Elma Electronic announced high speed 3U VPX backplane that supports integration of mixed payload modules, including COTS single board computers, switches and RF payloads for computer architectures used by the DOD's Hardware/Software Convergence Initiative. Unique to this backplane is its support of high speed signals on all the data paths as well as VITA 67.3 connectors compatible with legacy VITA 67.1 and VITA 66.4 RF and optical I/O connectors. This is the first VPX backplane with a radial slot card for timing and synchronization. The 3U, 12-slot backplane includes 7 slots that receive radial clock signals (Aux Clk and Ref Clk) driven independently from a radial clock timing card. The remaining 5 slots receive standard VPX bussed Aux_Clk and Ref_Clk signals. The timing card slot also supports a VITA 67.3c connector with 10 SMPM cavities. The backplane can handle high data rates possible with the VPX connector through its multiple data plane UTP connections at 10GBASE-KR data rates and 10GBase-KR UTP control plane connections. Four payload slots, each equipped with a combination VITA 67.3c optical and RF connector in the J2 position are also featured on the backplane. The slot 2 switch supports a VITA 67.3d connector module compatible with a payload module fitted with a VITA 66.4 MT optical ribbon connector or a VITA 67.1 RF coaxial connector.