USB 429 Avionics Interface

The USB 429 series of products are pocket-sized USB adapters that enable computers to interface with ARINC 429 and ARINC 717 avionics databuses. Having extensive functionality, they are used to communicate with, simulate, test, and monitor ARINC 429/717 equipment and systems. Several models are available with different channel counts and capabilities.

Being a USB peripheral, the USB 429 is compatible with virtually all modern PC laptop, desktop, tablet, and netbook computers. Plug and Play and Hot Swap features make it easy to install and move between computers. The USB 429 supports maximum data throughput on all ARINC channels and has a large 32 mb built-in memory. With all its capability and versatility the USB 429 is suitable for a wide range of applications in the lab and in the field.

The USB 429 is small, lightweight, and rugged. All power necessary for operation is provided via the single USB port. The number and combination of ARINC 429 and 717 channels depends on the hardware model. All models include eight avionics level input/output discretes and IRIG time synchronization/generation. In addition, the USB 429 provides useful non-standard functionality, such as a range of data rates, use of parity as data, and error injection.

Once configured, the USB 429 hardware performs all the protocol processing. It manages the reception, transmission, error checking, time-tagging and buffering of messages. This frees the software to focus on high-level user-specific processing.

Users can develop their own software applications with the included BTIDriver API. With only a few function calls a program can operate the USB 429 and process messages to and from the avionics databuses. Functions include routines for transmitting, receiving, scheduling, recording, time-tagging, and manipulating data. The USB 429 can use applications developed for other Ballard devices. Code migrates seamlessly from BTIDriver compatible devices or through a translation driver from older Ballard devices.

Alternatively, Ballard's optional CoPilot software provides easy-to-use, interactive tools for ARINC 429 test, analysis, and simulation. CoPilot simplifies project development and provides added productivity through virtual instrument displays, flexible monitoring and analysis tools and a powerful scripting engine.

The USB 429 is ideal for:

• 429/717 analysis, test, and simulation
• Data loading
• Flightline and AOG support
• Use in the lab or in the field
• Replacing plug-in cards