Description
The OmniBus cPCI (3U) to ARINC 708 board (part of the OmniBus Family of products) can host up to 4R/4T ARINC 708 channels. Parametric versions are available. Each on-board core (3U cPCI board can host 1 or 2 cores) 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.
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ARINC 708 Channels
OmniBus products for ARINC 708 communicate on the display databus of an ARINC 708 airborne pulse Doppler weather radar. OmniBus with ARINC 708 can be used for testing a CDU (Control-Display Unit), testing a T-R (Transmit-Receive) unit, recording data from a T-R unit to a file, playing back recorded data from a file to a CDU, or monitoring traffic on the display databus. By adding ARINC 429, the control functions of a weather radar can also be simulated on a single OmniBus board. Each 708 databus has software-selectable termination resistors and a variable word length mode for non-standard radars. Parametric versions that provide software-controlled variable transmit amplitude are available. The OmniBus 708 page contains complete information on ARINC 708/453 functionality for OmniBus products.
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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 board can host up to 4R/4T ARINC 708 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 cPCI 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 OmniBus cPCI 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.
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Example Configurations
There are many possible configurations of ARINC 708 channels for OmniBus cPCI boards. A sampling of popular models with order numbers is shown in the table below.
Popular 708 configurations for OmniBus cPCI: | 2-Channel Boards | 4-Channel Boards | 6-Channel Boards | 8-Channel Boards |
|---|
1R/1T ARINC 708
channels
(121-810) | 2R/2T ARINC 708
channels
(121-811) | 3R/3T ARINC 708
channels
(122-811-810) | 4R/4T ARINC 708
channels
(122-811-811) | 1R/1T parametric
ARINC 708 channels
(121-820) | 2R/2T parametric
ARINC 708 channels
(121-822) | 3R/3T parametric
ARINC 708 channels
(122-822-820) | 4R/4T parametric
ARINC 708 channels
(122-822-822) |
The table below illustrates some common protocol combinations with ARINC 708 channels (order numbers appear in parentheses).
Popular protocol combinations for OmniBus cPCI for 708: | 1R/1T ARINC 708 channels | 1R/1T parametric ARINC 708 channels | 2R/2T parametric ARINC 708 channels | 1R/1T ARINC 708 channels | with 8R/8T ARINC 429 channels
(122-810-423) | with 4R/4T parametric 429 channels
(122-820-434) | with 8R/8T parametric 429 channels
(122-822-438) | with 1 MIL-STD-1553 databus, Level A
(122-810-510) |
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Software
The easiest way to use the ARINC 708 functionality of your OmniBus device is with CoPilot 708, Ballard's Windows-based software. CoPilot 708 is an intuitive, interactive program that simplifies the testing and simulation of airborne Doppler weather radar systems. In CoPilot 708, you can transmit, receive, monitor, and view ARINC 708 display data. Users can monitor, record, and retransmit on the 708 display databus. Data may be viewed and modified in engineering units and saved datasets can be reexamined in software playback mode. Combine with a CoPilot 429 System to control a T-R unit. CoPilot 708 is part of the CoPilot Family, which also supports MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, 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.).
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CompactPCI Systems
 | MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, 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. |
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Ordering Information
The 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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Download Brochure
Click here to download a PDF version of the OmniBus_708 Product Brochure
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