USB Interface for Avionics Databus

The BUSBox® is a family of versatile avionics databus interfaces. Through a BUSBox any computer with a USB or RS-232 serial port can communicate over or monitor an avionics databus. Different BUSBox models support different avionics databus protocols with various levels of functionality. CoPilot, an interactive graphical user interface, or an application specific software program may be used to control the BUSBox.

Military and commercial avionics databus protocols are available in BUSBox models. A BUSBox can support one or more avionics databus protocols. Multi-protocol BUSBoxes provide savings and simplicity over separate interfaces. A single protocol BUSBox may be upgraded later with additional channels or capabilities. Though the BUSBox is normally controlled through a USB or serial port, custom models are available for stand-alone operation as data converters.

The BUSBox offers many advantages over alternative avionics databus interfaces. Using inexpensive USB hubs and BUSBoxes, a single computer can communicate with or monitor an unlimited number of avionics databuses. The BUSBox is small and can sit conveniently on the desktop, tucked out of sight, or mounted in various ways. It is Plug-and-Play and may be installed without opening or even powering down the computer, making it easy to share and move around between different portable and desktop computers.

Custom gate arrays and a powerful Digital Signal Processor (DSP) in the BUSBox handle the avionics databus protocol without host intervention. The large on-board memory and flexible message buffering schemes ensure data integrity and ample capacity. Only data for messages of interest need to be passed to/from the host over the USB or serial interface.

The BUSBox is versatile enough to be used in many different test software and operational applications, essentially anywhere a computer needs to interface with an avionics databus. Typical applications include research and development, production and acceptance testing, system simulation, maintenance, flight test, and on-board/in-flight avionics.

MIL-STD-1553: All 1553 models provide Bus Controller (BC), Remote Terminal (RT) and Monitor operation. They support all 1553 message types. Advanced models can simultaneously operate as the BC, Monitor, and any number of RTs, and can selectively inject protocol errors.

ARINC 429: Combinations of transmit and receive channels are available for a total of 2, 4 or 8 ARINC 429 channels. Receive channels have error and speed detection and extensive filtering. Transmit channels automatically maintain transmit intervals and allow selective error injection and concurrent aperiodic labels.

Others: Interfaces for ARINC 708 (weather radar) and ARINC 717 (flight data recorder) are also available. Part numbers for single protocol USB products and CoPilot Systems are listed in the table below.

Single-Protocol Products:

	BUSBox (only)	CoPilot System (BUSBox with CoPilot)	CoPilot Plus System (BUSBox with CoPilot Plus)
MIL-STD-1553 BC, RT, or Monitor	BB1100	CS-BB1100	CP-BB1100
Multi-terminal (4)	BB1200	CS-BB1200	CP-BB1200
Multi-terminal (32)	BB1300	CS-BB1300	CP-BB1300
Multi-terminal (32) & concurrent Monitor	BB1400	CS-BB1400	CP-BB1400
ARINC 429/575 2 Channels: 1R/1T	BB1010	CS-BB1010	CP-BB1010
4 Channels: 2R/2T	BB1020	CS-BB1020	CP-BB1020
0R/4T	BB1030	CS-BB1030	CP-BB1030
4R/0T	BB1040	CS-BB1040	CP-BB1040
8 Channels: 4R/4T	BB1050	CS-BB1050	CP-BB1050
6R/2T	BB1060	CS-BB1060	CP-BB1060
2R/6T	BB1070	CS-BB1070	CP-BB1070
8R/0T	BB1080	CS-BB1080	CP-BB1080
0R/8T	BB1090	CS-BB1090	CP-BB1090
ARINC 708/453 (1R/1T)	BB1700	CS-BB1700	n.a.
ARINC 717/573 (4 channels)	BB1001	n.a.	n.a.

Combinations: Models are available with different mixes of protocols. Some of the more popular combinations of protocols are ARINC 429 with ARINC 717, ARINC 429 with ARINC 708, and MIL-STD-1553 with ARINC 429. Part numbers for twenty-seven product combinations are listed in the table below. When ordering a CoPilot or CoPilot Plus system, part numbers must be prefaced by a "CS-" or "CP-" as shown in the table above.

Multi-Protocol Products:

	ARINC 429 (2R/2T)	ARINC 429 (0R/4T)	ARINC 429 (4R/0T)	ARINC 717 (4 CH)
MIL-STD-1553 BC, RT, or Monitor	BB1120	BB1130	BB1140	BB1101
Multi-terminal (4)	BB1220	BB1230	BB1240	BB1201
Multi-terminal (32)	BB1320	BB1330	BB1340	BB1301
Multi-terminal (32) & concurrent Monitor	BB1420	BB1430	BB1440	BB1401
ARINC 708/453	BB1720	BB1730	BB1740	BB1701
ARINC 717/573	BB1021	BB1031	BB1041	—

Custom: The BUSBox may be easily adapted to custom requirements. A display and keypad are available.

The easiest way to use BUSBox is with the powerful graphical program called CoPilot, available as an optional package. CoPilot supports and greatly simplifies tasks associated with defining and scheduling messages and with capturing and analyzing data.

Alternatively, software developers can use the bundled Application Program Interface (API) that enables quick and easy development of custom applications. With only a few API calls a program can configure the BUSBox and process messages to/from the avionics databus. Although most tasks require only a few API functions, the comprehensive library includes a broad range of tools for specialized needs. Driver software is included for Windows® 98/Me/2000/XP.