DescriptionThe OmniBus cPCI (3U) to ARINC 429 board (part of the OmniBus family of products) can host up to 32 ARINC 429 channels, which can be ordered in many combinations of receivers/transmitters. Optional features include 429 parametrics versions and ARINC 717 channels or serial ports (RS-422/232/423). Each on-board core (3U cPCI board can host 1 or 2) has a dedicated protocol processor and an IRIG circuit (for time-tags and synchronization), as well as 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 cPCI board allows users to upgrade or reconfigure their OmniBus with additional functionality, channels, and protocols as requirements change.
ARINC 429 ChannelsAll ARINC 429 receive channels feature automatic speed detection and independent label and SDI filtering. Each transmit channel automatically maintains accurate label repetition rates. To support data transfer protocols, aperiodic words may be transmitted without altering the timing of periodic words. Both receive and transmit channels may be independently set for standard high or low speed (12.5 or 100 Kbps). Independently of normal operation on transmit and receive channels, the Sequential Monitor concurrently stores a time-tagged record of all or selected channel activity. This filtered record may be streamed to a file for later playback or analysis. OmniBus ARINC 429 channels with parametric capability have variable transmit amplitude and user-configurable frequency. The transmit amplitude can be individually set in software for each channel. Configurable frequency, also set in software for each channel, allows both transmit and receive channels to operate at non-standard frequencies. Thus, 429 channels may also be used with equipment that varies from the ARINC 429 standard (such as some implementations of ARINC 575). The OmniBus 429 page contains complete information on ARINC 429/575 functionality for OmniBus products.
OmniBus FeaturesProtocol Processors—The OmniBus 3U 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 board can host up to 32 ARINC 429 channels without relying on the host processor or risking data loss from an overloaded DSP. IRIG Time—Each OmniBus cPCI 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 ConfigurationsThere are many possible configurations of ARINC 429 channels for OmniBus cPCI boards. Below is a sampling of the most popular models (order numbers appear in parentheses). Popular 429 configurations for OmniBus cPCI: | 8-Channel Boards | 16-Channel Boards | 32-Channel Boards |
|---|
4R/4T parametric
(121-434) | 8R/8T parametric
(121-438) | 16R/16T parametric
(122-438-438) | 4R/4T
(121-427) | 8R/8T
(121-423) | 16R/16T
(122-423-423) | 8R/0T
(121-426) | 16R/0T
(121-421) | 32R/0T
(122-421-421) | 0R/8T
(121-428) | 12R/4T
(121-422) | 0R/32T
(122-425-425) |
| 4R/12T
(121-424) |
|
| 0R/16T
(121-425) |
|
The table below illustrates some common protocol combinations with ARINC 429 channels (order numbers appear in parentheses). Popular protocol combinations for OmniBus cPCI for 429: 4R/4T parametric
ARINC 429 channels | 8R/8T parametric
ARINC 429 channels | 8R/8T ARINC 429
channels | - with 4R/4T ARINC 717 channels
(121-435) | - with 1 MIL-STD-1553 databus, Level D
(122-438-550) | - with 1R/1T ARINC 708 channels
(122-423-810) |
Software OptionsThe easiest way to use the ARINC 429 functionality of your OmniBus device is with CoPilot 429, Ballard's Windows-based software. CoPilot 429 is an intuitive, interactive program that simplifies the testing and simulation of ARINC 429 systems. In CoPilot 429, you can quickly build transmit schedules and enter and display data in meaningful engineering units. The Sequential Monitor captures, records, filters, displays, and exports 429 traffic. Equipment ID and label definitions are built into the CoPilot 429 database. CoPilot 429 Plus features include virtual instruments, hardware and software playback modes, and scripting. CoPilot 429 is part of the CoPilot Family, which also supports MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 708, and serial. Because CoPilot can host multiple cards, channels, and databuses, it is the ideal tool for operating OmniBus products. CoPilot 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.).
CompactPCI Systems | MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 708, ARINC 717, CSDB, serial, and discrete IO cards are also available through Ballard Technology as part of an integrated OmniBus cPCI system. Every OmniBus CompactPCI system is uniquely configured to meet the requirements of the customer and is tested and certified for immediate use. CoPilot software support is available.
Call Ballard Technology for details on single or multi-protocol cPCI systems. |
Ordering InformationThe OmniBus cPCI card can be ordered in many combinations of modules and features. The complete order number for an OmniBus cPCI 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.
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