OmniBus® PCI Interface for ARINC 717

Description

The OmniBus PCI (short) to ARINC 717 board (part of the OmniBus Family of products) can host up to sixteen 717 channels (8R/8T). These channels can be software-configured as bipolar or biphase in eight different speeds. Each on-board core (PCI board can host 1 or 2) has a dedicated protocol processor, an IRIG circuit for time-tags and synchronization, and 3 sync outputs and 3 trigger inputs. The on-board PowerPC processor can be programmed by the user to off-load processing from the host computer. The modular design of the OmniBus PCI board allows users to upgrade or reconfigure their OmniBus with additional functionality, channels, and protocols as requirements change.

ARINC 717 Channels

OmniBus ARINC 717 channels may be configured by the user as biphase or bipolar and provide variable transmit amplitude. ARINC 717 channels are capable of operating at 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, and 8192 wps. OmniBus ARINC 717 modules can include ARINC 429 channels, allowing the user to communicate over 717 databuses while simultaneously transmitting and receiving ARINC 429 data. This configuration is ideal for troubleshooting Flight Data Recorders or testing systems that involve the interaction of 429 and 717. Please note that ARINC 429 channels are also available separately on OmniBus boards for ARINC 429 (see OmniBus Family page).

The OmniBus 717 page contains complete information on ARINC 717/573 functionality for OmniBus products.

OmniBus Features

Protocol Processors—The OmniBus cPCI board can host 1 or 2 on-board cores with circuitry to support 1 or 2 protocol modules. Because each on-board core has its own dedicated DSP, the OmniBus cPCI (3U) board can host up to 16 ARINC 717 channels without relying on the host processor or risking data loss from an overloaded DSP.

IRIG Time—Each OmniBus PCI core has its own 64-bit IRIG timer that can be used in place of the binary timer. The IRIG time can be initiated by an outside source or be generated by one of the OmniBus PCI cores. The IRIG circuit allows channels, boards, and other equipment to be synchronized to a standard time. When engaged, time-tags are generated in IRIG values that specify days, hours, minutes down to microseconds.

Digital I/O—Each core also comes with 6 dedicated digital I/O lines: 3 trigger inputs and 3 sync outs. These 6 lines may also be used as general-purpose I/O and may be accessed through software running either on the host computer or the on-board user processor. The OmniBus cPCI also comes with board discretes that may be used as general-purpose I/O and are accessible through software running on the PowerPC user processor.

User Processor—The on-board PowerPC processor can be programmed by the user to off-load processing from the host computer. Possible applications include dynamic data generation/simulation, data filtering, and event triggering. Programs for the PowerPC are uploaded from the host and, if desired, may be saved in non-volatile on-board Flash memory. Applications can be configured to automatically boot from Flash memory and run on the PowerPC processor without host intervention.

Example Configurations

Below is a sampling of some possible configurations with ARINC 717 (order numbers appear in parentheses).

Software Options

Software developers can use the included Application Program Interface (API) to quickly develop custom applications. OmniBus products can be easily configured and operated with only a few API calls. The comprehensive library also includes a broad range of functions for specialized needs.

Driver software is included for Windows® 95/98/NT/Me/2000/XP. Contact Ballard for availability of drivers for other operating systems (Linux, VxWorks®, etc.).

Ordering Information

The OmniBus PCI card can be ordered in many combinations of modules and features. The complete order number for an OmniBus PCI card is a combination of the main model number, module number(s), and options. Ballard Technology also offers a variety of cables and other accessories that interface with our products as well as various databuses. Please contact Ballard Technology for specific ordering information.