News and New Products

Avionics line supports multiple data buses

By Warren Webb -- EDN, 7/10/2003

A new family of avionic-interface boards from Ballard Technology offers designers single or multiple protocol configurations supporting MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429/575, ARINC 708/453, and ARINC 717/573 data buses. Avionics data buses interconnect electronic equipment in an aircraft similar to the way an LAN connects computers in an office environment. OmniBus board features include one to four DSPs for protocol processing, a PowerPC user processor, standard time-synchronization circuitry, and digital I/O signals (Picture). The modular design of OmniBus products allows users to upgrade or reconfigure their hardware with additional functions, channels, and protocols as requirements change.

Software developers can use the included application-program interface to develop custom applications for the Omnibus family of boards. The API includes driver software for most Windows operating systems. Ballard also offers the optional CoPilot software for simulation and testing of avionics systems. The Plus version of CoPilot adds graphical displays, a scripting engine, and software or hardware playback. CoPilot can host multiple channels and MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, or ARINC 708 data buses in one project. You can purchase CoPilot separately or as part of an OmniBus system. The early release OmniBus boards are available in PCI and 3U CompactPCI form factors, and the vendor promises future models for VME, VXI, USB, and Ethernet interfaces. Prices for basic versions of the OmniBus family start at approximately $3000.

Ballard Technology, 1-425-339-0281, www.ballardtech.com.