Avionics BusBox 2000 Series

Description

The Avionics BusBox 2000 (AB2000) series of products are small, lightweight, conduction cooled, embedded computers for rugged environments. These off-the-shelf computers have many built-in standard peripherals and interfaces for various avionics databuses, as well as PMC expansion capability. With the addition of application software, the AB2000 provides a readily available Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solution to challenging interface, bridging and control problems. The AB2000 is available in many configurations to meet a variety of needs.

Typical applications for the AB2000 include data and protocol conversion, databus and network bridging, data servers, data recorders, communications, power controllers, federated controllers and multiple net-centric applications. The AB2000 delivers outstanding performance for applications on the ground and in the air. They are ideal for helicopter, fixed wing and ground mobile platforms.

Architecture

At the heart of the AB2000 a user programmable PowerPC® processor runs the software application and controls the various standard (serial, Ethernet, USB, and discrete) and avionics databus (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429/708/717, etc.) interfaces. The high level of functionality implemented in the hardware interface circuitry assures full use of the PowerPC processor for the software application.

Application Examples

The versatility of the AB2000 lends itself to many different applications. As a protocol converter, it can aid in the integration of commercial and military avionics. For example, acting as a MIL-STD-1553 Bus Monitor and an ARINC 429 transmitter, the AB2000 could make navigation data from a military system available to a commercial device. The Ethernet port may be used in a variety of applications including an Ethernet-to-avionics bridge, an avionics data server, or a remote control/monitoring interface for avionics devices. Aircraft data can be monitored and recorded to the on-board Flash storage. This is useful in maintenance applications where flight data can subsequently be analyzed to detect potential problems.

Software

There are two ways software can operate the AB2000, either embedded or tethered. Embedded programs for the PowerPC processor are first developed on a host computer and then uploaded to the AB2000's universal BTIDrivers non-volatile Flash memory. At power-on the embedded application boots from the Flash memory and runs without host intervention. The tethered case is where a separate computer runs the application and controls the AB2000 over Ethernet.

The included Software Development Kit (SDK) provides tools and examples to facilitate the development of software applications. The AB2000 uses Ballard's universal BTIDriver API, so application software for the AB2000 can be easily ported to or from other Ballard products. Although the AB2000 can be easily configured and run with only a few API calls, the comprehensive library includes a broad range of functions for specialized needs. The optional CoPilot software facilitates analysis and test for in-flight and other embedded applications.

AVIONICS BUSBOX 2000 SERIES TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

BASE MODEL SPECIFICATIONS

The following is a list of the standard product features.

• PowerPC processor
• 64 MB SDRAM
• 16 MB Flash
• Real Time Clock (with 650+ hours of backup)
• 2 RS-232/423/422/485 (selectable)
• 1 Ethernet (10/100) port
• 2 USB 2.0 host ports
• 16 Avionics Discrete I/O
• IRIG A/B AM/DC TTL receiver
• Voltage and temperature monitoring
• Flash drive (512 MB standard)
• Conduction cooled PMC site
• Power: 28 VDC nominal
• MTBF: 350,000+ hours

AVAILABLE INTERFACES

The following interfaces are available on common COTS configurations.

MIL-STD-1553
Up to 4 dual redundant channels
BC/RT/MON (Single or Multi-Function)

ARINC 429
Up to 12 channels (Rx/Tx)

ARINC 708
Up to 4 channels

ARINC 717
Up to 2 channels
Biphase/Bipolar

Avionics Discrete I/O
Up to 48 programmable Input/Output

ADDITIONAL CAPABILITIES

The architecture of the AB200 provides flexibility to include many other interface capabilities, such as mass storage, analog, audio, CAN, synchro, etc. New features, functions, and channels counts are being added regularly to the AB2000. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Extended Temperature
Conduction or convection cooled
DO-160, MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461

MECHANICAL

Compact enclosure:
5.25 x 7.5 x 2.5 inch (139 x 186 x 63 mm)
Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6Kg)
Horizontal & vertical mounting