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SoC-based F-16 radar system passes initial tests at Edwards AFB
July 23, 2003 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
CPU Technology today announced that it has successfully completed preliminary testing of the System-on-a-Chip (SoC) based Modernized Programmable Signal Processor (MPSP) Radar System at Edwards Air Force Base.
Comprised of 1.44 billion transistors, the MPSP contains the most advanced SoC technology available. The MPSP, which is developed at a cost of $10 million, is a new Radar Computer and Radar Signal Processor for the U.S. Air Force and foreign F-16 Fighters.
Initial testing consisted of in-aircraft power up, exercise of all radar modes, BIT (Built-In-Tests), and tracking of ground and air vehicles.
Due to the classified nature of the project, it can not be disclosed what exact new capabilities the upgrade would give the jet.
When final test bench and flight testing are completed by CPU Tech and the Air Force, the MPSP will enable a vast improvement in radar reliability and a dramatic reduction in F-16 Fire Control Radar operations and support costs.
The MPSP program represents a large-scale insertion of modern commercial SoC technology into a real time embedded system. The use of SoC technology reduced the electronics content of the Programmable Signal Processor from approximately 10,000 components to less than 100 components and reduced power consumption from 450 amps to less than 5 amps, while maintaining 100% compatibility with the existing operating software base. This SoC modernization effort is being funded by the DOD COSSI Program, CPU Tech and the United States Air Force.
The benefits of System-on-a-Chip technology: higher performance, smaller size, lower cost, increased reliability - are obvious.
Initial testing consisted of in-aircraft power up, exercise of all radar modes, BIT (Built-In-Tests), and tracking of ground and air vehicles.
Due to the classified nature of the project, it can not be disclosed what exact new capabilities the upgrade would give the jet.
When final test bench and flight testing are completed by CPU Tech and the Air Force, the MPSP will enable a vast improvement in radar reliability and a dramatic reduction in F-16 Fire Control Radar operations and support costs.
The MPSP program represents a large-scale insertion of modern commercial SoC technology into a real time embedded system. The use of SoC technology reduced the electronics content of the Programmable Signal Processor from approximately 10,000 components to less than 100 components and reduced power consumption from 450 amps to less than 5 amps, while maintaining 100% compatibility with the existing operating software base. This SoC modernization effort is being funded by the DOD COSSI Program, CPU Tech and the United States Air Force.
The benefits of System-on-a-Chip technology: higher performance, smaller size, lower cost, increased reliability - are obvious.
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