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Advancing Mission-Critical Communications with 5G and TSN Technologies

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SOC-E is currently participating in an R&D project with its own identity, which is part of a broader portfolio of initiatives aimed at achieving a larger strategic objective.

This overarching initiative focuses on the development of a high-performance embedded platform with 5G communications capabilities, designed to address technological gaps identified in certain emergency services. The project AERO 5 – TSI0651002022010 was submitted under the ÚNICO SECTORIAL 5G call and has been successfully approved. It is being carried out by a consortium formed by SOC-E, Orbital Critical Systems, and Aurea Avionics.

Project Scope and Objectives

The global scope of the project involves the development and validation of a highly compact system that integrates several advanced technologies, including:

  • A multi-board, multi-core architecture
  • Processing based on the Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) concept
  • An intra- and inter-system communications framework based on Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)

Within this context, SOC-E is responsible for key technological developments, including:

  • Selection of the system chassis
  • Development of the TSN Switch module
  • Development of the TSN End-point module
  • Selection of the interconnection backplane between modules

Technological Impact and Innovation

As a result of this project, SOC-E will significantly expand its product portfolio by incorporating two new TSN-based boards: a TSN Switch and a TSN End-point. In addition, the company will gain access to a VPX-based platform in co-ownership, representing a major step forward in its strategic evolution.

This initiative marks an important transition for SOC-E —from its current role as a provider of technology, boards, and equipment, toward becoming a complete system integrator.

Platform Evolution and Market Exploitation

Although one of the initial project tasks involves analyzing the state of the art and selecting the most suitable integration format, current market knowledge suggests that the final system will likely adopt a VPX architecture.

Upon completion of the project, SOC-E will be able to bring to market:

  • A VPX-based processing and communications platform for critical applications (co-owned with Orbital Critical Systems)
  • A proprietary VPX TSN Switch module
  • A proprietary integrable TSN End-point module, likely developed in XMC format, enabling flexible deployment either directly on the CPU or via a VPX carrier board

Strategic Value

This project reinforces SOC-E’s commitment to innovation in high-performance embedded systems and critical communications, while positioning the company at the forefront of next-generation technologies for mission-critical environments.

El proyecto Análisis y Aplicación de la Tecnología 5G en Vehículos Aéreos No Tripulados (UAV) para Aplicaciones de Vigilancia, Reconocimiento y Soporte a la Gestión de Emergencias ha sido financiado por la Unión Europea – NextGenerationEU» en el marco del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia y el Mecanismo de Recuperación y Resiliencia. Órgano concedente de la ayuda: Ministerio para la Transformación Digital y de la Función Pública