Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division has introduced the Smart Backplane subsystem (KAM/CSB/12U), a rugged multi-slot chassis designed specifically to address the unique performance and environmental requirements of data acquisition, data processing and recording in radiation-intensive space environments. Because the Smart Backplane is designed as a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) solution, it aims to lower the cost of space flight while speeding development time and significantly reducing program risk.
A fundamental threat for electronics systems deployed in radiation-intensive environments is the destructive power of Single Event Latch-Ups (SEL). Until now, this threat has required the use of costly radiation-hardened electronics hardware. Curtiss-Wright states that the Smart Backplane is a central component to the first data acquisition system designed for space applications that provides radiation protection in a manner that enables the use of 100+ cost-effective standard COTS I/O modules.