System Switching and HPC in One 3U VPX Slot
The VPX3U-BW5000E-SWITCH (WOLF-163S) enables a single module. Firstly, to operate as both the system fabric switch and a high-performance compute node. By combining three major system functions in one slot. It can free chassis capacity for additional sensors, storage, processing modules or other mission payloads.
The integrated architecture includes:
- NVIDIA RTX 5000 Blackwell embedded GPU
- Configurable PCIe Gen4 switch
- Configurable 200GbE Ethernet switch
- Up to eight 25GbE ports
- One 1000BASE-T port
This combination provides flexible PCIe fan-out. As well as high-bandwidth Ethernet routing and GPU processing within a compact 3U VPX form factor.
Integrated NVIDIA Blackwell GPU Processing
The WOLF-163S incorporates an NVIDIA RTX 5000 Blackwell embedded GPU with 10,496 CUDA cores, 320 Tensor cores and 80 RT cores.
Its 24GB of 256-bit GDDR7 memory supports bandwidth-intensive embedded AI and HPEC pipelines. The GDDR7 memory provides more than 50% higher bandwidth than the previous generation. In addition, it delivers a specified memory bandwidth of 896Gbps.
Supported GPU technologies and interfaces include:
- CUDA Toolkit 12
- Compute capability 10.0
- OpenCL 3.0
- DirectX 12 Ultimate
- OpenGL 4.6
- OpenGL ES 3.2
- Vulkan 1.2
- Fifth-generation Tensor Cores with FP4, FP6 and second-generation FP8 precision support
- Ninth-generation NVENC
- Sixth-generation NVDEC
- Hardware decoding and video encoding support up to 8K
- NVIDIA GPUDirect RDMA
Configurable 200GbE Rugged Ethernet Switching
The integrated network switch provides a configurable total capacity of 200GbE. Along with up to eight ports operating at up to 25GbE and one 1000BASE-T connection.
This high-bandwidth Ethernet fabric is designed to route sensor, mission and processing data through the VPX chassis. Time-Sensitive Networking support is also included for systems that require coordinated and deterministic Ethernet communications.
The module’s combined Ethernet and PCIe architecture allows system integrators to configure high-speed data paths. Such as between the GPU, VPX backplane and other chassis resources.
PCIe Gen4 Connectivity
A configurable PCIe Gen4 switch supports PCIe fan-out to the embedded GPU and VPX backplane.
Representative configurations include:
- PCIe P1 x16 and P2 x8
- PCIe P1 x16 and P2 x4 plus x4
Available network and PCIe configurations depend on the selected ordering option.
Rugged Design for Harsh Environments
The WOLF-163S uses conduction cooling to transfer heat from high-temperature components to the module wedgelocks. This thermal design supports sustained operation in demanding aerospace and defence environments.
The standard conduction-cooled operating range is -40°C to +70°C, with operation supported up to +85°C.
Ruggedisation specifications include:
- VITA 47.1 Class V3 random vibration from 5Hz to 2,000Hz
- 10g peak sine vibration from 5Hz to 2,000Hz
- 40g shock to MIL-STD-810H, Method 516.8
- ANSI/VITA 48 and VITA 65 alignment
- VPX-REDI and OpenVPX mechanical compatibility
- SOSA-aligned Switch Slot Profile 14.4.15
- Conduction-cooled 3U VPX construction
Key Features
- Rugged Ethernet switch, PCIe switch and GPU compute node in one module
- 3U VPX form factor
- NVIDIA RTX 5000 Blackwell embedded GPU
- 10,496 CUDA cores
- 320 Tensor cores
- 80 RT cores
- 24GB GDDR7 memory with ECC support
- 256-bit memory interface
- 896Gbps specified memory bandwidth
- Configurable 200GbE network switch
- Up to eight 25GbE Ethernet ports
- One 1000BASE-T port
- Configurable PCIe Gen4 switch
- Time-Sensitive Networking support
- NVIDIA GPUDirect RDMA support
- IPMI system management
- Linux and Windows drivers
- SOSA-aligned Switch Slot Profile 14.4.15
- Operating temperature from -40°C to +85°C
- Active product lifecycle status
Applications
The WOLF-163S is designed for rugged embedded systems. Especially those requiring high-speed networking and GPU processing in a limited number of VPX slots.
Suitable applications include:
- Embedded artificial intelligence
- High-performance embedded computing
- Aerospace processing systems
- Defence computing platforms
- Sensor-data processing
- Mission-data routing
- High-bandwidth VPX chassis networking
- GPU-accelerated signal and image processing
- Space-constrained systems requiring combined switching and compute capability
Technical Specifications
| Specification | WOLF-163S |
|---|---|
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX 5000 Blackwell GB203 |
| GPU count | 1 |
| CUDA cores | 10,496 |
| Tensor cores | 320 |
| RT cores | 80 |
| GPU memory | 24GB GDDR7 |
| Memory bus | 256-bit |
| Memory bandwidth | 896Gbps |
| ECC support | Yes |
| Network connectivity | Configurable 200GbE |
| Ethernet ports | Up to 8 × 25GbE plus 1 × 1000BASE-T |
| PCIe | Configurable PCIe Gen4 |
| Slot profile | SOSA Switch 14.4.15 |
| Power range | 100–180W |
| Operating temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Cooling | Conduction cooled |
| Dimensions | 160 × 100 × 25.4mm |
| Approximate weight | 1.6kg |
| Operating-system support | Linux and Windows |
| Lifecycle status | Active |
Configuration Options
The WOLF-163S can be configured to support different system architectures and deployment requirements.
Available options include:
- Network configuration
- PCIe configuration
- Variant locking
- Default power threshold
- Conformal coating
Ordering numbers and configuration availability should be confirmed before specifying the module for a system design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What functions does the WOLF-163S combine?
The WOLF-163S combines an NVIDIA RTX 5000 Blackwell embedded GPU. As well as a configurable PCIe Gen4 switch and a configurable 200GbE network switch in one rugged 3U VPX module. It can operate as both a system fabric switch and a GPU compute node.
How many Ethernet ports does the WOLF-163S support?
The configurable network switch supports up to eight Ethernet ports. Operating at up to 25GbE each, together with one 1000BASE-T connection.
What is the operating temperature range of the WOLF-163S?
The standard conduction-cooled operating range is -40°C to +70°C. The module supports operation up to +85°C.
Local Support in Australia and New Zealand
Metromatics is the exclusive representative for WOLF Advanced Technology products in Australia and New Zealand.
Our local team works with defence, aerospace and embedded computing organisations. We can help specify the right WOLF solution for new designs, technology upgrades and long-term platform support. We can assist with product selection, technical enquiries, configuration guidance and procurement throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Whether you are designing a new VPX system. Or integrating rugged GPU computing and high-speed networking into an existing platform. Metromatics provides local expertise backed by direct access to WOLF Advanced Technology.
Contact Metromatics to discuss your application or request pricing, technical information or configuration advice for the WOLF-163S Rugged Ethernet Switch and GPU Compute Module
