Emil Kheyfets, Director, Technical Business Development, Aitech

Emil Kheyfets is Director of Technical Business Development at Aitech. His more than 30 years of experience in engineering, engineering management and business development include many technical accomplishments in embedded rugged computing programs for Mil-Aero and Space applications.

Emil held various engineering and managerial roles with VISTA Controls/Curtiss Wright Embedded Computing and Applied Display Technology prior to joining Aitech and has been an active member of VITA since 2004 (VITA 46 and VITA 65OpenVPX Working Groups). He holds an MSEE in Electrical Engineering from Moscow University of Radio-Electronics and Automation.

WORK WITH VITA

1.      How does VPX influence SWaP-optimization in embedded computing systems?

High data throughput requirements of most modern systems make VPX a preferred standard of choice due to its high speed signals support. Technology advancements have enabled more functionality on 3U VPX cards, and 3U VPX systems are replacing larger legacy 6U VME/cPCI systems by providing SWaP-optimization for embedded computing systems. The introduction of the 3U VPX short concept will allow VPX to support even smaller system sizes.

2.      Why is the connection between VPX and SOSA so important to building modern military systems?

SOSA is based on a subset of VPX slot profiles and modules/backplanes requirements. Leveraging the VPX standard in SOSA simplifies the SOSA standard creation effort, and it simplifies SOSA-aligned hardware development for hardware vendors, based on their existing VPX cards and systems.

WHY ENGINEERING?

1.      Did you always want to be an engineer? If so, why?  If not, how’d you wind up here?

I always wanted to be an engineer. My father was a power supplies designer, and I was attracted to electronics since childhood. I built my first Z80-based computer by myself at home. I started working as an electronics technician after high school, while I was getting my degree in the evenings, and I have been involved in electronics & embedded computing designs during all of my career.

2.      What has surprised you the most about the work you do with embedded computing? 

Technology progress is amazing. Today’s cell phones have higher performance than huge mainframe computers from not long ago. Our ability to provide high performance embedded computing systems in small form factors allows us to support the enhanced capabilities of the equipment and machines where embedded systems are used.

3.      What is one of the biggest issue currently facing engineers?

Component obsolescence. In some cases, designs become obsolete before they get into production.

4.      What advice would you give to someone looking into this field of engineering?

If you are interested in engineering, embedded computing is a great choice. With the fast pace of technology progress, it never gets boring. Also, you will feel pride when you see a drone or a spacecraft flying with your embedded system inside.

Off the cuff: What’s the most recent show you’ve binge watched?

“Hell’s Kitchen”. Just kidding.