Kaiser Electronics chooses embedded graphics subsystems for F-22 avionics displays

Quantum3D has received a contract from Kaiser Electronics to design an NVIDIA Mobile Workstation Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) based Embedded Graphics Subsystem (EGS) and provide associated systems software for incorporation in Kaiser Electronics' Multi-Function Display (MFD) designs for the F-22 Raptor now being developed for the USAF by Lockheed Martin and Boeing Corporation.

The F-22 MFD is the first military avionics programme to adopt NVIDIA's recently announced Quadro2 Go GPU technology -- a new GPU that provides workstation level performance and image quality superior to that available from custom ASICs or other COTS alternatives. In addition, the Quadro2 Go features advanced power management technology, which is ideal for power and heat sensitive applications that also require extreme performance.

The NVIDIA-based graphics subsystems will be incorporated into advanced, high-resolution Head-Down Displays (HDDs) that allow the pilot to view high resolution digital moving maps and incoming sensor video with symbology and other overlays, enact weapons guidance, increase situational awareness and perform other mission critical aircraft management functions.

Capable of displaying multiple, high-resolution displays at resolutions of 1600 x 1200 or beyond, with 24-bpp colour and 8-bpp alpha at 60+ Hz refresh with anisotropic texture filtering and full-scene or high-quality point, line and polygon anti-aliasing -- all with minimal power consumption, the Kaiser Electronics MFDs with NVIDIA Quadro2Go mobile GPUs represents the true state of the art in avionics display technology.

The Kaiser Electronics F-22 MFD design-win is the first for Quantum3D's FARSIGHT nV, the programme that enables electronics systems manufacturers and integrators to embed NVIDIA's advanced graphics technologies into realtime information and display systems for military and commercial applications.

As part of the FARSIGHT nV Program, Quantum3D will deliver a reference level graphics subsystem to Kaiser Electronics specifications, which Kaiser Electronics engineers will, in turn, integrate into their MFD design which features a unique form factor for the F-22, along with extensive ruggedisation to address the extreme shock, vibration, wide operating temperature range and conductive cooling requirements of the F-22 avionics suite. In addition to the hardware design, Quantum3D will also provide to Kaiser Electronics versions of the NVIDIA OpenGL(R) 1.2 graphics driver and diagnostic software for the Wind River(R) VxWorks(R) realtime operating system that is employed within the F-22 MFDs.

"This is the first example of NVIDIA's world-class, award-winning technology being used in an embedded format," said Dan Vivoli, vice president of marketing at NVIDIA. "Being chosen for this is a great beginning to our embedded graphics efforts with Quantum3D."

"Kaiser Electronics was Quantum3D's first customer when we began our EGS efforts last year. As one of the undisputed leaders in advanced cockpit displays, we're pleased to be working with them again as the OEM launch partner for our new FARSIGHT nV Programme with NVIDIA," said Ross Q. Smith, Quantum3D Co-founder and VP of Sales and Marketing. "Kaiser Electronics' expertise in avionics integration, along with their requirements for the best performance possible from their COTS suppliers, is a perfect fit for both NVIDIA's and Quantum3D's business objectives with FARSIGHT nV. We look forward to continuing our successful relationship with KE on the F-22 and future programmes."

REF XQQAS XQQAR