AB Switch Unit – High-Speed, Multi-Channel Ethernet Switching for Modern Platforms

Overview

In modern defense and aerospace systems, high-throughput, low-latency communication is critical. The AB Switch Unit is a powerful, multi-channel Ethernet switching and stream multiplexing solution designed to manage high-volume data flows across a variety of onboard systems.

Featuring 6 independent Layer 3 Ethernet switches, support for both Gigabit and 10GBASE-T Ethernet, and an integrated Ethernet Stream Multiplexer (ESM), the AB Switch Unit ensures seamless, reliable communication in complex, high-bandwidth environments. With support for multiple protocols, robust architecture, and rugged design, this unit is engineered for mission-critical operations on air, land, or sea.

Key Features

Layer 3 Switching with Stream Multiplexing

  • 6 Independent Layer 3 Ethernet Switches (SW1–SW6)

  • All ports communicate using the UDP protocol, enabling fast and efficient message handling

  • Integrated Ethernet Stream Multiplexer (ESM) combines data from multiple sources for streamlined transmission

High-Speed Ethernet I/O

  • 15x 1000Base-T Ethernet Ports for standard connectivity

  • 1x 10GBASE-T Port for ultra-high bandwidth links

  • 1x DEBUG Ethernet (10/100) for diagnostics and maintenance

Extensive Connectivity Options

  • Serial Communication:

    • 1x RS422

    • 1x RS485

    • 1x Debug UART

  • Avionics Interfaces:

    • 1x MIL-STD-1553B

    • 1x ARINC429

  • Additional Ports:

    • JTAG for hardware debugging

    • Micro SD for storage or configuration

This broad interface support makes the AB Switch Unit a versatile hub for integrating sensors, processors, and communication systems.

Rugged, Embedded-Ready Design

  • Power: 28±5 VDC (MIL-STD-1275E compliant)

  • Power Consumption: <30W — ideal for low-power embedded systems

  • Dimensions: 200mm x 170mm x 130mm

  • Designed for rugged environments, including military vehicles and airborne platforms

High-Performance Embedded Architecture

  • Application Processor: 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53

  • Real-Time Processor: 32-bit Cortex-R5 for deterministic control

  • GPU: ARM Mali™-400 MP2 for GUI or video overlay processing

  • Memory:

    • 256KB On-Chip RAM

    • DDR4-2400 (64-bit and 16-bit channels)

    • QSPI & eMMC storage

  • Video Codec: Integrated H.264/H.265 VCU for media stream encoding/decoding

This flexible and powerful embedded platform allows for real-time packet management, diagnostics, encryption, and protocol conversion — all in a single compact unit.

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