The PC1553-2 is a low cost interface between a dual redundant MIL-STD-1553 databus and an IBM-PC/XT/AT or compatible personal computer (PC). Through software the PC1553-2 may be configured to operate as a 1553 Bus Controller (BC), Remote Terminal (RT), or Bus Monitor (BM). The PC1553-2 contains all the functions necessary to handle the MIL-STD-1553B protocol including mode codes, broadcast, and RT-to-RT transfers. Protocol functions such as Manchester encoding and decoding, address recognition, word count, and word and message validation are handled automatically without intervention by the host PC. Data are passed via an on-board buffer memory or may be transferred directly to or from the PC memory using Direct Memory Access (DMA). I/O mapped control registers are used by the host PC to configure the PC1553-2 and to read its status.
The Navigator and Driver software packages are both versatile and easy-to-use. With Navigator even a first-time user can control the PC1553-2 using the Driver functions. Commercial grade components and programmable devices have been used in the design of the PC1553-2 to make it an economical MIL-STD-1553 interface while maintaining a high level of functionality. The complete interface is housed on a single standard sized IBM-PC board. Connection to the databus and other signals is made through the 25-pin D-Sub connector on the back panel. The normal configuration includes the MIL-STD-1553 transceivers, but other signal characteristics such as MIL-STD-1773 (fiber optic), MACAIR, and RS-485 are also possible.