Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division introduces the newest member of the rugged video gateway (RVG) family of video management solutions, for size, weight and power (SWaP) constrained ground and airborne platforms.
The 8-port, multi-format, RVG-SDI Crossbar Video Switch speeds and simplifies the routing of 3G, HD and SD-SDI video sources, such as distributing video camera data to multiple displays.
The RVG-SDI functions as a non-blocking crossbar switch and features eight (8) external miniBNC connectors, each of which can be configured as either a video input or output. The unit’s unique level of configuration flexibility enables any input to be routed to any or all of the 7 remaining I/O ports.
Additionally, the RVG-SD1 can be configured on-the-fly via its external RS-422 and CAN control interfaces or statically to support a specific mission.
The RVG-SDI supports a wide variety of switch configurations, for example, it can be configured as a 1:7 repeater, 7:1 switcher, 2:6 repeater, or a 6:2 switcher, without the seven (7) dedicated inputs and seven dedicated outputs typically required for such flexibility.
The result is a smaller (49mm x 160mm x 185mm) and lighter (2kg) video switch that is ideal for use in space and weight constrained manned and unmanned platforms used in military and aerospace applications.
Designed to perform optimally in harsh conditions, the conduction-cooled RVG-SDI requires no active cooling and supports a -40ºC to 70ºC operating temperature range. It has been certified to stringent MIL-STD-810G environmental standards and is DO-160 qualified.
"We are seeing increased video switching requirements on smaller and more space-constrained air and ground vehicles," said Lynn Bamford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defence Solutions division.
"A growing challenge for system integrators is how to get the most effective use out of the proliferating number cameras and displays being deployed without adding more space and weight. The RVG-SD1 crossbar video switch is the first member of our new line of small form-factor video management solutions, and is designed specifically to address this challenge. It lets the system designer quickly and easily route the platform’s video sources exactly where they best benefit the warfighter."
Curtiss-Wright’s rugged video management systems (VMS) provide comprehensive video conversion and distribution solutions to simplify the routing of multiple video signals on ground and airborne platforms. Typically, a video distribution system is used in applications where multiple video inputs (for example, from a multi-sensor gyrostabilised camera system) and additional signals from moving maps, mission computers, video recorders and up / down links need to be routed to multiple displays in the aircraft.
Curtiss-Wright’s COTS-based VMS units offer aircraft integrators and installers a modern solution to traditional complex aircraft installations and simplified cabling, which delivers cost and weight saving. When used with other Curtiss-Wright products, video routing and switching solutions offer the user one of the most advanced and effective mission systems available in the market today.
For example, the RVG-SD1 can be easily combined with Curtiss-Wright’s AVDU family of rugged touchscreen LCD displays and the rugged, SWaP-optimised VRDV7000 digital HD video recorder to create a complete deployed VMS solution.
For more demanding applications that require higher levels of functionality, Curtiss-Wright also offers a wide range of fully-featured VMS products, such as the VRD1, which combines integrated format conversion, compression, scaling, switching, recording and network distribution of high-definition (HD) video in a single compact rugged unit.
This rugged VMS solution has recently been enhanced with the addition of network attached storage (NAS) capability, significantly expanding its utility in demanding aerospace and defence ISR applications.