Communication modules offer support for interface standards

The ARINC 429 defines a data interface and transfer standard for aircraft avionics and is used for multiple communication applications. The ARINC 575 is a legacy data transfer protocol for the Digital Air Data System (DADS) that provides essential air-data information for displays, autopilots, and other flight controls and instrumentation on commercial and transport type aircraft.

Each channel is software-selectable for transmit, receive, Hi, or Lo speed. The receiver logic converts the serial bi-polar return-to-zero (BRZ) data stream to a 32-bit wide parallel data word. Message data can be sent immediately or buffered for synchronised transmission. In buffer mode, ARINC 429/575 words are read from the Tx buffer and sent at the Tx Interval Rate. In repeat mode, ARINC 429/575 message data is sent continuously. The user interface supports FIFO buffering and interrupts.

AR2 provides a dual channel ARINC 568 and ARINC 579 communications interface. Channel 1 provides individual Rx and Tx for ARINC 568 and channel 2 is programmable as either Rx or Tx for ARINC 579. ARINC 568 defines a legacy data transfer protocol for Distance Measurement Equipment (DME).

DMEs allow aircraft to calculate their position by sending signals to ground-based radio beacons and uses the time between the response minus a preset delay to calculate the distance of the aircraft from the beacon. ARINC 579 defines a legacy equipment interface for a VHF Omnidirectional Radio range (VOR) short range navigation system.

VORs enable an aircraft with a receiving unit to determine its position by receiving radio signals transmitted by a network of ground fixed radio beacons. For both ARINC 568 and 579, when messages are received, the FIFO can be programmed to not accept any additional data when full or to overwrite the oldest data when full. While transmitting, both ARINC standards can either send data immediately or buffer the data while waiting for a trigger.

"The AR1 and AR2 function modules are part of a group of over 40 unique function modules that provide support for both current and legacy ARINC standards, giving our customers a wide choice when selecting a COTS communications solution." stated Lino Massafra, VP of Sales and Marketing.

"Our modules can be used with any of our latest generation multifunction I/O and SBC cards and in our Sensor Interface Unit systems to offer our customers the widest array and highest density of customer configurable I/O in the industry."