VMEbus Interface for ARINC 429 includes IP429-1 IndustryPack™

VME429-1

Available in a variety of hardware and software configurations, the VME429-1 is a versatile ARINC 429 interface for VMEbus computers. Each VME429-1 consists of Ballard Technology software and one or more single-width ARINC 429 IndustryPack modules (IP429-1s) installed on a Motorola MVME162 processor board. Each IP429-1 contains four receivers and two transmitters. The 68040 on the Motorola MVME162 carrier board performs the processing required to handle up to 24 ARINC 429 channels (16 receivers and 8 transmitters) on four IndustryPack modules. Embedded software enables the user to easily configure and operate the VME429-1.

Power and flexibility are key features of the VME429-1. Running on a local bus, the 68040 processor handles ARINC 429 messages on-board without loading the VMEbus or master CPU. In minimal systems the VME429-1 can operate as the only board or as the VMEbus master. Unused IndustryPack slots may be populated with a wide variety of modules (A/D, D/A, digital I/O, GPIB, servos, etc.) to meet specific requirements. Options such as SCSI, Ethernet, added memory and other CPUs are available on the carrier board without occupying an IndustryPack slot.

The embedded software enables the user to develop applications with minimal effort. A library of functions to configure and operate the VME429-1 is included in the software. The user communicates with the VME429-1 through a command process over the VMEbus or a serial port. Many applications can be implemented with little or no user software beyond commands that define the channel configurations and data structures.

The VME429-1 is suitable for a wide range of applications from product test to high performance system simulation. All the power, flexibility and options available on the MVME162 are available to the VME429-1.

Transmit / Receive

Transmit Channels
ARINC 429 words are automatically transmitted according to the schedule of words and gaps established by the user. This scheduling allows transmission timing to be accurately controlled. An eight word FIFO and hardware gap timer on the IP429-1 minimize the processing required by the 68040.

Receive Channels
As ARINC 429 words are received, they are saved in memory according to Label/SDI filters established by the user.

Data Access

Configured through command functions, the transmit schedules and receive filters establish how data are organized in memory. During operation, the user can access ARINC 429 words at any time by reading from or writing to the designated memory locations. This can be done over the VMEbus, through the serial port, or, with proper software, through some other communications process (SCSI, Ethernet, etc.). Time tags in a variety of formats may be saved with each word.

Sequential Record

A history of time tagged received and transmitted data can be selectively recorded in a sequential record, from which bus activity may be reconstructed for analysis. Several forms of compression are available to control the size of the sequential record.

The embedded software eliminates the need for user programming of the resident 68040. Through a command process the user can invoke software functions from the VMEbus or from any communications process. Once the user has loaded the configuration (bus speed, transmit schedules, receive filters, etc.), the ARINC 429 bus traffic is automatically maintained by the embedded software running on the 68040. Hooks are provided so the user can install application specific software (for manipulation of data, operation of other IndustryPacks, etc.) to run on the 68040. The resident debugging software is a powerful tool for application development.

The IP429-1 may also be used with carrier boards for other computers, such as Macintosh, PCI, PC/AT, etc.

Type Title Date   Datasheet VME429-1 Datasheet 10/30/2008

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