FAQs
How does HOST align with CMOSS, SOSA, and other MOSA standards?
HOST began life as an OpenVPX standard for computing oriented rugged electronics. At approximately the same time CMOSS began as an OpenVPX standard for RF oriented electronics. Both teams worked to broaden their respective standards by leveraging hardware standardization of each other’s standards work. When efforts to develop the sensors-oriented SOSA standard began, the HOST and CMOSS efforts were used as the basis for its initial drafts. As these standards have progressed, the HOST team has made it a priority to keep the hardware module requirements for these three standards-aligned such that it is possible to build OpenVPX modules that meet all three standards.
- HOST does allow some additional features beyond what CMOSS or SOSA permit in order to better address the needs of high-performance digital computing systems and equipment installed in weapons systems with legacy interfaces.
How is HOST different from other DOD-centric open standards?
HOST is a MOSA standard for hardware modules that specifies these module’s electronic and mechanical interfaces. Other current DOD-centric open standards (such as CMOSS, SOSA, FACE and OMS) standardize modular software, software communications architectures, etc. or attempt to standardize more than one of these domains. HOST’s hardware module only scope enables adoption of the standard across a wider range of systems and provides the system developer flexibility in choosing the most applicable open standards for the other domains.
What electronics standards does HOST leverage?
HOST presently leverages OpenVPX with a PC/104 based standard under development, additional HOST hardware open standards are expected to follow in the near future.
I see that there is a Tier 1 HOST standard and Tier 2 HOST standards for OpenVPX and PC/104. Which standards apply to development of my OpenVPX based system?
Only the OpenVPX Tier 2 Standard applies directly to the development of your system. The Tier 1 Standard provides the basic tenants of the HOST standards set and primarily provides information to the writers of a new technology-specific Tier 2 standard. The Tier 1 standard may also provide a better understanding of the system developer of why a Tier 2 standard requires certain things.
Is HOST being applied to any platforms at this time?
The HOST OpenVPX standard is currently being used in the Integrated Core Processor (ICP) as well as for its Panoramic Cockpit Display Electronic Unit (PCDEU) for the Block 4 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F-35. NAVAIR’s Mission Computer Alternative (MCA) family is also based on the HOST OpenVPX standard. The T-45 is the first platform to receive an MCA family computer. The HOST OpenVPX standard is a baseline hardware module standard for the FVL family of helicopters.
How do I know I’m using proper HOST terminology in a press release, article, or product description?
You can familiarize yourself with HOST terminology by going to the “Homepage” or the “What is HOST” as well as reading the “HOST Documents“.
Does using HOST require hardware or software suppliers to relinquish intellectual property?
No, the HOST standards set defines only the electronic and mechanical interfaces and minimum performance requirements of a module. How a supplier competitively meets those requirements is their intellectual property.
How do I get HOST documents?
Available HOST documentation can be downloaded from the “HOST Documents“.
How do I specify HOST requirements in my acquisitions?
Can I purchase modules meeting the HOST OpenVPX standard today?
Yes, HOST modules are available from a number of suppliers.
How can I get additional information on the HOST Standards set?
Please Contact NAVAIR PMA-209 for Additional Information
