Sensor Open Systems Architecture/ SOSA

Definition

SOSA is a Tri-Service consortium standard hosted by The Open Group that defines hardware form factors (largely VPX/OpenVPX), backplane profiles, software interfaces, and module classes for radar, EO/IR, SIGINT, and EW payloads. A SOSA-aligned line-replaceable module from one vendor is intended to drop into any SOSA chassis with minimal integration. SOSA is a foundational MOSA enabler and is increasingly required for sensor payloads on CCA, rotary-wing, and ISR platforms.

Reference attributes

Host body

The Open Group SOSA Consortium

Hardware basis

OpenVPX, VITA 65/66/67/48

Module classes

Radar, EO/IR, EW, SIGINT, comms

MOSA tier

Hardware + software

Related terms

• Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)
  U.S. DoD acquisition mandate requiring open architectures and standardized, replaceable modules.
• C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS)
  U.S. Army modular open standard for converged C5ISR and EW payloads on ground vehicles.