Previous core cages from Tracewell Systems have a relatively solid frame. But recently, the company took a knife to this design and replaced the frame with a rigid core that permits better airflow along its edges. Known as the S42, it targets ultra-performance VXS/VME64X 6U cards as well as air and ground mobile communications (see the figure).
By cutting out part of the metal infrastructure, Tracewell reduced the cage's weight to 48 lb. Also, the 21-slot system can handle up to 4500 W, while a typical system handles significantly less power. The S42's ducted cooling system supports 200 W per slot at sea level at 50°C and 85°C at 10,000 ft.
The company couldn't use conventional metal work to achieve the rigidity and openness the case structure required. So, it turned to advanced laser weld manufacturing techniques. The exceptionally light and rigid platform can handle 30 Gs and MIL-STD-461 EMC requirements. Also, the case can handle up to five 900-W MILSTD-704 plugging power modules.
The unit is available with a 6.25-Gbit/s VXS (VITA 41) backplane with Ethernet-based monitoring support. Pricing starts at $11,245.
Tracewell Systems
www.tracewell.com