Innovative Contributions to Supersonic Flight: WOLF Advanced Technology adn NASA

NASA Spinoff 2024 has recognized the pivotal role of WOLF Advanced Technology in the X-59 QueSST initiative, especially highlighting the two advanced video graphics boards that enhanced the aircraft’s eXternal Vision System (XVS).

Transformative Technology for Enhanced Vision

An excerpt from the NASA Spinoff article titled Artificial Eyes Provide Pilots with a New Perspective states: “WOLF was among the firms contracted by NASA to develop the eXternal Vision System (XVS). This endeavor necessitated the creation of cutting-edge video-processing technology, which has as been integrated into WOLF’s product offerings. The FGX2 hardware is now a staple in manny of their products,” noted Greg Maynard, the Chief Technology Officer. He emphasized that commercial space enterprises can leverage WOLF’s innovations to satisfy the increasing demand for ultra-high-definition (UHD) resolution. Maynard acknowledged NASA’s foresight in the industry, which allowed WOLF to pioneer this technology ahead of its competitors.”

addressing the Challenges of supersonic design

The article elaborates on how the extreme aerodynamic design necessary to minimize the sonic boom of NASA’s Quiet Supersonic Technology aircraft led to the elimination of the conventional windshield. Consequently, innovative solutions were required to furnish pilots with a forward view that could match human visual acuity.

Advanced Features of WOLF’s FGX2 Technology

The FGX2 hardware, as mentioned, is a versatile 4K-capable digital and analog frame grabber that excels in conversion and transmission capabilities. It is featured in the XMC-FGX2-SDI-4IO (WOLF-3180),which integrates next-generation frame-grabbing technology,boasting up to eight times the processing bandwidth and significantly enhanced channel density compared to earlier FGX models.

• FGX2 capture, conversion, and transmission engine
• Dual coaxpress inputs, supporting up to CXP-6
• Two 12G-SDI inputs and up to four 12G-SDI outputs
• Up to three analog inputs, one VGA output, and two HD (1080p60) DP inputs
• Efficient power consumption, ranging from 12 to 25W

Additionally, the XMC-FGX2-8IO (WOLF-3183) module utilizes the advanced WOLF FGX2 UHD-capable technology, offering a robust platform for high-speed video capture and transmission.

• FGX2 with up to eight inputs and outputs
• 12G-SDI, 3G/HD-SDI inputs and outputs
• ARINC 818 inputs and outputs
• CVBS NTSC/PAL inputs
• Optional HDMI/DVI inputs
• Low power operation, between 12 to 25W (depending on configuration)

Leveraging the Xilinx® Kintex® UltraScale+™ series of FPGA devices, FGX2 technology is ideally suited for machine vision applications, delivering synthetic vision and video processing capabilities where low latency and size, weight, and power (SWaP) considerations are critical.