ARINC-429
We provide a high-density ARINC 429 solution for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and rapid control prototyping (RCP) applications, such as FADEC and aircraft systems component testing. Using the ABACO RAR-PCIE board, our solution connects OPAL-RT simulators to the ARINC 429 avionics data bus, supporting configuration of up to 32 independent channels for transmission (TX) and reception (RX) at bit rates of either 12.5 kb/s or 100 kb/s. With separate ports for transmission and reception, multiple independent buses can be configured on a single simulator platform, enabling seamless interfacing with multiple avionics systems and devices.
About ARINC-429
ARINC-429, also known as the Mark 33 Digital Information Transfer System, is the most widely used databus for commercial and transport aircraft. This specification defines the medium and data protocol for communication between avionics equipment and systems. ARINC-429 uses a twisted, shielded pair of wires for unidirectional, peer-to-peer data flow, allowing up to 20 receivers on the same line. The specification details voltage levels (differential signaling), word size, and transfer rates.
Platform compatibility
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DEMO
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Explore our support for ARINC 429 and AFDX®. ARINC 429 is a self-clocking, self-synchronizing data bus protocol used in aircraft avionics. AFDX® offers deterministic timing and redundancy management, ensuring secure and reliable communication of both critical and non-critical data.
FAQ
Find the answers to your questions
What is ARINC-429, and why is it important in avionics testing?
ARINC-429 is a widely used avionics data bus protocol that enables unidirectional data communication between aircraft systems. It is essential for testing and validating electronic control units (ECUs), such as those used in FADEC systems, by ensuring accurate simulation of real-world communication protocols.
How does OPAL-RT’s ARINC-429 solution support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing?
We integrate ARINC-429 communication using the ABACO RAR-PCIE board, allowing up to 32 independent TX/RX channels. This enables real-time data exchange between the simulator and avionics systems, providing high-fidelity HIL testing environments for aerospace applications.
What bit rates are supported by the ARINC-429 interface?
The ARINC-429 solution supports two standard bit rates: 12.5 kb/s and 100 kb/s. These configurable rates allow engineers to replicate various system conditions accurately for both commercial and transport aircraft systems.
Can multiple ARINC-429 buses be configured on a single OPAL-RT simulator?
Yes, the solution supports multiple independent buses on a single platform using separate ports for transmission and reception. This allows for simultaneous interfacing with several avionics systems and devices during testing.
Is the ARINC-429 solution compatible with RT-LAB?
Yes, the ARINC-429 interface is fully compatible with our RT-LAB platform, enabling seamless integration with existing models and workflows for real-time simulation, rapid control prototyping (RCP), and avionics system development.