OmniBus® PCI Interface for MIL-STD-1553

Description

The OmniBus PCI (short) to MIL-STD-1553 board (part of the OmniBus family of products) can host up to 4 dual-redundant 1553 databuses. Each 1553 bus can be ordered in a range of capability, from single-terminal emulation to multi-terminal simulation with concurrent monitoring, protocol error injection (word/gap/message), variable transmit amplitude, and zero crossing deviation. 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.

MIL-STD-1553 Databuses

OmniBus MIL-STD-1553 buses are available in five levels of functionality (summarized in the table below). All levels provide Bus Controller, Remote Terminal, or Monitor operation and support all 1553 message types. 1553 databuses can maintain a time-tagged history of bus activity in a Sequential Record file for storage and analysis. All OmniBus 1553 databuses provide software-selectable bus termination. Advanced features include multi-terminal simulation (up to 32) with concurrent monitoring and protocol error injection (word, gap, and message errors). In addition, OmniBus introduces level D, which expands MIL-STD-1553 error injection to include variable transmit amplitude and zero crossing distortion.

Levels of functionality for OmniBus 1553 channels:

	A	B4	B32	C	D
Number of Simultaneous Terminals	1	4	32	32	32
Monitor Filtering for terminal address Filtering for subaddress Concurrent terminal monitoring
Protocol Error Injection
Variable Transmit Amplitude
Zero Crossing Distortion

The OmniBus 1553 page contains complete information on MIL-STD-1553 functionality for OmniBus products.

OmniBus Features

Protocol Processors—The OmniBus PCI 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 PCI board can host up to 4 dual-redundant 1553 databuses 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 PCI 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

There are more than a hundred possible configurations of MIL-STD-1553 databuses for OmniBus PCI boards. Below is a sampling of the most popular models.

Popular 1553 configurations for OmniBus PCI:

	1 Databus	2 Databuses	4 Databuses
Level A (single-function BC, RT, or Mon)	111-510	111-511	112-511-511
Level B4 (up to 4 simultaneous terminals)	111-520	111-522	112-522-522
Level B32 (up to 32 simultaneous terminals)	111-530	111-533	112-533-533
Level C (up to 32 simultaneous terminals plus concurrent monitor and error injection)	111-540	111-544	112-544-544
Level D (same as Level C plus configurable RT response time, variable transmit amplitude, and zero crossing distortion)	111-550	111-555	112-555-555
Combination		111-551 (DA)	112-555-511 (DDAA)

The table below illustrates popular mixed-protocol combinations (1553/429).

Popular protocol combinations for OmniBus PCI for 1553:

	8 ARINC 429 channels (4R/4T)	16 ARINC 429 chan- nels (8R/8T) parametric
1 MIL-STD-1553 databus (Level A)	112-510-427	112-510-438
2 MIL-STD-1553 databuses (Level A)	112-511-427	112-511-438
1 MIL-STD-1553 databus (Level D)	112-550-427	112-550-438
2 MIL-STD-1553 databuses (Level D)	112-555-427	112-555-438

Software Options

The easiest way to use the MIL-STD-1553 functionality of your OmniBus PCI board is with CoPilot 1553, Ballard's Windows-based software. CoPilot 1553 is an intuitive, interactive program that simplifies the testing and simulation of MIL-STD-1553 systems. In CoPilot 1553, you can simulate the Bus Controller, up to 32 RTs, and monitor, record, and export bus activity. Data can be entered and displayed in engineering units and data definitions may be saved to the 1553 database. CoPilot 1553 Plus features include virtual instruments, strip charts, moving map displays, scripting, and software playback mode. CoPilot 1553 is part of the CoPilot Family, which also supports ARINC 429, ARINC 708, and serial. Because CoPilot can host multiple cards, channels, and databuses, it is the ideal tool for operating OmniBus products. CoPilot 1553 may be purchased as part of an OmniBus system or purchased separately.

Alternatively, 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.