Description
Ballard's OmniBus products connect computers or networks to one or more
avionics databuses. OmniBus 429 refers to the ARINC 429 capabilities available
for all modular OmniBus platforms. Separate web pages provide information on OmniBus
platforms (PCI,
cPCI,
PMC,
VME,
USB/Ethernet), avionics protocols (MIL-STD-1553,
ARINC 708,
ARINC 717, and CSDB),
serial ports (RS-422/232/423), and discrete IO.
OmniBus products are built around an intelligent platform that can host one
or more protocol modules. This flexible architecture accommodates mixed protocols,
high channel counts, and unsurpassed processing power. An on-board PowerPC®
processor can be programmed by the user to offload the host or for stand-alone
operation. Each module has its own DSP dedicated to protocol processing.
OmniBus 429 modules are available with up to 16 channels in various
receive/transmit combinations. Parametric 429 modules provide variable transmit
amplitude and programmable frequency (to support equipment that varies from the ARINC
429 standard, such as some implementations of ARINC 575). ARINC 429 channels can be
combined with ARINC 717 or serial ports on the same module (see table of
module part numbers below).
All ARINC 429 receive channels feature automatic speed detection and independent
label and SDI filtering. Each transmit channel automatically maintains accurate label
repetition rates and supports aperiodic transmissions (for data transfer protocols such
as ARINC 615). Both receivers and transmitters offer programmable speed and parity.
Applications for OmniBus products include testing, simulation, and operational uses
of avionics databuses. With its error detection and generation capability, OmniBus 429
is well suited to product development, production, and system testing. The high channel
count, multi-terminal capability, and on-board PowerPC processor provide the power necessary
for flight simulators and system integration laboratories. An OmniBus product may also be
used as a data server or as a stand-alone converter from one protocol to another.
Software
The easiest way to use OmniBus 429 products in a Windows® environment is with
Ballard's graphical CoPilot® software. CoPilot can host
multiple cards, channels, and databuses (ARINC 429, ARINC 708, MIL-STD-1553, and serial), so it
is the ideal tool for OmniBus products.
Alternatively, users can develop their own software using the included BTIDriver
API. Although each OmniBus product can be easily configured and run with only a few
API calls, the comprehensive library includes a broad range of functions for
specialized needs.
An SDK is available for advanced users who are developing software to run on the
PowerPC.
Ordering Information
OmniBus Order NumbersThe order number for an OmniBus product is a
combination of the board part number (see table below) and module part number(s). For
example, order number 111-427 is an OmniBus PCI with a 4R/4T ARINC 429 module.
|
1 Core |
2 Cores |
4 Cores |
| PCI (short) |
111 |
112 |
|
| cPCI (3U) |
121 |
122 |
|
| VME (6U) |
|
152 |
154 |
| Ethernet/USB |
|
162 |
|
ARINC 429 Module Part NumbersThe table below lists standard
ARINC 429 modules. Contact Ballard for more details.
| P/N |
Description |
| 421 |
16R/0T ARINC 429 |
| 422 |
12R/4T ARINC 429 |
| 423 |
8R/8T ARINC 429 |
| 424 |
4R/12T ARINC 429 |
| 425 |
0R/16T ARINC 429 |
| 426 |
8R/0T ARINC 429 |
| 427 |
4R/4T ARINC 429 |
| 428 |
0R/8T ARINC 429 |
| 434 |
4R/4T parametric ARINC 429 |
| 435 |
4R/4T parametric with 4R/4T ARINC 717* |
| 436 |
4R/4T ARINC 429 with 4 Serial UARTs |
| 437 |
4R/4T parametric ARINC 429 with 4R/4T CSDB |
*On module P/N 435, ARINC 429 and bipolar ARINC 717 channels share the same receivers.