COM-EXPRESS MODULES BASED ON ELBRUS MICROPROCESSORS FOR ONBOARD COMPUTING SYSTEMS

Abstract

Research in the field of creating specialized computing systems for robots is conducted in
many world scientific centers, including our country. The development of capabilities of sensor
systems, global navigation systems, growth of computing power and improvement of algorithms
allow creating onboard computing systems with broad intellectual capabilities. An important, but
unsolved problem remains the equipping of such computing systems with domestically produced
microprocessors. The need to take into account the maximum weight and size characteristics, the
requirements for the cooling system of the computing complex, the requirements for on-boardpower supply and power consumption, performance requirements and external interfaces cause
the complexity and high cost of developing on-board computing systems. The lack of unification of
computing modules during development creates additional difficulties for developers of robots,
increases the final cost of the robot and complicates its modernization. The use of a standardized
form factor such as COM-Express makes it possible to divide the onboard computing complex into
a universal high-tech system part and a carrier board. The microprocessor, peripheral interface
controller, RAM and hard disk are placed on the system module, which is produced in large quantities
and can be replaced with a newer one when new generations of domestic computing equipment
appear. The carrier board, in turn, is easy to develop and cheap to manufacture, and according
to its characteristics can be configured for a specific robotic complex. This article discusses
COM-Express modules based on domestic Elbrus microprocessors. Their applicability for the
creation of promising on-board computing systems is shown. The results obtained by the authors
indicate the prospects of import substitution in the field of robotics.