. A small form factor AI system such as the A178-AV provides powerful, efficient, and reliable computing solutions ranging from low power, high-speed video acquisition, and avionic communication interfaces to high-performance AI capabilities and a real-time operating system tailored to meet the unique needs of aircraft operations across rugged environments."

The device is an upgrade of the company's A178 COTS system, which has been enhanced with several new features, including CoaXPress (CXP), MIL-STD 1553, ARINC429, and RedHawk Real-Time OS.

CoaXPress video input provides avionics systems with a reliable, high-bandwidth, low-latency, and cost-effective solution for transmitting video data, essential for navigation, surveillance, pilot assistance, and situational awareness in aircraft operations.

MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 protocols offer users a flexible, reliable, deterministic, and cost-effective communication solution for avionics systems. This makes the supercomputer ideal for critical aerospace applications where safety, performance, and interoperability are paramount.

With extremely low latency, advanced tuning features, and real-time decision-making, RedHawk guarantees real-time performance in mission-critical applications where rapid response is crucial to mission success.

The device provides the same large storage capacity, variety of I/O interfaces, and high-speed 10Gb Ethernet connectivity as the base A178 platform. The new design is testament to the adaptability of this COTS-based SFF supercomputer, which can be easily customised to meet existing embedded architectures.