The Flexible AB2000 Series Avionics BusBox

Reduce SWaP

The Rugged AB2000 is a family of compact, conduction or convection-cooled computers for use in demanding environments. These flexible, Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) devices solve challenging interface, bridging and control problems, while reducing SWaP (Size, Weight and Power).

PowerPC^® Processor

At the heart of the AB2000 is a user programmable PowerPC processor that can be controlled by embedded software or by a separate computer over Ethernet. The AB2000 interface hardware circuitry provides a high level of functionality which assures full use of the processor for the software application.

Built-in Interfaces

What separates the AB2000 from other embedded computers is the wide variety of built-in avionics interfaces and standard I/O in such a small package. This functionality is integral to the unit's design to ensure the highest level of compatibility and performance.

Available interfaces include:

• MIL-STD-1553
• ARINC 429/575
• ARINC 708/453
• ARINC 717/573
• RS-232/422/485
• Ethernet (10/100)
• USB 2.0 Host (High Speed)
• Flash Storage
• Discrete I/O
• PMC Expansion

Powerful Solutions

The AB2000 Series delivers outstanding performance on the ground and in the air. They are routinely deployed on helicopter, fixed wing, and ground mobile platforms in applications that include:

• Data and protocol converter
• Network server
• Health monitor
• Local/distributed control
• Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) integration
• Maintenance gateway
• Data recorder
• Ethernet switch

Learn more about the problem-solving personalities of the AB2000.

Standard Computer Interfaces

All models have the following interfaces:

• RS-232/423/422/485 2 channels (selectable)
• Ethernet (10/100) 1 port
• USB 2.0 2 host ports
• IRIG A/B AM/DC TTL receiver

Avionics Interfaces

The following interfaces are available on common COTS configurations:

• MIL-STD-1553 Up to 4 dual redundant channels
• ARINC 429 Up to 24 channels
• ARINC 708 Up to 4 channels
• ARINC 717 Up to 2 channels (Biphase/Bipolar)
• Avionics Discrete I/O Up to 48 programmable Input/Outputs

Additional Interfaces

The PMC expansion architecture of the AB2000 provides flexibility to include many other interface capabilities, such as:

• ARINC 664
• Ethernet switch
• Synchronous Serial
• Additional Asynchronous Serial
• CAN bus
• Additional Avionics Interfaces
• Relays
• 1394B
• Mass storage
• Analog
• Audio, etc.

Contact us for more information on the features above, or to talk about your specific interface requirements.

Basic

• PowerPC processor
• 64 MB SDRAM
• 16 MB Flash
• Real Time Clock with backup power
• Voltage and temperature monitoring
• Flash drive
• Conduction cooled PMC site
• Power: 28 VDC nominal
• MTBF: 350,000+ hours

Environmental

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

Mechanical

• Compact enclosure: 5.46 x 7.31 x 2.48 in (139 x 186 x 63 mm)
• Weight: 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) Horizontal & vertical mounting

For full specifications, refer to product datasheet under the "Downloads" tab.

Embedded or Tethered Operation

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 BTIDriver 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.

Software Development Kit

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.

CoPilot

CoPilot is the industry's leading productivity tool for avionics databus analysis and simulation. The intuitive graphical interface and advanced functionality allow you to quickly evaluate databus activity, view and interact with data, generate or modify messages, develop and manage test proceedures, and much more. Add CoPilot at anytime, or purchase with the AB2000 at a special bundled price.
   »Find out more about CoPilot

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