Rugged DO-254 DAL-C XMC Video I/O Module | WOLF-3184

The WOLF-3184 DAL-C is a rugged XMC video I/O module developed in compliance with RTCA DO-254 Design Assurance Level C.

Designed for safety-critical aviation and defence applications, it captures, converts and transmits HD/3G-SDI, DisplayPort and RGsB video. In addition, its FGX2 FPGA technology supports low-latency video processing in harsh environments where size, weight and power are important.

Rugged Video Capture, Conversion and Transmission

The WOLF-3184 DAL-C, also known as the XMC-FGX2-VIO-DO254, uses WOLF’s second-generation Frame Grabber eXtreme 2 technology. FGX2 is built on an AMD Kintex UltraScale+ FPGA and supports digital and analogue video capture, conversion and transmission.

The module was developed in compliance with RTCA DO-254 Design Assurance Level C for aviation safety-critical applications. Therefore, it is intended for programs requiring a video I/O module developed under a defined hardware design-assurance process.

The WOLF-3184 DAL-C also provides VITA 46.9 compliant I/O mapping for integration into 3U and 6U VPX configurations.

HD/3G-SDI, DisplayPort and RGsB Video I/O

The WOLF-3184 DAL-C provides multiple digital and analogue video interfaces on a single XMC module.

Video I/O capabilities include:

  • Up to four HD/3G-SDI inputs
  • Up to four HD/3G-SDI outputs
  • Two DisplayPort inputs supporting HBR2 and MST
  • Up to two video streams per DisplayPort input
  • One RGsB input supporting STANAG-3350C, NTSC and 24-bit RGB
  • Progressive and interlaced SDI video formats
  • Direct DisplayPort-to-SDI conversion within the FGX2
  • SDI-to-PCIe DMA transfer

Direct DisplayPort-to-SDI conversion takes place within the FGX2 without sending the video through the host system. As a result, the module can convert and transmit supported video while reducing unnecessary host processing.

Supported direct DisplayPort-to-SDI formats include 1280 × 720p60, 1920 × 1080p30 and 1920 × 1080p60 inputs. Meanwhile, supported SDI outputs include 1280 × 720p60, 1920 × 1080p30 and 1920 × 1080i60.

PCIe and GPU Integration

A PCIe Gen3 x4 host interface connects the WOLF-3184 DAL-C to the host system. In addition, the module can be paired with an NVIDIA GPU module for low-latency peer-to-peer communication.

This arrangement allows captured video data to move between the FGX2 and GPU while reducing host CPU overhead. Therefore, it can support systems processing large volumes of video or sensor data.

The standard configuration also provides two RS422 interfaces. Alternatively, an RS422/RS485 configuration is available as an option.

Software and RTOS Support

Linux driver support is available for the WOLF-3184 DAL-C. Furthermore, Windows and VxWorks drivers are available as options.

The module also supports the Green Hills INTEGRITY-178 tuMP real-time operating system. However, operating-system and driver requirements should be confirmed when selecting the final module configuration.

Other configurable options include:

  • RTOS drivers
  • Conformal coating
  • Variant locking
  • RS422 or RS485 interfaces

Rugged Conduction-Cooled Design

The WOLF-3184 DAL-C is available in a rugged conduction-cooled configuration for harsh operating environments.

Mechanical and environmental specifications include:

  • Standard conduction-cooled operating temperature from -40°C to +70°C
  • Operational temperature up to +85°C
  • VITA 47.1 Class V3 random vibration from 5 to 2000 Hz
  • Sine vibration of 10g peak from 5 to 2000 Hz
  • Shock rating of 40G peak
  • Dimensions of 143.75 mm × 74.00 mm
  • Maximum weight of 130 g
  • Weight of 85 g without the heatplate

Qualification testing to MIL-STD-810 and RTCA DO-160 is available on request. However, the required testing and qualification scope must be confirmed for each program.

Key Features

  • Developed in compliance with RTCA DO-254 DAL-C
  • AMD Kintex UltraScale+ FPGA
  • WOLF FGX2 frame-grabbing technology
  • Up to four HD/3G-SDI inputs and outputs
  • Two DisplayPort HBR2 and MST inputs
  • One STANAG-3350C RGsB input
  • Direct DisplayPort-to-SDI conversion
  • SDI-to-PCIe DMA
  • PCIe Gen3 x4 host interface
  • VITA 46.9 compliant I/O mapping
  • Linux driver support
  • Optional Windows and VxWorks drivers
  • Green Hills INTEGRITY-178 tuMP support
  • Rugged conduction-cooled construction

Typical Applications

  • Aviation safety-critical video systems
  • Defence and aerospace video I/O
  • Machine vision
  • Sensor data processing
  • Low-latency video capture and transmission
  • DisplayPort-to-SDI video conversion
  • Mixed digital and analogue video integration
  • GPU-assisted video processing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WOLF-3184 developed in compliance with DO-254 DAL-C?

WOLF states that the module was developed in compliance with RTCA DO-254 Design Assurance Level C.

Which video interfaces does the WOLF-3184 support?

The module supports up to four HD/3G-SDI inputs and outputs, two DisplayPort inputs and one RGsB input. In addition, direct DisplayPort-to-SDI conversion can occur inside the FGX2 without sending the video through the host system.

Can the WOLF-3184 operate with an NVIDIA GPU module?

Yes. The WOLF-3184 paired with a NVIDIA GPU module for low-latency peer-to-peer communication. As a result, the architecture can reduce host CPU overhead when processing large volumes of captured video data.

Local WOLF Product Support

Metromatics supplies and supports WOLF rugged embedded computing technology throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Our team can assist defence hardware, software and systems engineers with product selection, video interfaces, carrier mapping, operating-system support and configuration enquiries. In addition, Metromatics can discuss how the WOLF-3184 may fit within a wider VPX or embedded computing system.

Discuss Your Video I/O Requirements

Looking for a DO-254 XMC video I/O module for a safety-critical aviation or defence application?

Contact Metromatics to discuss the WOLF-3184 DAL-C, required video formats, carrier mapping, software environment and environmental requirements.

Be sure to check this page on all WOLF XMC Graphics Boards if you’re unsure.

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