Avionics BusBox 2000 Series

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.

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.

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.

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.

AB2000 Models

Ballard offers over 60 COTS AB2000 configurations. Contact Ballard for detailed information and custom needs. The following are a few example configurations:

Model AB2280
Base Model features plus 4 dual redundant multi-function MIL-STD-1553 channels

Model AB2146
Base Model features plus 8R/4T ARINC 429 and 1R/1T ARINC 717 channels

Model AB2342
Base Model features plus 8R/4T ARINC 429, 1R/1T ARINC 708 and 1 dual redundant multi-function MIL-STD-1553 channel

Many more models are available.
Contact Ballard for more information.