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SPx Development Library

An Open Standards software developer library for building or enhancing applications that require radar processing and display. Includes a library of C++ and .NET classes, with example applications, documentation and engineering support.

Radar Processing & Display for Software Developers

Quickly build or enhance radar-based software such as C2 systems, VTMS, ECDIS, C-UAS displays and other surveillance software.

SPx Development Library includes a large library of easy-to-use radar processing modules, including scan conversion, network distribution, plot extraction, clutter processing and more.

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SPx Development Library
SPx Development Library

Trusted Radar Processing Technology

Our field-proven technology is trusted by major integrators to reduce development time and risk.

Software built with the SPx Development Library is used by the US Navy, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Raytheon and the Royal Navy.

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Key Features

Expand our feature list below for details.

Runs on Standard Hardware

The software is built to run on low-cost, industry-standard processing hardware.

It exploits the capabilities of modern multi-core processors and graphics processors, offering high-performance with low CPU usage.

Modular, Flexible & Configurable

The SPx suite includes a software library based on a set of C++ and .NET classes, with example applications demonstrating key features. You can use the capabilities you need by simply creating objects and linking them with your application code. SPx supports client-server configurations or "integrated" applications with all capability contained in a single executable.

Each SPx module has a well-defined function and a set of parameters that adjust its operation. Furthermore, the processing chain allows you to insert your own code allowing you to add capability, algorithms and extensions to the SPx framework.

Open-standard Network Radar Data Protocols

Protocols include ASTERIX formats such as CAT-48 and CAT-240 and NMEA-0183.

An additional proprietary protocol (SPx) is included to provide an easy way to integrate applications with our COTS software products.

Large Library of Modules

Radar processing modules include:

  • Software Scan Conversion (PPI, A-Scan, B-Scan)
  • Dynamic Thresholding (cell-averaging CFAR)
  • Clutter Processing
  • Plot Extraction
  • Radar Recording and Replay

Scroll down to the modules tab for the full list.

Flexible Licensing for Windows & Linux

Single developer, dual developer and project licensing options, with Windows and Linux/X11 options.

Full Engineering Support

We provide engineer-to-engineer support, advice and toolkits designed to deliver ultimate flexibility to your in-house teams.

Support is available by phone or email.

SPx Development Library Details

Extra Info

What applications can be built with the SPx Development Library?

The library can be used for most systems that use radar data. Examples include building or enhancing command and control (C2) systems, Vessel Traffic Management Systems (VTMS), Counter UAS displays, and other surveillance systems.

What radar processing capabilities are included?

The library provides numerous radar processing capabilities including: dynamic thresholding, clutter processing and plot extraction. Each process is fully parameterised, allowing you to customise its behaviour to meet your exact requirements. For a full list, please see the modules tab.

How is the product used?

SPx Development Library is supplied as one or more software modules with well-defined inputs, outputs and control parameters. You can easily add SPx modules into your C++ or .NET application, adding only the capabilities that you need. Multiple SPx modules may be linked together to form a complete processing chain. Your application still gets control of the parameters of each SPx module and you can even add your own modules into the chain if you wish to add your own capabilities. SPx is unique because it keeps you in control. If you eventually need to enhance or upgrade the functions of an SPx module you can simply drop in a form-fit function replacement, without affecting the rest of the system.

It includes both radar compression and decompression components that employ algorithms specifically designed for radar video. Careful attention is paid to preserving signal quality and minimising latency for network distribution. The network distribution module is fully parameterised and is easily incorporated into a C++ or .NET based application program, or simply built with other SPx components as needed. Your application remains in control.

The library provides a set of high-performance radar scan-conversion modules that create PPI, A-Scan or B-Scan displays with industry-standard graphics hardware. The SPx scan conversion module may be used on its own or combined with any of the other SPx modules for a complete acquisition, processing and display chain. The highly flexible SPx scan-converter supports multiple windows, multiple radars and provides superior quality displays using industry-standard computing components. It is easy to incorporate the SPx scan-converter into a display application, optionally using other SPx modules to deliver the radar video, or using your own hardware and software where that exists.

Modules
  • Library of radar processing modules, including:
    • Software Scan Conversion including:
      • PPI Display
      • A-Scan
      • B-Scan
    • Compression:
      • ORC
      • zlib
    • Radar Video Processing:
      • Scan to Scan Integration
      • Dynamic Thresholding (cell-averaging CFAR)
      • Plot Extraction
      • Area, sector and range blanking
      • Statistics monitoring
      • Signal enhancement
      • LUT (Look-Up Table) processing
      • Range correction
      • FTC filter
      • STC filter
    • Clutter Processing:
      • Clutter Mapping
      • Clutter Subtraction
      • Scan to Scan Integration
    • Target Processing
      • AIS Decode and Display
      • ADS-B Decode and Display
      • Track Decode and Display
    • Network Distribution
      • SPx
      • ASTERIX
      • NMEA-0183
    • Radar Recording and Replay
  • Supporting modules, including:
    • Graphics renderers
    • GUI widgets
    • Data receivers (NMEA, AIS, ADS-B)
  • Optional additional modules for camera video processing
Features
  • Runs on low-cost, industry-standard processing hardware
  • Exploits the capabilities of modern multi-core processors and graphics processors
  • High-performance, low CPU usage
  • Modular, flexible and configurable
  • Based on open standards and the principles of open architecture
  • Open-standard network radar data protocols
  • Large library of radar processing modules
  • Supporting modules
  • Windows and Linux/X11 options
  • Backed by engineer-to-engineer support
  • Single developer, dual developer and project licensing options
Docs
SPx Development Brochure
SPx Radar Processing and Display Brochure
SPx-Scan Datasheet
Radar Display Coprocess Datasheet
Cambridge Pixel Product Summary Brochure
Scan Conversion Software Architectures App Note
Moving Target Detection and Multi Channel Scan Conversion Presentation App Note
Inserting Radar Video into an Existing Graphics Application App Note
Diagram
Radar Solution
SPx Block Diagram
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