Abaco Systems / Condor Engineering CEI520A-88 ARINC Interface for PCI

The Abaco Systems / Condor Engineering CEI520A-88 is a PCI short-card ARINC interface for avionics databus monitoring, simulation, and testing. This intelligent processor-based card delivers dual-protocol support for ARINC 429 and ARINC 717, plus compatibility with additional 2-wire avionics protocols including ARINC 419, 561, 571, 573, 575, 582, and CSDB. The card integrates on-board message scheduling, label and SDI filtering, multiple buffering modes, 48-bit time-tagging at 100 ns resolution, and error injection/detection for comprehensive databus validation across laboratory, embedded, and ruggedized platforms.

– Technical Specifications

Databus Channels & Protocols
• Up to 16 Rx and 16 Tx channels for ARINC 429
• Data rates: 12.5 kHz or 100 kHz
• ARINC 429 input levels: ±6.5 to ±13 VDC (A to B); parametric: ±0.1 to ±13.5 VDC
• Output level: ±10 VDC (A to B) standard; parametric: 0 to ±10 VDC
• Parity options: Odd, even, or none
• ARINC 717 supported in conjunction with ARINC 429 capabilities

Processing & Memory
• Processor: 100 MHz Intel 80960
• Shared memory: 512 KB RAM

Message Handling
• Buffering modes: Buffered (per-channel circular), Merged (single time-sequenced), Dedicated (latest snapshot)
• Time-tagging: 48-bit resolution at 100 ns increments
• Error injection: Parity, gap, high/low bit count options for transmit simulation

I/O Configuration
• Discrete inputs: 0, 8, or 16 (avionics or TTL/CMOS levels)
• Discrete outputs: 0, 8, or 16 (low-side switches, 0.5 A sink capability per output)

– Key Features

• Universal PCI signaling (3.3V or 5V) with PCI-X 1.0 compatibility
• Configurable label and SDI filtering
• Parity-based error reporting
• PCI short card form factor: 6.8 in. × 4.2 in.
• Power: +5 VDC @ 780 mA, +12 VDC @ 100 mA, -12 VDC @ 100 mA

– Typical Applications

Avionics system integration and test, databus simulation, message monitoring and filtering, error injection for fault tolerance validation.

– Compatibility & Integration

Compatible with standard PCI and PCI-X 1.0 slots supporting 3.3V or 5V signaling. Operating temperature: 0 to +70°C commercial; extended-temperature ruggedized variants available.