MicroMax's Solutions
MicroMax's Solutions
MicroMax's Solutions
Mx5 Series
PMC & XMC Avonics Interfaces for Multiple Protocols
Embedded Interface Solutions
Mx5 databus interface cards for XMC and PMC enable embedded systems to communicate with, simulate, test, and monitor avionics equipment and systems.
Do More with Less
Consolidate your I/O into a single expansion slot. The Mx5 comes with the avionics protocols and channels you need on one card.
Multiple Avionics Protocols
Choose one or a combination of two or more protocols on a single card: MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, 717, and 708. Mx5 also includes numerous discrete I/O.
High Channel Counts
The high density design gives you more channels to work with: as many as 8 dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 or 22 ARINC 429.
Key Features
The Mx5 includes an array of other important features, including:
Numerous Discrete I/O
IRIG A/B PWM and AM
48 bit time-tag
64 MB ECC Data Memory
Extensive Built-in Test (BIT)
Application Flexibility
With so many features and so much flexibility, the Mx5 is your best solution in a wide variety of applications, such as:
Rugged deployed systems
Embedded test systems
High performance simulators
Demanding requirements
Mixed protocol systems
Avionics upgrades and retrofits
Databus health monitoring
With the Mx5, it has never been easier to standardize on one product line for all of your mezzanine card I/O needs.
High Performance
Mx5 high performance mezzanine cards efficiently manage fully loaded databuses with ease. On-board protocol processors handle all databus activity, freeing the host for application-specific processing. 64 MB ECC (error correction) memory provides generous data storage with a variety of buffering schemes.
High speed host interfaces are achieved with an x4 PCI Express lane with bus mastering on XMC versions and a 32/64-bit, 33/66/133 MHz PCI-X interface on PMC versions. All cards have extensive built-in test (PBIT, CBIT, IBIT).
Array of Styles
There’s an Mx5 model to fit your system. Choose from the following:
XMC or PMC
Front or rear I/O
ME1000
mPCIe Avionics Interface Cards for MIL-STD-1553
When space is at an absolute premium, get proven COTS avionics interface cards that fit your application and minimize program risk. The ME1000 family of Mini PCI Express® cards from Astronics Ballard Technology is the ultimate low-SWaP embedded solution.
Small Size
Interface in more places with one of the industry’s smallest form factor modules.
Large I/O
Do more with the most I/O in a mPCIe card, including 1553, serial, discrete, and IRIG.
Huge Value
Get Ballard's reliable designs, long life, and industry-leading customer support.
Miniature Databus Interfaces
ME1000 mPCIe cards enable space-constrained embedded systems to interface with MIL-STD-1553 avionics databuses. These rugged cards provide the capability to reliably communicate with and monitor avionics equipment and systems. These feature-rich cards include 1 or 2 dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 channels, along with avionics discrete I/O and IRIG signals. RS-422/485 Serial is optionally available.
Key Features:
1 or 2 dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 channels
Rugged Extended Temperature Design
Single- or Multi-function MIL-STD-1553 models
IRIG A/B PWM and AM
Avionics Discrete I/O: 6 inputs and 2 outputs
Differential Discrete I/O
RS-422/485 Serial
Easy-to-use software interface
RoHS compliant
Optional conformal coating
High Reliability
ME1000 interface cards use Ballard’s time-tested 5th generation avionics protocol engine, a large 32 MB built-in memory, and high-performance bus mastering capability. All models include 8 avionics level input/output discretes (6 inputs/2 outputs), differential discretes (1 input/1 output), and IRIG time synchronization/generation. Extended temperature range is standard and conformal coating is an option.
Concurrent Multi-Function MIL-STD-1553 Operation
Like all Astronics Ballard Technology MIL-STD-1553 multi-function cards, the ME1000 provides full concurrent Bus Controller (BC), Remote Terminal (RT), and Bus Monitor operation. In addition, multi-function features protocol error injection (word, gap, and message errors). If concurrent operation is not required, Ballard's cost-effective single-function cards provide BC/RT/Monitor operation separately.
Flexible Connection
The miniature size of the card allows installation in the smallest of systems, and the choice of horizontal or vertical I/O connector ensures you can make the most of the limited space available. In addition, the cost-effective connector style on the ME1000 means a lower price tag for your mating connectors, keeping your overall system costs low.
Robust Software Capabilities
Users can develop their own software applications with the included BTIDriver™ API. With only a few function calls, a program can operate the interface card and process messages to and from the avionics databuses. Functions include routines for transmitting, receiving, scheduling, recording, time-tagging, and manipulating data. The interface card can use applications developed for other Ballard devices; code migrates seamlessly from BTIDriver compatible devices.
USB Multi
USB 2.0 Avionics Interfaces for Multiple Protocols
One Tool Does It All!
These pocket-sized USB adapters are the easy and portable way to interface your computer to multiple avionics databuses including: MIL-STD-1553, EBR 1553, ARINC 429, ARINC 708, ARINC 717, Serial, and Discrete I/O.
Key Features:
Interface USB to Multiple Avionics Databus Protocols with a Single Unit
8 Avionics Discrete I/O
IRIG A/B PWM and AM
USB 2.0 Bus Powered—No External Power Supply Needed
32 MB Data Memory
RoHS Compliant Design
Standard Black or Flight Test Orange Case
Small, Portable, and Rugged
Boards also available without enclosure for embedded use
Applications:
Databus Analysis, Test, and Simulation
Data Loading
Flightline and AOG Support
Replacing Plug-in Cards
Many More Uses in the Lab or in the Field
USB Interfaces to Multiple Simultaneous Avionics Protocols
The USB MULTI family of pocket-sized USB adapters enable computers to communicate with, simulate, test, and monitor avionics equipment and systems.
These rugged USB 2.0 peripherals feature a combination of different protocols in a single device. This provides greater convenience and cost savings when interfacing to multiple databus types. They are compatible with virtually all modern PC laptop, desktop, and tablet computers, and all power necessary for operation is provided via the single USB port. Plug and Play and Hot Swap features make them easy to install and move between computers.
Benefits:
Small, lightweight, and rugged
Portable, versatile, and durable
Easy Plug and Play installation
No external power supply needed
Powerful protocol engines
Secure locking connectors
Free customer support for product life
3-year limited warranty standard
FCC, CE and RoHS compliant
USB 708
USB 2.0 Avionics Interfaces for ARINC 708
The Easy Avionics Interface
These pocket-sized USB adapters are the easy and portable way to interface your computer to ARINC 708 and similar weather radar databuses.
Key Features:
Up to 4 ARINC 708 Channels
8 Avionics Discrete I/O
IRIG A/B PWM and AM
USB 2.0 Bus Powered—No External Power Supply Needed
32 MB Data Memory
RoHS Compliant Design
Standard Black or Flight Test Orange Case
Small, Portable, and Rugged
Boards also available without enclosure for embedded use
Applications:
Weather radar, CDU, and T-R unit analysis, test, and simulation
Flightline and AOG Support
Replacing Plug-in Cards
Many More Uses in the Lab or in the Field
Powerful 708 Interfaces
The USB 708 family of pocket-sized USB adapters enable computers to interface with ARINC 708 and similar weather radar display databuses. These rugged USB 2.0 peripherals feature extensive functionality for testing and simulating weather radar systems, CDUs (Control-Display Units), and T-R (Transmit-Receive) units. They are used for monitoring, generating, recording, and playing back data. The ARINC 708 display databus is sometimes referred to as ARINC 453.
These versatile interfaces are suitable for a wide range of applications in the lab and in the field, and are compatible with virtually all modern PC laptop, desktop, and tablet computers. They support maximum data throughput on all 708 channels and have a large 32 MB built-in memory. All power necessary for operation is provided via the single USB port. Plug and Play and Hot Swap features make them easy to install and move between computers.
Hardware
Models are available with one receive and one transmit channel (1R1T) or with two receive and two transmit channels (2R2T). They support simultaneous operation on all available channels and provide software-selectable word lengths and pre-sync pulses to support custom protocols that deviate from ARINC 708. All include eight avionics level input/output discretes and IRIG time synchronization/generation. Once configured, the USB hardware performs all the protocol processing. It manages the reception, transmission, error checking, time-tagging and buffering of messages—freeing your software to focus on high-level application-specific processing.
Software
Develop software applications with the included BTIDriver API, or use Astronics’ optional CoPilot software. CoPilot provides powerful, easy-to-use interactive tools for databus test, analysis, and simulation.
ARINC 708 functionality
Supports standard ARINC 708 and custom weather radar databuses
Receive, Transmit, and Monitor
Models available: 1R1T and 2R2T
Direct coupled channels per 708
Strappable on-board termination
LEDs indicate bus traffic and errors
USB 429
USB 2.0 Avionics Interfaces for ARINC 429 & 717
The Easy Avionics Interface
These pocket-sized USB adapters are the easy and portable way to interface your computer to ARINC 429 and ARINC 717 Avionics databuses.
Key Features:
Up to 16 ARINC 429 Channels
Up to 4 ARINC 717 Channels
8 Avionics Discrete I/O
IRIG A/B PWM and AM
USB 2.0 Bus Powered—No External Power Supply Needed
2 MB Data Memory
RoHS Compliant Design
Standard Black or Flight Test Orange Case
Small, Portable, and Rugged
Boards also available without enclosure for embedded use
Applications:
ARINC 429/717 Analysis, Test, and Simulation
Data Loading
Flightline and AOG Support
Replacing Plug-in Cards
Many More Uses in the Lab or in the Field
Powerful 429/717 Interfaces
The USB 429 family of pocket-sized USB adapters enable computers to communicate with, simulate, test, and monitor ARINC 429 and 717 equipment and systems. These rugged USB 2.0 peripherals feature extensive 429/717 functionality and are compatible with virtually all modern PC laptop, desktop, and tablet computers.
These versatile interfaces are suitable for a wide range of applications in the lab and in the field. They support maximum data throughput on all ARINC channels and have a large 32 MB built-in memory. All power necessary for operation is provided via the single USB port. Plug and Play and Hot Swap features make them easy to install and move between computers.
Hardware
Models are available with ARINC 429 channels only, ARINC 717 channels only, or a combination of both. All include eight avionics level input/output discretes and IRIG time synchronization/generation. They also provide useful non-standard functionality, such as a range of data rates, use of parity as data, and error injection. Once configured, the USB hardware performs all the protocol processing. It manages the reception, transmission, error checking, time-tagging and buffering of messages—freeing your software to focus on high-level application-specific processing.
Software
Develop software applications with the included BTIDriver API, or use Astronics’ optional CoPilot software. CoPilot provides powerful, easy-to-use interactive tools for databus test, analysis, and simulation.
ARINC 429 functionality:
Mix of receive and transmit channels
Handles periodic and transfer protocols
Message filters and schedules
Standard and non-standard bit rates
Error detection and selective injection
Variety of syncs and triggers
Several message buffering schemes
ARINC 575 support
LEDs indicate bus traffic
USB 1553
USB 2.0 Avionics Interfaces for MIL-STD-1553
The Easy Avionics Interface
These pocket-sized USB adapters are the easy and portable way to interface your computer to MIL-STD-1553 Avionics databuses.
Key Features:
Up to 2 Dual Redundant MIL-STD-1553 Channels
8 Avionics Discrete I/O
IRIG A/B PWM and AM
USB 2.0 Bus Powered—No External Power Supply Needed
32 MB Data Memory
RoHS Compliant Design
Standard Black or Flight Test Orange Case
Small, Portable, and Rugged
Boards also available without enclosure for embedded use
Applications:
MIL-STD-1553 Analysis, Test, and Simulation
Data Loading
Flightline and AOG Support
Replacing Plug-in Cards
Many More Uses in the Lab or in the Field
Powerful 1553 Interfaces
The USB 1553 family of pocket-sized USB adapters enable computers to communicate with, simulate, test, and monitor MIL-STD-1553 equipment and systems. These rugged USB 2.0 peripherals feature extensive 1553 functionality and are compatible with virtually all modern PC laptop, desktop, and tablet computers.
These versatile interfaces are suitable for a wide range of applications in the lab and in the field. They support maximum data throughput on all 1553 channels and have a large 32 MB built-in memory. All power necessary for operation is provided via the single USB port. Plug and Play and Hot Swap features make them easy to install and move between computers.
Hardware
Depending upon the hardware model, each 1553 channel may be either single-function, multi-function, or bus monitor only. Single-function channels can be configured in software as either a Bus Controller (BC), a Bus Monitor (BM), or up to 32 Remote Terminals (RTs). Multi-function channels have protocol error injection capability and can simultaneously be a BC, BM, and up to 32 RTs. All models include eight avionics level input/output discretes and IRIG time synchronization/generation.
Software
Develop software applications with the included BTIDriver API, or use Astronics' optional CoPilot software. CoPilot provides powerful, easy-to-use interactive tools for databus test, analysis, and simulation.
MIL-STD-1553 functionality
BC, RT, and/or Monitor
Dual-redundant channels
Models available: Single-function, Multi-function, and Bus Monitor only
Error injection (Multi-function only)
Transformer and direct coupling
Transformer coupled cable included
LEDs indicate bus traffic and errors
PE1000
PCIe/104 & PCI/104-Express Avionics Interface Cards
Multi-Protocol Interfaces
The PE1000 family of PCIe/104™ and PCI/104-Express™ cards enable embedded computers to interface with a variety of avionics databuses.
Key Features:
Multiple protocol support
Rugged Extended Temperature Design
Single- or Multi-function 1553 models
Powerful protocol engine
Easy-to-use software interface
Applications:
Mission computers
Embedded monitor/recorder systems
LRU and system interfacing
System analysis and integration testing
Performance monitoring and analysis
OEM equipment
Reliable Operation
These rugged cards provide the capability to reliably communicate with and monitor avionics equipment and systems. The family includes models with single and multiple protocols in an assortment of channel counts and functionality. A single card can provide all the avionics functionality needed for most applications.
Easy to Use
PE1000 interface cards are easy to install, integrate, and operate. High performance assures maximum data throughput on all channels. With all its capability and versatility, the PE1000 is ideal for a wide range of avionics embedded and test applications.
High Performance
PE1000 interface cards use Ballard’s time-tested 5th generation avionics protocol engines with bus mastering and a large 32-MB built-in memory to yield high performance. All models include sixteen avionics level input/output discretes and IRIG time synchronization/generation.
Cost-Effective Solution
There is a wide choice of models — ranging from simple, single-protocol, low channel-count cards to complex, multi-protocol, high channel-count cards. Equivalent models are available in both PCIe/104 and PCI/104-Express. Extended temperature range is standard, and conformal coating is an option. This wide selection allows the most cost effective solution to be used on each application.
DL 615
Data Loaders for ARINC 615 & 603
The DL 615 is the modern replacement for outmoded 3½‑inch floppy disk only ARINC 615 portable data loaders (PDL). Any PC running Microsoft Windows can perform data loads using the USB to ARINC 429 interface, cables, and software included with the DL 615. While being as simple to use as older floppy disk PDLs, the DL 615 provides record keeping, flexibility in data management, and powerful features for troubleshooting and enabling data loads into difficult LRUs. As an added benefit, the interface can be used as a general purpose ARINC 429 (and optionally ARINC 717) maintenance tool.
The DL 615 provides flexibility in how data to be loaded is stored and managed. Data can be loaded from floppy disks, hard disk, USB device, CD, DVD, and even from wired or wireless network locations. The transfer status display shows exactly how the load is progressing. Some LRUs have non-standard timing and can be difficult to load. The DL 615 provides compliant, tolerant, and custom timing options which, along with the included 615 protocol recording and debugging/diagnostic tools, enable the DL 615 to load LRUs that are impossible to load with other loaders.
The DL 615 can be easily configured to log data load sessions for record keeping and debugging purposes. Logs can include basic load details only or detailed records with all bus activity. The entry screen can optionally prompt the user for additional details at the start of a transfer session.
Benefits:
Intuitive operation
Lightweight, portable and durable
Modern solution
Obsolescence proof
Powered by PC over USB
Use with any available PC
Integrates with other applications
Multipurpose loader/maintenance tool
All DL 615 models include the following items:
Data loading software (MS Windows)
ARINC 429 databus to USB interface (also available with ARINC 717)
53-pin data loader cable
53-pin to 31-pin adapter cable (ARINC 603)
Locking USB cable
Rugged carrying case
OmniBus
PCI & cPCI Avionics Interface Cards for Multiple Protocols
OmniBus PCI and cPCI cards provide interfaces for avionics databuses, as well as general purpose digital I/O and IRIG sourcing and synchronizing. The cards can be ordered with one or two modules to support a variety of avionics databus protocols.
Key Features:
PCI or cPCI form factor
High channel counts
Mixed protocols
IRIG time synchronization
Extended temperatures available
Can be upgraded/reconfigured
Protocols & I/O:
MIL-STD-1553
ARINC 429
ARINC 708
ARINC 717
CSDB
Serial (RS-422/232/423)
Discrete I/O
OmniBus Family
OmniBus is a highly-flexible and high-performance family of avionics databus interfaces combining a selection of industry-standard platforms (PCI/cPCI, VME, PMC and Ethernet/USB) with a wide-viariety of I/O choices (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, ARINC 708, ARINC 717, Serial, CSDB and Discrete). This sophisticated OmniBus design allows users to order the exact number, functionality, and mix of protocol channels that they need. It also lets users upgrade or reconfigure their OmniBus (at the factory) as requirements change.
High-Performance Architecture
OmniBus products are built using an integrated board, core, and module architecture. PCI, cPCI, and Ethernet/USB boards include 1 or 2 cores, VME boards have up to 4, and PMC boards include a single fixed core. Each on-board core has a dedicated protocol processor, IRIG timer, and 3 sync and 3 trigger lines. These cores are the support circuitry for the I/O modules, which contain the interface to the databus protocol(s). Isolating the protocol interface on the I/O module provides the flexibility to create custom, user-specified configurations for single or mixed protocols. The protocol-specific OmniBus architecture provides a better solution with greater performance than general-purpose modular systems (such as IndustryPack™).
OmniBusBox II
Databus to Network Interfaces
The OmniBusBox II (OBB2) enables computers and networks to interface with multiple avionics databuses for testing, validating and simulating commercial and military avionics equipment and systems. These versatile units can be controlled through Ethernet or USB, or can be programmed to operate standalone. Readily available as Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) products, the OBB2 is perfect for challenging simulation, test, interface, bridging, control, simulation and data recording applications.
The OmniBusBox II is the next-generation of Astronics' popular OmniBusBox product with faster I/O and processing capabilities. The OBB2 is highly configurable and includes built-in standard peripherals (Ethernet, serial, and USB), along with four internal Cores that can be populated with a variety of databus protocols and discrete I/O modules. With the newest advanced set of MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 modules, users can verify wave form compatibilities, test functions of bus shorts and opens, and—when combined with our CoPilot® software—perform lab, production and flight test verification and simulation right out of the box.
Architecture
At the heart of the OmniBusBox II is a P1022 Freescale PowerPC processor and Ballard's FPGA protocol engines. In addition to the built-in standard peripherals and core I/O functions, PMC/XMC and Mini-PCIe sites in the 4-core version provide customer expansion capabilities such ARINC 664, CAN, IEEE 1394 and wireless protocols. The OBB2 includes extensive timing synchronization with multiple sources including 10MHz, PPS, IEEE 1588 and IRIG A/B. The 1U high case is easily placed on a desk or rack mountable. Though designed primarily as a lab product, the OBB2 has potential for use in large fixed-wing aircraft and light vehicle applications.
