OmniBus® PCI for ARINC 708

Description

Ballard's OmniBus products connect computers or networks to one or more avionics databuses. OmniBus 708 refers to the ARINC 708 capabilities available for all OmniBus platforms. Separate web pages provide information on OmniBus platforms (PCI, cPCI, VME, USB/Ethernet), avionics protocols (MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, ARINC 717), serial ports (RS422/232/423), CSDB, 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 708 modules are available with 1R/1T or 2R/2T channels for communication on the display databus of an ARINC 708 airborne pulse Doppler weather radar. Parametric 708 modules provide variable transmit amplitude. OmniBus 708 provides software-selectable word lengths and pre-sync pulses to support custom protocols that deviate from ARINC 708.

Applications for OmniBus products include testing, simulation, and operational uses of avionics databuses. OmniBus 708 can be used for testing weather radar CDUs (Control-Display Unit) and T-R (Transmit-Receive) units, recording data from a T-R unit, playing back recorded data to a CDU, or monitoring the display databus. The OmniBus 708 page contains complete information on ARINC 708/453 functionality for OmniBus products.

By adding ARINC 429, the control functions of a weather radar can also be simulated on a single OmniBus board. 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.

ARINC 708 Functional Specifications

General

• ARINC 708 modules are available in transmitter/receiver pairs (1R/1T or 2R/2T)
  • Each transmitter and receiver can operate concurrently
  • The transmitter/receiver of each pair can independently operate on either of two buses
• Parametric 708 modules provide variable transmit amplitude
• All OmniBus 708 channels support standard ARINC 708 1600-bit words and syncs
• Custom protocols are supported by variable word lengths and programmable pre-sync pulses
• Configurable bit order for LSB (default) or MSB order (MIL-STD-1553 order)
• Easily read and write header fields (such as angle, gain, etc.) and range bins
• Software-selectable bus termination
• Internal self-test bus facilitates built-in test and diagnostics

Transmitters

• Multiple frames facilitate data handling (write to one set of frames while the other set of frames is transmitting)
• Configurable frame frequency (in Hz) controls the repetition rate of 708 words
• Trigger options (3 trigger inputs per module):
  • Configure a transmitter to externally trigger each message
  • Assign one trigger to multiple transmit channels for synchronized operation
  • Programmable polarity eases integration with external equipment
  • Use one or more lines and conditions to create multiple unique triggers

Receivers

• Each received message is stored in a message record that includes:
  • the 1600-bit word
  • any bits beyond 1600 (for variable bit count mode)
  • total number of bits (for variable bit count mode)
  • time-tag
  • channel number
  • detected errors
• Detected errors:
  • sync
  • Manchester
  • long word
  • short word
• Optional error signaling through digital output(s)

Sequential Monitor

• Create a sequential record in on-board memory or stream to file (with a simple program)
• Monitor concurrently with transmitter/receiver operation
• Monitor recording modes:
  • circular
  • fill and halt

Time-Tags

• Use 32-bit binary timer or 64-bit IRIG timer (displays day/hour/min/sec/ms/µs)
• IRIG timer options:
  • Select IRIG-B or IRIG-A format
  • Generate IRIG signal or sync up to an IRIG signal (on-board or external)
  • Initialize timer to time of day or other value

Interrupts/Logging

• Event log can be polled or configured to generate interrupts to the host PC
• The following events may be user-selected for logging/interrupts:
  • When the monitor is full or halts
  • On a user-specified frequency of monitored messages
  • When tagged messages are sent or received

Example Configurations

708 Configurations for 2 Modules

• Up to 8 (4R/4T) ARINC 708 channels
• 2R/2T ARINC 708 channels plus 1 or 2 MIL-STD-1553 channels
• 2R/2T ARINC 708 channels plus 4R/4T ARINC 429 channels and 4R/4T ARINC 717 channels

708 Configurations for 4 Modules

• Up to 16 (8R/8T) ARINC 708 channels
• 4R/4T ARINC 708 channels plus 16R/16T ARINC 429 channels
• 4R/4T ARINC 708 channels plus 4R/4T ARINC 429 channels and 4R/4T ARINC 717 channels and 1 or 2 MIL-STD-1553 channels

Software

The easiest way to use OmniBus 708 products in a Windows environment is with Ballard's graphical CoPilot software. CoPilot can host multiple cards, channels, and databuses (ARINC 708, ARINC 429, 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^TM 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.

Windows 95/98/NT/Me/2000/XP drivers are included; call for availability of Linux, VxWorks®, or other drivers. An SDK is available for advanced users to develop applications for the PowerPC®.

Ordering Information

OmniBus Order Numbers—The 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 111-811 is an OmniBus PCI board w ith a 2R/2T ARINC 708 module.

	1 Core	2 Cores	4 Cores
PCI (short)	111	112	—
cPCI (3U)	121	122	—
VME (6U)	—	152	154
Ethernet/USB	—	162	—

ARINC 708 Module Part Numbers—The table below lists standard 708 modules. Additional configurations and protocols may be supported on request. Contact Ballard for details.

P/N	Description
810	1R/1T
811	2R/2T
820	1R/1T parametric
822	2R/2T parametric