The Ballard AFDX family of products interfaces various computer platforms with Ethernet based aircraft data networks. They enable computers with PCI, cPCI, or PMC expansion slots to receive and transmit data over an Avionics Full Duplex Switched Ethernet (AFDX) network. These products meet the demanding requirements of the AFDX and ARINC 664 Aircraft Data Networks (ADN) used on the newest Airbus and Boeing Aircraft.
Engineers and technicians use Ballard AFDX products for development, production, and maintenance of AFDX equipped products and systems. Ballard AFDX products are used as testers of end systems, as simulators of network switches and end systems. and as databus analyzers for measuring and recording network performance. Applications for the Ballard AFDX products are found in engineering laboratories, in avionics and airframe factories, on the flight-line, and in maintenance facilities.
The Ballard AFDX family consists of several different models with varying levels of functionality. The base model permits functional operation of the transmitters and receivers or capturing bus activity through a sequential monitor. More advanced models allow operation of the transmitters and receivers while concurrently monitoring. All models capture numerous network characteristics, providing a statistical record of errors and performance. User controlled filters can limit the results to only those of interest. Additionally, advanced models can also be programmed to transmit different kinds of errors for the purpose of verifying how equipment or systems respond to error conditions.
A powerful dedicated on-board processor (PowerPC®) handles the AFDX protocol, freeing the host processor for user applications. Integrity checking, redundancy management, and flow control (scheduling) are all built-in to the firmware running on the on-board processor.