Radar Processing Unit (NAV0259)
- James Eadie
- Kieren Marsh
Introduction
Navtech Radar Processing Units (RPUs) are custom built hardware platforms tailored to manage the demands of high data throughput and intensive processing typical of radar tracking systems.
They are designed to work reliably 24x7. All systems undergo a comprehensive burn-in and have been tested exhaustively for compatibility and performance with Navtech’s AdvanceGuard® and ClearWay™ solutions.
This TAA compliant platform is based on enterprise-class server reliability, management and security. All the parts are manufactured using tight revision control and are included in long term development programmes.
Each system has a high level of redundancy with a hardware RAID controller, redundant cooling fans and redundant power supplies.
The unit includes a comprehensive remote management and diagnostics system which allows full control of the hardware, including remote control sessions, over a dedicated IP connection.
The unit is based around a very compact 1U, short chassis that can be installed in a range of different sized racks, including communication cabinets.
Although the hardware design has been optimised for use with the Navtech software, it can be customised for specific projects if required. This may include the addition of expansion cards or enhanced processing and storage capabilities. Please contact Navtech Radar if you require further information on the expansion options or if you have a specific requirement.
The RPU is designed to handle a heavy processing load and is suitable for managing up to 8 radars.
The total load of a system is based on many factors therefore it will vary from site to site. A key consideration is the number of tracks the system will be expected to monitor at any given point in time. This means in more demanding situations the RPU may be able to support less radar and in others it may be able to support more.
RPU Specification
Hardware | |
|---|---|
CPU | Intel Xeon E-2456 6C 80W 3.3GHz Processor |
RAM | x2 16GB TruDDR5 4800MHz ECC UDIMM |
Video | Integrated Graphics |
LAN | 2x Broadcom BCM5720 1Gb Ethernet ports |
HDD Controller | RAID 9350-8i 2GB Flash PCIe 12Gb Adapter |
Management | Dedicated ethernet for remote management to XClarity Controller interface |
Storage | |
|---|---|
HDD | x4 Enterprise 1TB SATA 6Gb 7.2K HDD 3.5” Hot swap 512n |
RAID Setup | RAID 9350 12 Gbps SAS RAID - RAID-on-chip adaptor, offloading RAID functions from the CPU - capable of RAID 0,1,5,6,10,50,60 |
HDD Capacity | 1.8Tb Virtual disk available to OS |
Supported OS |
|---|
Windows 11 |
Mechanical Design | |
|---|---|
Chassis | 1U rack mount |
Dimensions | (W) 435mm (D) 561mm (H) 43mm |
Package |
|
Weight | 12.3Kg |
Environmental - Operational | |
|---|---|
Temp | 10°C - 35°C ASHRAE A2 environments, can operate Class A3/4 |
Humidity | 8% - 80% (non-condensing) |
Environmental – Storage | |
|---|---|
Temp | -40°C - 60°C |
Electrical and Power | |
|---|---|
CPU Max TDP | 80W |
PSU | x2 800W - 230/115V Platinum CRPS Hot Swap. |
Included Accessories |
|---|
1U rack mount toolless friction rail |
RPU Setup and Configuration
All RPUs are pre-configured before being dispatched to customers. This means the OS is configured, up-to-date and optimised for use with the Navtech Radar software. The RPU will have the core pre-requisites for running Witness, however it may be missing certain SDKs or libraries which are unique for specific projects. These would normally be installed during the commissioning and installation phase of the project.
The Witness software is not pre-installed because requirements vary from customer to customer and project to project. This is done as part of the commissioning process.
The RPUs ship with Windows 11 Professional Edition. Windows 11 is only supported in the later versions of Witness so please check the Software Prerequisites to ensure compatibility with the OS.
System Configuration Options
The RPU's default hardware configuration supports each of the software modules including the Mongo database server. If the site requires a large number of radars or the system is expected to process many targets it may be necessary to distribute the software modules across multiple RPUs. Some example system configurations for Witness 3.0 can be on the System Design page, and for Witness 4.0 they can be found on AdvanceGuard® System Design page.
The RPUs include integrated graphics adapters which are not suitable to run Witness AdvanceGuard or Sentinel UI application. It is strongly recommended that the AdvanceGuard or Sentinel client is run on a standard PC and not on the RPU. Due to the form factor and fan noise, the RPU is not appropriate for use in a control room or as a replacement for a standard desktop PC. The Witness 4.0 requirement for the client PC can be found on the Hardware Prerequisites page. The Witness 3.0 requirements for the client PC can be found on the Witness Hardware Requirements page.
The three main configurations are:
Configuration Option | Description | Radars Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Single RPU + Client PC | All the software modules, including the database are installed on the same RPU. The Sentinel client UI is installed on the PC. | 1 - 4 Radars | This is not recommended for production systems using more than 2 radars. This configuration is suitable for proof of concepts (POC) and demonstrations. It can be used for small sites where the target count is expected to be low. |
Tracking RPU, Primary RPU + Client PC | The core services are installed on the Primary RPU (Piccadilly, Canary, Cyclops, Vault and Mongo Db). The trackers are installed on the Tracking RPU(s). The Sentinel client UI is installed on the PC. | 4-8 Radars per Tracking RPU. Total is limited by database performance no more than 8x radar | This solution separates the trackers onto a separate server. Additional Tracking RPUs can be added to handle more radar as required. However consideration should be given to the database server. The total number of radars and the corresponding track load may require the database server to have its own dedicated server - see option 3 below. |
Tracking RPU, Primary RPU, Database RPU + Client PC | The core services are installed on the Primary RPU (Piccadilly, Canary, Cyclops), however the database server is installed on a dedicated RPU. The trackers are installed on the Tracking RPU(s). The Sentinel client UI is installed on the PC. | 4-10 Radars per Tracking RPU. Total is limited by the maximum capability of the Primary and Database RPUs | This solution offers the best capacity for large systems with many radar. A typical ClearWay deployment could support 30x radar using 3x Tracking RPUs, a Primary RPU and a Database RPU. |