Rugged 3U VPX Blackwell GPU Module Processing
Defence and aerospace platforms often need to process large volumes of sensor, image or video data at the edge. In these circumstances sending that data to an external workstation or remote server can complicate system architecture or increase latency and bandwidth requirements. To address this, the WOLF 1636 Rugged 3U VPX Blackwell GPU Module brings NVIDIA RTX 5000 Blackwell GPU processing directly into a rugged 3U VPX module operating inside a deployed system.
This helps keep demanding workloads closer to the data output. This includes AI inference, image processing, sensor-data analysis and mission visualisation. The GPU also provides CUDA cores for parallel processing and fifth generation Tensor Cores for AI and data-science workloads. Additionally, 24 GB of ECC-capable GDDR7 memory supports applications requiring substantial local graphics and computer memory.
In practical terms, this rugged 3U VPX Blackwell GPU module reduces reliance on separate commercial workstations. It also simplifies data movement between subsystems and supports systems that need both high performance processing and display output within the same rugged VPX architecture.
Display and Backplane Configuration of the Rugged 3U VPX Blackwell GPU Module
The WOLF-1636 is accessible from the front of the module. Video also is routable through the VPX backplane, depending on the selected configuration. A removable front panel also provides direct DisplayPort access for operator display connection, integration and laboratory work. Selected OpenVPX configurations can also route the DisplayPort through the rear backplane. Rear HDMI is another available option.
Because the slot profile determines how PCIe lanes and display signals route through the system, select a profile that matches the intended backplane and I/O architecture, not just the mechanical slot.
Key display and backplane options include:
- PCIe Gen4 connectivity: x8 or x16 profiles are available, depending on the selected build.
- Front-panel video output: DisplayPort connections are available beneath the removable front cover.
- Rear video routing: selected OpenVPX profiles can route DisplayPort through the rear backplane.
- SOSA-aligned profiles: support for 14.6.11-0 and 14.6.13-0.
- OpenVPX profile support: support for profile 14.2.7.
- System management: IPMI support for platform management and monitoring.
Talk to Metromatics about the WOLF-1636
Designed for Embedded AI, HPC and Mission Visualisation
The WOLF 1636 is well suited to systems that need GPU computing and integrated display output in the same payload module. Typical uses include AI inference, sensor data processing, image exploitation, data science and mission visualisation, subject to the wider system architecture and software stack.
The key capabilities that support these workloads include:
- High parallel compute performance: 10,496 CUDA cores for graphics, data processing and GPU-accelerated workloads.
- AI acceleration: 320 Tensor Cores for AI inference and other tensor-based processing.
- Ray tracing and advanced visualisation: 80 RT Cores for GPU-accelerated rendering and visualisation workloads.
- Large onboard memory: 24 GB of GDDR7 memory with ECC support for processing larger datasets and graphics workloads.
- NVIDIA software ecosystem: support for CUDA Toolkit 13, CUDA-X AI and CUDA-X HPEC libraries.
- Hardware video processing: NVENC and NVDEC support for accelerated video encoding and decoding.
- High-speed data movement: NVIDIA GPUDirect RDMA support can reduce data movement through the host CPU in suitable architectures.
- Operating system support: Linux and Windows driver support.
Rugged Design and VPX Integration
The standard module uses conduction cooling and is designed for harsh embedded environments. WOLF specifies a standard operating range from −40°C to +70°C, with operation to +85°C, together with VITA 47.1 Class V3 random-vibration performance and 40G shock testing to MIL-STD-810H Method 516.8.
Because the module relies on the host VPX system for power, cooling and backplane connectivity, the chassis and backplane need to support its mechanical, thermal and electrical requirements.
Key integration specifications include:
- 3U VPX form factor: 160 × 100 × 25.4 mm for installation in compatible VPX chassis.
- Approximate weight: 1.3 kg.
- Configurable power range: 90–150 W, so the chassis must provide sufficient power and cooling for the selected configuration.
- ANSI/VITA 48 support: supports rugged mechanical and conduction-cooled VPX integration.
- VITA 65 support: supports integration into compatible OpenVPX backplane architectures.
Integration Points to Confirm
The correct WOLF-1636 configuration depends on the chassis, backplane and intended workload. To best help you with your order, please consider the following:
| Requirement | Consideration |
|---|
| Which VPX slot profile your system uses | Does it need SOSA-alignment or another OpenVPX profile. |
| Whether the host connection needs PCIe x8 or x16 | This is based on the required data bandwidth and system design. |
| Where the display connections need to be accessed | From the front panel, through the rear backplane, or both. |
| What rear video outputs are required | DisplayPort or HDMI. |
| Whether the chassis can provide enough cooling and power for the selected 90–150 W module configuration | Yes or No. |
| Which operating system and NVIDIA software environment the application requires | Including CUDA and any application-specific software. |
| Whether the module needs conformal coating or a fixed hardware configuration | For production, environmental or lifecycle requirements. |
How To Ensure This Is The Right Solution For You
Talk to Metromatics about the WOLF-1636, your OpenVPX or SOSA-aligned slot profile, display-routing requirements, power budget and cooling arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|
| When is the WOLF-1636 a suitable choice? | It suits embedded systems that need NVIDIA Blackwell GPU compute together with mission-display outputs. If high-rate Ethernet data movement is the main requirement, a GPU module with an integrated SmartNIC may be more appropriate. |
| Does every configuration provide the same rear video outputs? | No. Rear video routing depends on the selected OpenVPX profile and build configuration. |
| Is the WOLF-1636 air cooled? | The supplier describes the WOLF-1636 as a rugged conduction-cooled module. The final chassis and thermal design must support the selected power configuration. |
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