Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M MIL-STD-1553 Interface Card

The Astronics/Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M is a PCIe x1 interface card for MIL-STD-1553 avionics databus communication, testing, simulation, and monitoring. Built on a 5th generation protocol engine with bus mastering capabilities, it delivers high-performance 1553 channel management without requiring supplemental power—drawing all operating voltage from the backplane. The half-size form factor (6.9 × 4.2 inches) integrates into space-constrained avionics test platforms.

## Technical Specifications

• **Interface Bus:** PCI Express (PCIe) x1 lane
• **Protocol Engine:** 5th generation
• **On-Board Memory:** 32 MB data memory
• **MIL-STD-1553 Channels:** Up to 4 dual-redundant channels (Bus A/B), each independently configurable as Bus Controller (BC), up to 32 Remote Terminals (RTs), or Bus Monitor
• **Channel Modes:** Multi-function channels support simultaneous BC, Bus Monitor, and up to 32 RT operation with protocol error injection; single-function channels support BC, Bus Monitor, or up to 32 RT configuration
• **Coupling Options:** Transformer or direct coupling; jumper-selectable on-board termination resistors for direct coupling
• **Avionics Discrete I/O:** 16 channels (general-purpose or linked to 1553 activity as triggers/syncs)
• **Time Synchronization:** IRIG A/B, AM, PWM, and PPS modes with generation and synchronization capability
• **Hardware Time-Tagging:** 48-bit resolution, 1 µSec accuracy
• **Connectors:** LFH
• **Operating Temperature:** −40°C to +85°C
• **Storage Temperature:** −55°C to +100°C
• **MTBF:** 2,500,000+ hours
• **Power Supply:** +3.3 VDC and +12 VDC from PCIe backplane
• **Compliance:** RoHS

## Key Features

• Bus mastering architecture for efficient databus control
• Dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 channel topology
• Flexible channel configuration supporting mixed BC/RT/Monitor operation
• Precision time-tagging and IRIG synchronization for time-correlated test data
• Status LEDs controllable via software

## Typical Applications

• MIL-STD-1553 databus simulation and emulation
• Avionics system integration and validation testing
• Real-time 1553 traffic monitoring and analysis
• Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing with synchronized discrete I/O

## Compatibility & Integration

• **API:** Universal BTIDriver API supporting C/C++, C#, VB, VB.Net, and LabVIEW
• **Operating Systems:** MS Windows and Linux drivers
• **Legacy Support:** Translation DLL available for migration from earlier Ballard devices
• **Analysis Software:** Optional CoPilot software for interactive databus testing and simulation