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A429-PCC
Intelligent ARINC 429 PCMCIA Interface Card
Product Highlights
- 2 Tx and 4 Rx channels
- On-card computing resources (20 MHz CPU, 256 kB RAM | EPROM) for maximum performance
- Automatic receive data time-stamping and transmit data scheduling
- Software support for all Windows® operating systems
- General-purpose ARINC 429 Bus Analyzer & Simulator available
Application Scope
Avionics maintenance, testing, integration and troubleshooting in both mobile and stationary environments requires handy and easy-to-use equipment which offers highest performance as well as large-scale flexibility in very small dimensions. Combined with a comprehensive ARINC 429 interface, the widespread PCMCIA standard (PC-card), establishes the most efficient platform for standard analyzing and simulation tools as well as specific ARINC 429 applications. The demanding real-time requirements of ARINC 429 protocol communications and the handling of the increasing amount of information and data exchanged via ARINC 429 must be supported by local on-card processing power.
Features
The A429-PCC is an intelligent ARINC 429 PCMCIA card with an on-card CPU. It is in fact a complete computer in PCMCIA dimensions, equipped with 2 non-multiplexed Tx channels and 4 Rx channels. Data exchange with the PC is performed via a 2 kByte high-speed dual-ported RAM.
A429-PCC Firmware / Software
The firmware is downloaded from the PC to the 256 kByte SRAM. It features more than 50 functional interface modules. Starting from simple functions such as a configuration command up to enhanced dynamic data update functions like the autonomous sine/ramp/list functions, any functional entity is represented by an individual interface function.
The software interface is available for Windows XP, 2000, NT, ME, 98 (driver and DLL), and also for DOS (static libraries). Windows plug ’n play with card&socket services is supported. LabVIEW and HP VEE virtual instrument libraries are available.
Compatibility
The Software interface of the A429-PCC is compatible with the A429-EPC AT-bus board from TechSAT. Hence, it is ensured that any PC application written for the A429-EPC AT-bus boards can be easily ported to the A429-PCC. Any standard A429-EPC application available from TechSAT is also provided for the A429-PCC PCMCIA card. The A429BAST Bus Analyzer & Simulation Tool for Windows is able to support all types of TechSAT ARINC 429 interface boards.
Mechanical Outline
The A429-PCC assembly consists of a standard PCMCIA Type II card and an external adapter box, connected with each other via a 25-wire cable. All digital and processing parts are located on the PCMCIA card. The ARINC 429 bus interface section including the transmitter power generation (5V;+/-15V) is held in the external adapter. In this robust pressure-casting box, all components (Tx-Rx wraparound relays, ARINC 429 differential voltage level power converter and line drivers) are ideally housed on sockets and can be easily replaced when necessary. For the A429-PCC receive-only type an external adapter box is not required.
