Phase II Amount
$1,200,000
Envistacom proposes to review and evaluate the functionalities currently hosted on the U.S. Navys HGB. The purpose of the study will be to identify a minimum of one of the functionalities currently operating on the HGB other than the main computer and to virtualize and integrate this function with the main computer process in Open Computing Language (OpenCL). The combined virtualized functionality will be hosted on a single High-Performance Computer (HPC) based terminal that can host a virtualized library of application cores in the future. This effort will entail reviewing the design for the software, firmware, and purpose-built hardware, as well as related technical specifications of the various processes currently hosted on the HGB. The expected outcome of the study is to demonstrate the high-level of integration that can be accomplished by using a high-level coding language, such as OpenCL, to virtualize and replace purpose-built devices/boards with all software applications. The resulting effort will demonstrate a reduction in complexity, cost, and SWaP, while improving flexibly, scalability, and simplicity of development. The intent is to have this Phase II effort lead to a follow-on effort (post Phase II) where additional functions, waveforms, and processes can be added to the library of virtualized cores for the HGB. As shown in Figure 1-1, Envistacom has been successful in demonstrating how a library of networking capabilities, waveforms, and other functions (applications) can be supported as virtualized applications on an HPC platform.
Benefit: This proposal leverages patented technology and deep virtualization experience from Envistacom, LLC to replace purpose-built devices and processes using virtualization techniques for the HGB to reduce SWaP. The proposed virtualization techniques will use commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) products, HPC technology, and open computing environment framework which is fast becoming a commodity item to replace purpose-built hardware and processes. These dedicated boards, processes, and modules will be replaced with one or a limited number of HPC terminals to provide a reduction in SWaP. This allows more functions to be integrated in a given space and allows for other functions (e.g., additional payload) to be added to or be upgraded within the HGB in the future. The virtualization approach based upon the HPC architecture and open computing framework delivers equal or better performance, while reducing the dependence on purpose-built devices and processes from particular vendors. The virtualized approach leverages advances in the HPC server product development. Multiple single-purpose boards can be replaced by a single HPC processor board to host virtualized waveforms and applications as required for the HGB. Further, a wide range of virtualized functions and communications requirements may be provided in the future for the HGB inventory via software updates without any hardware changes. For the HGB program, the HPC-based architecture will replace existing purpose-built boards, eliminating purpose-built component redundancy through a high-degree of integration to support the intended use of HGB for carrying additional payload and/or supporting new features and capabilities delivered in the payload. The HPC and OpenCL coding environment provide an unparalleled offering by delivering a high-level of integration, flexibility, and resiliency for the HGB
Keywords: virtualization, OpenCL, COTS, SWAP, HPC
