Avionics Buses > MIL-STD-1553

MIL-STD-1553 VMEbus Interface

The VME1553-1 is a low cost interface between a dual redundant MIL-STD-1553B databus and the VMEbus. Through software the VME-1553-1 may be configured to operate as a 1553 Bus Controller (BC), Remote Terminal (RT), or Bus Monitor (BM). The VME1553-1 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 computer. Data are passed via an on-board buffer memory. Memory mapped control and status registers are used by the host computer to configure the VME1553-1 and to read its status.

Commercial grade components and programmable devices have been used in the design of the VME1553-1 to make it an economical MIL-STD-1553B interface while maintaining a high level of functionality. The complete interface is housed on a standard double height (6U size) VMEbus module. The normal configuration includes the MIL-STD-1553 transceivers, but provisions exist for other signal characteristics such as MIL-STD-1773 (fiber optic), MACAIR, or RS485. The VME1553-1 is designed for development, production and testing of products with a MIL-STD-1553 interface. It is especially useful in running functional tests. It can run all protocol tests that do not require error generation.