VTI Instruments Selected by Lockheed Martin to Provide eCASS Switching System


VTI Instruments is pleased to announce that it has been selected by Lockheed Martin to provide the Enhanced Switching and General Purpose Interface (eGPI) subsystem for the US Navy's eCASS (Electronic Consolidated Automated Support System) Program. eCASS will replace CASS as the US Navy's core test system and ensures that fleet aircraft can maintain mission-ready status by facilitating quick diagnostic and repair of line-replaceable subassemblies.

Legacy CASS system capability is extended through the eGPI subsystem by adding hybrid functionality to the digital subsection of the existing GPI. With VTI's eGPI, I/O pins currently dedicated to digital test can now be used to route signals, with up to 1 GHz bandwidth to RF instrumentation, as well to an internal analog measurement bus. "The eGPI subsystem leverages VTI's successful implementation of CASS-compatible switching for the RT-CASS program and is designed to improve the maintainability of large ATE systems by eliminating analog cabling to improve signal integrity" said Tom Sarfi, VTI's VP of Business Development. "We are proud to be a part of this significant program for the Navy, and further establish ourselves as the premier supplier of core ATE switching systems".

The eGPI allows the Navy to maintain its large installed base of legacy test program sets (TPS) while creating the flexibility required to support next generation platforms. VTI's award-winning EX1200 modular switch and I/O instrument, which implements a convenient LAN/LXI-based interface for command and control of the switching module, is the core of the new eGPI subsystem. This solution also integrates Virginia Panel Corporation's Series 80 mass interconnect modules into the interface. VTI delivered its first eGPI prototype as part of Lockheed's capabilities demonstration in late 2009. The contract award calls for delivery of 14 engineering development units during the system design phase of the project in mid-late 2011.

About VTI Instruments Corporation.
VTI delivers precision instrumentation for electronic signal distribution, acquisition, and monitoring, which is used in the world's most demanding test applications. Our solutions provide reliable data, first time, every time. Serving the aerospace and defense, power generation, energy, automotive and commercial electronics industries, VTI's solutions allow our customers to optimize their capital investment through product longevity while ensuring unmatched measurement integrity and data reliability. ISO 9001 certified, with plants in the U.S., Europe and Asia, worldwide product support is provided through a network of VTI certified engineering representatives. VTI is a sponsor member of the VXI Consortium, a founding member of the LXI Consortium and an active member of the VITA open standards organization.

For additional information, please visit www.vtiinstruments.com.

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