#defense electronics

The push toward open-standard embedded computing in defense and aerospace has never been stronger than with the emergence of VNX+ (VITA 90) compliant platforms. Tekdense's rugged mission computers — specifically the Raptor X5 and Raptor X7—represents the pinnacle of this standard in two distinct form factors, both engineered for mission-critical environments.

This blog explores the VNX+ (ANSI/VITA 90) embedded systems architecture, module configurations, I/O capabilities, and key differences to help system integrators and program engineers select the right platform.

Raptor X5: The 5-Slot VNX+ Small Form Factor Integrated System

The Raptor X5 is a 5-slot VNX+ embedded system optimized for applications where platform footprint is the primary constraint. These high-performance embedded defense computers deliver a complete embedded computing stack—processing, AI acceleration, power management, and I/O—in a compact conduction-cooled chassis.

5-Slot VNX+ System Technical Specifications

Dimensions: 178 x 122 x 174 mm (7.00 x 4.80 x 6.85 inches)

Weight: ~3.7 kg (~8.1 lbs)

Cooling: Conduction cooled, fanless

Input Power: 12–32VDC, 28VDC nominal

Operating Temperature: -20°C up to +71°C (with integrated VNX+ GPGPU / with assisted airflow)

Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

Compliance: MIL-STD-461G, MIL-STD-704F/1275F, MIL-STD-810H

Raptor X5 Slot Configuration - VNX+ Modular Architecture

The Raptor X5 backplane is configured as follows across its 5 slots:

Slot 1 — EMI Filter Module

Slot 2 — PSU Module

Slot 3 — Holdup Module

Slot 4 — GPU Module (NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX)

Slot 5 — SBC Module (Intel® Core™ i7-1185GRE)

Raptor X7: The 7-Slot Rugged VNX+ Small Form Factor Integrated System

The Raptor X7 extends the Raptor platform to a 7-slot configuration, adding dedicated Ethernet switching and an I/O carrier module to address more I/O-intensive and networked mission profiles. It is described as the first-of-its-kind in the market for a full VNX+ 7-slot modular rugged computing platform.

7-Slot VNX+ System Technical Specifications

Dimensions: 130 x 193.5 x 133 mm (5.10 x 7.60 x 5.25 inches)

Weight: ~4.2 kg (~9.25 lbs)

Cooling: Conduction cooled, fanless

Input Power: 12–32VDC, 28VDC nominal

Operating Temperature: -20°C up to +71°C (with integrated VNX+ GPGPU / with assisted airflow)

Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C

Compliance: MIL-STD-461G, MIL-STD-704F/1275F, MIL-STD-810H

Raptor X7 Slot Configuration - VNX+ Modular Architecture

The X7's 7-slot backplane is configured as follows:

Slot 1 — PSU Module

Slot 2 — EMI Filter Module

Slot 3 — GPGPU Module

Slot 4 — Holdup Module

Slot 5 — Ethernet Switch Module

Slot 6 — IO Carrier Module

Slot 7 — SBC Module

Compliance and Standards

Both platforms carry the same compliance stack: MIL-STD-810H, MIL-STD-461G, MIL-STD-704F/1275F. This alignment with key defense standards significantly reduces the certification burden for program integrators.

Application Fit

The Raptor X5 and X7 are purpose-built VNX+ rugged embedded mission computers for applications including secure communications, advanced surveillance, real-time data and image processing, command and control, target tracking, navigation, and process monitoring. The GPU module's NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX accelerates AI inference workloads across these domains. The Intel® Core™ i7 SBC handles general-purpose compute, OS operations, and application software. Third-party VNX+ module integration means both platforms can be extended over time as mission requirements evolve — a critical lifecycle consideration for long-duration defense programs.

Raptor X5 vs Raptor X7: Choosing the Right VNX+ Mission Computer

The choice between the ANSI/VITA 90 standards-compliant Raptor X5 and Raptor X7 comes down to mission I/O requirements and network complexity:

Raptor X5 is the right choice when platform footprint is the overriding constraint and I/O requirements are satisfied by 2 x DP, 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x 1GbE, 4 x GPIO, and 4 x RS-232.

Raptor X7 is appropriate where networked operation is required (8-port Ethernet switch), where CAN bus and RS-422 are necessary, or where expansion via miniPCIe/AcroPack modules is needed

Both platforms share processor and GPU specifications, MIL-STD compliance, and conduction-cooled fanless thermal design

Both support integration of third-party VNX+ modules per the VITA 90 standard

Conclusion

The Raptor X5 and Raptor X7 represent two distinct but complementary systems of the ANSI/VITA 90 VNX+ open standard. The X5 delivers a complete embedded computing stack in a highly compact 5-slot configuration. The X7 extends that foundation with dedicated Ethernet switching, expanded serial and bus I/O, and PCIe expansion capability in a 7-slot chassis. Both are VNX+ (VITA 90) compliant, MIL-STD qualified, and built for the realities of deployed field operation.

Explore the Raptor X5 or Raptor X7 for your program — contact Tekdense for detailed module specifications, configuration options, and integration support.

One of the long-term challenges in defense and aerospace is the expectation that each new generation of hardware must do more: process faster, handle complex data, integrate more I/O types, all while simultaneously shrinking the weight and box it sits in. A modern open standard VNX+ emerged specifically to address this tension by extending the architecture of established rugged computing frameworks into a smaller physical envelope. This blog covers the VNX+ standards in full: what is VNX, what is VNX+, why was VNX+ standard developed, how the VITA 90 sub-standard family is organized, and where this technology can be deployed.

What is VNX?

VNX was first standardized under VITA 74 and introduced as a compact, modular computing architecture built to serve applications where the physical constraints of conventional VPX made deployment impractical. While VPX modules were engineered for maximum throughput in somewhat larger chassis, the applications required something considerably more compact without abandoning the interoperability and modularity that open standards provide, hence VNX standard was born.

What is VNX+?

VNX+, at a glance, is the evolved form of the VNX standard, published under the ANSI/VITA 90 designation and SOSA™ principles. The progression from VITA 74 to VITA 90 allowed a fundamental change in the module sizes, which was a technical boundary that VITA 74 had drawn. VITA 90 redrew those boundaries to accommodate compact modules with almost 70% less than the size of 3U boards/cards, and integrated serial interconnects for expanded I/O needs of current generation systems.

Design Philosophy

VNX+ does not position itself as a replacement for VPX. The two coexist as complements within the same broader ecosystem. VPX remains the appropriate choice when the available volume is larger, the per-slot power budget is higher, or the processing density requirements exceed what VNX+ modules can deliver. VNX+ fills the space below VPX, the applications where SWaP budgets are tighter, and platforms are smaller.

Connector Architecture and Signal Integrity

VNX+ adopted the Samtec SEARAY™ connector family, reducing the electrical path length for the signals most vulnerable to degradation, which is what allows the connector to support the latest data computing requirements reliably without additional materials or redesigns.

The VITA 90 Family of Standards

VITA 90 is structured as a coordinated family of related specifications rather than a single monolithic document. Each sub-standard addresses a distinct technical domain within the VNX+ ecosystem. Together they cover the full scope of what a system designer needs to deploy a compliant, interoperable VNX+ system.

VITA 90.0: VNX+ Base Standard

This is the root specification from which all other VITA 90 profiles/standards derive. It establishes the module widths, the connector pinout, and the compliance requirements that every VNX+ module must satisfy regardless of its function. All boards marketed as VNX+ must conform to 90.0.

VITA 90.1: VNX+ Profile Tables

Slot profiles define how modules are classified for compatibility purposes. VITA 90.1 formalizes the naming conventions and profile definitions that make it possible for a module from one manufacturer to operate correctly in a slot defined by another.

VITA 90.2: VNX+ Optical and RF Connector Modules (Type 2)

Where standard connector pins carry electrical signals, some applications require high-density coaxial an optical interconnects within the standards under VITA 90.0. It supports RF and video signaling, along with other critical signals between a PIM (Plug-in Module) and corresponding slot.

VITA 90.3: VNX+ Power Supply and Storage Modules

Power conversion and distribution within a VNX+ chassis are governed by VITA 90.3. This sub-standard defines how power supply modules interact with the backplane and what protections or capabilities are required.

VITA 90.4: VNX+ Cooling and Mounting Systems

Mechanical reliability in high-vibration environments depends on more than a tight connector fit. VITA 90.4 specifies the retention and thermal management system features in VNX+ systems, including wedgelock retainers, mounting hardware, retention mechanisms.

VITA 90.5: Space VNX+

The demands of orbital and space applications gave rise to the VITA 90.5 standard. It was developed to address considerations in space-grade systems, such as thermal resilience, non-field repairable platforms requiring enhanced redundancy, and system management.

VITA 90.6: Signal Integrity Compliance

The VITA 90 systems must meet the signal integrity compliance standard, which is to be modeled after the VITA 68 standard for VPX platforms.

VITA 90.7: VNX+ Optical and RF Connector Modules (Type 7)

This sub standard defines the open standard for optical interconnect and high density NanoRF coaxial interconnect in VNX+ systems to support video, RF, and optical signal use cases.

Where VNX+ Can be Used

The adoption profile of VNX+ reflects the kinds of programs that face the most acute SWaP pressure. VNX+ has found its strongest footing in platforms where every ounce and every inch carries a cost, and where the ability to swap a module rather than redesign a board provides genuine value.

Key Application Areas

Military, aerospace, and industrial

UAVs, missiles, UUVs, cube sats, and satellites

Space-constrained harsh environments

Conclusion

In conclusion, VNX+ is the result of a serious, well-engineered approach to rugged small form factor computing. VITA 74 established the foundational architecture, and VITA 90 took that foundation and rebuilt the technical ceiling, expanding thermal capacity, accelerating serial interconnect support, and formalizing I/O. The result is an ecosystem that can host any computing hardware that complies with the VITA 90 standard.

Power tactical deployments with VNX+ solutions!

Open VPX Backplane | 3U 6U VPX Backplane