Compute | TRL-9 · On orbit since August 2024
NxN-ECM
NVIDIA Orin NX / Nano edge computing module. Advanced payload processing, command and control for spacecraft from SmallSats to space stations, in half a CubeSat unit. On orbit since August 2024.
150+ TOPS
Modular, scalable compute
- Compatible with NVIDIA Orin NX or Nano modules
- Distributed computing capable
- Scalable multi-process-service support
- Hypervisor available
- Containerized application deployment
50+ kRad
Radiation resiliency
- Radiation hardened by system design
- Smart power arbitration
- Radiation-hardened watchdog co-processor
- Resilient filesystems and custom EDAC
- Modular redundant capable
25GRMS
Enclosure design
- Resilient mechanical design
- Efficient thermal dissipation pathways
- Lockable I/O plate
- Protected connector design
- Easily-attachable thermal interface
Hardware
Hardware features
- Powered by NVIDIA Orin NX or Nano: modular, multiple-redundant or distributed deployments
- Radiation hardening through system design: rad-hard power components, rad-hard watchdog co-processor, resilient memories and shielding
- External digital and analogue sensor inputs (e.g. temperature); backwards compatible with the NxN expansion module ecosystem
- Four-corner mounting with copper side for heat dissipation; bolt pattern for thermal interface solution
Software
Software features
- In-orbit over-the-air firmware and software updates via Aether
- Advanced error detection and correction: housekeeping, logging, scheduling and tasking for smooth in-flight operations
- Multi-process-service for effective compute allocation per program or application
- ECM-OS with hypervisor and container runtime; CSP for low-speed bus communication
Qualification
Tested the way it flies.
All our products undergo space qualification, involving stringent testing under extreme conditions to ensure robustness and high performance: thermal-vacuum cycling, random vibration and shock, EMI/EMC and radiation testing of the NxN-ECM as a complete module, not just at the component level.
FAQ
Common questions
How do you mount a NxN?
The NxN targets the smallest spacecraft form factors. It occupies a standard 0.5U envelope of roughly 50 × 100 × 100 mm. Four corner holes allow mounting, with the copper side used for heat dissipation; a bolt pattern for an easily-attachable thermal interface is included in the module design.
Can you use an NX or a Nano SoM in the same module?
Yes, the SoMs are interchangeable. Note that Super Mode is only available on the Orin NX.
Are there radiator modules that attach to the NxN?
Yes. We make a number of CubeSat-compatible radiators for various spacecraft bus manufacturers, with various external view factors.
How can I interface to my spacecraft?
The expansion connector can be used directly, or with a PC-104 expansion module adapter for your specific bus manufacturer.
What is available in the NxN expansion ecosystem?
PC-104 adapter, full-size PCIe expansion module, RT PolarFire FPGA expansion module, OBC expansion module (VectorNav VN-310 IMU + NovAtel OEM7 GNSS), SDR expansion module (Epiq Sidekiq Stretch + DVB-S2X IP core + power amplifier), compatible radiator expansion modules, and more.
What documentation is available?
The specsheet and qualification specifications are linked above. The full datasheet, user manuals, ICD and CAD files are available on request: contact info@aethero.com.
Contact
Looking for NxN pricing?
Tell us your SoM preference, redundancy configuration and expansion modules and we will return a quote with the full datasheet, ICD and CAD package.