Revolutionary Converged Sensor Network Architecture brings signal exploitation closer to the sensor and enables sensor fusion for rapid access to relevant data
CHELMSFORD, Mass. , Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRCY), a leading provider of embedded, high-performance computing systems and software for image, sensor, and signal processing applications, announced it will showcase the Converged Sensor Network(TM) (CSN(TM)) Architecture at NCW 2009, the world's largest event focused on net-centric operations and best practices for network-centric innovation. NCW 2009 will take place at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, DC on January 27-30, 2009 .
As sensor processing in defense and commercial applications evolves to the next phase, communications and broad information sharing become ever more critical. "We need to find better ways to use the defense communications systems we have today, some of which are nontraditional intelligent systems, and network them so that we can zoom in on an area of interest by virtue of a dynamic tasking mechanism - to where an F-15 radar can be sent into a SAR mode for a few seconds, or an ESA radar that's flying on some other airplane can be spotlighted into that area for a few more seconds, without interrupting its ongoing mission," said General Gregory S. Martin , Commander, U.S. Air Force (Ret.). "All of that information would then be used to build a collage of digits that can then cue actions to be taken, even without seeing a visual picture - that is the ultimate intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) objective."
The Mercury CSN Architecture is a single, unified architecture that combines sensor signal processing with information management technologies, to enable the convergence of multiple sensors, missions, and users - to deliver transformational access to information in the tactical edge, or battlefield. Built from the computer architecture out, the CSN Architecture is designed to: 1) maintain deterministic sensor processing while supporting dynamic reconfiguration and resource sharing for networked collection tasking and exploitation, 2) present both sensor data and processing capabilities as network-based services to support shared access and dynamic allocation, and 3) enable the consolidation of multisensor-related functions into a single converged architecture.
The CSN Architecture caters to applications in which bandwidth-limited communications platforms collect insufficient information in isolation to enable real-time decision making. Mercury system architects and engineers were considering ways to address these challenges, when a customer engaged Mercury's team to solve its dilemma of determining a practical way to network together sensors, computing, and storage for a specific defense program. Rather than build a one-off solution, the Mercury team defined a broadly applicable architecture - the CSN Architecture - and used it as the basis for the customer's solution.
"Mercury works closely with virtually all the major defense prime contractors in providing embedded computing solutions for a broad range of sensor-based imaging systems," said Mark Aslett , President and CEO of Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. "This gives us valuable perspective on a set of industry-wide challenges related to making more timely and effective use of advanced sensor imagery."
At NCW 2009, Mercury will present components of the CSN Architecture, including the SR-110 VXS 10GE Gateway module, a network-centric building block that seamlessly moves data between interconnect fabrics; and the Sensor Stream Computing Platform, a scalable, multi-GPU-based development platform that enables customers to address the issues of time, bandwidth, and resources targeted at deployable, rugged applications in the ISR space. Mercury will also exhibit the PowerBlock(TM) 50, a new class of rugged, high-performance embedded computing that measures approximately 4" x 5" x 6", weighs less than 7 pounds, and puts up to 172 GFLOPS of processing power next to the sensor in space-constrained platforms such as unmanned vehicles.
For more information on the Converged Sensor Network Architecture, visit Mercury in Booth #3 at NCW 2009, January 28-29 , at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, DC . Or visit http://csn.mc.com, e-mail your request to [email protected], or contact Mercury at +1 (866) 627-6951.
Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. - Where Challenges Drive Innovation(TM)
Mercury Computer Systems (www.mc.com, NASDAQ: MRCY) provides embedded computing systems and software that combine image, signal, and sensor processing with information management for data-intensive applications. With deep expertise in optimizing algorithms and software and in leveraging industry-standard technologies, we work closely with customers to architect comprehensive, purpose-built solutions that capture, process, and present data for defense electronics, homeland security, and other computationally challenging commercial markets. Our dedication to performance excellence and collaborative innovation continues a 25-year history in enabling customers to gain the competitive advantage they need to stay at the forefront of the markets they serve.
Mercury is based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts , and serves customers worldwide through a broad network of direct sales offices, subsidiaries, and distributors.
Contacts: Kathleen Sniezek, Public Relations Manager Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. 978-967-1126 / [email protected] Leigh McLeod, Media Relations Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. 978-967-1120 / [email protected]Challenges Drive Innovation, Converged Sensor Network, CSN, and PowerBlock are trademarks of Mercury Computer Systems, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
SOURCE Mercury Computer Systems, Inc.
