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

The Abaco Systems / Condor Engineering CEI520A-88 is a PCI bus ARINC interface card designed for avionics databus functionality. This intelligent interface card provides robust connectivity for ARINC 429 and ARINC 717 protocols, alongside support for a range of other 2-wire avionics protocols. It is engineered for applications requiring precise databus monitoring, simulation, and testing within laboratory, embedded, and ruggedized environments. The CEI520A-88 offers on-board message scheduling, label filtering, multiple buffering options, time-tagging, and error injection/detection capabilities.

### Technical Specifications

* **Protocols Supported:**
* ARINC 429 (Primary protocol)
* ARINC 717
* Additional 2-wire avionics protocols: ARINC 419, 561, 571, 573, 575, 582, and CSDB
* **ARINC 429 Channels:**
* Up to 16 Receive (Rx) channels
* Up to 16 Transmit (Tx) channels
* Data rates: 12.5 KHz or 100 KHz
* Standard input levels: ± 6.5 to ±13 VDC (A to B)
* Parametric threshold levels: ± 0.1 to ± 13.5 VDC (A to B)
* Standard output level: ±10 VDC (A to B)
* Parametric output voltages: 0 to ±10 VDC (A to B)
* Parity: Odd, even, or none
* Filtering: Label and/or SDI
* Error reporting: Parity
* **ARINC 717 Support:** Supported in conjunction with ARINC 429 capabilities
* **Message Handling:**
* On-board message scheduling
* Label filtering
* Multiple buffering options: Buffered Mode (per channel circular buffer), Merged Mode (single time-sequenced circular buffer), Dedicated Mode (latest data snapshot)
* Time-tagging: 48-bit/100ns resolution
* Error injection/detection: Parity, gap, high or low bit count options available for transmit errors
* **Processor:** 100 MHz Intel 80960
* **Memory:** 512 KB shared memory (RAM) (Note: Some sources mention 2MB RAM for similar models, e.g., RAR-PCIE)

### Electrical Specifications

* **Power Consumption (typical):**
* +5 VDC: 780 mA
* +12 VDC: 100 mA
* -12 VDC: 100 mA
* **PCI Signaling Voltage Compatibility:**
* CEI-520A supports Universal PCI signaling (3.3V or 5V)
* Compatible with PCI-X 1.0 and standard PCI slots
* The CEI-520 (predecessor) supports 5V PCI only

### Interfaces

* **Discrete Inputs:**
* 0, 8, or 16 inputs available in various configurations
* Supports avionics-level (open/ground or high/low) and TTL/CMOS voltage levels
* **Discrete Outputs:**
* 0, 8, or 16 outputs available in various configurations
* Low-side switches capable of sinking 0.5 ampere each
* **Connectors:** Specific connector types (e.g., CONM50-D37, CONSCSI3-6) are documented in manuals

### Physical Specifications

* **Form Factor:** PCI short card
* **Dimensions:** 6.8 in. x 4.2 in.
* **Operating Temperature Range:** 0 to +70°C (Commercial). Ruggedized configurations with extended operating temperatures are optional.

### Software and API

* **Software API:**
* High-level API for Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista, Server 2008/7, NT/2000, 32/64-bit versions), Linux (kernels 2.4/2.6), and VxWorks (5.5/6.x)
* Sample programs provided for C/C++, C#.NET, Visual Basic (VB6 and VB.NET), VxWorks, and LabWindows/CVI
* Optional support for Solaris and LabVIEW VI
* **GUI Bus Analyzer:** Optional BusTools/ARINC Windows-based GUI Bus Analyzer available

### Compatibility

* Functionally compatible with the earlier CEI-520 model
* The CEI-520A is a Universal PCI card, supporting both 3.3V and 5V signaling environments, while the CEI-520 is 5V PCI only. Physical connector keying prevents incorrect installation.

Why Choose Aumictech for the Abaco Systems / Condor Engineering CEI520A-88?
At Aumictech, we specialize in supplying high-end avionics interface equipment. Whether you need robust ARINC 429 and 717 protocol connectivity, advanced message scheduling and filtering capabilities, or reliable databus monitoring and simulation, our team ensures the Abaco Systems / Condor Engineering CEI520A-88 delivers maximum performance for your application.