Astronics Introduces Rugged Miniature COTS Avionics Interface Cards for MIL-STD-1553

Astronics Corporation announced the release of the new ME1000 family of mPCIe avionics interface cards for embedded aerospace applications. The ME1000 provides the highest amount of 1553 I/O in the compact mPCIe form-factor and is the only line to offer a concurrent RS-422/485 serial interface.

The ME1000 is a new mPCIe card designed and built by Astronics Ballard Technology, a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronics Corporation. These rugged cards interface with MIL-STD-1553 databuses and enable host devices, such as small form factor mission computers, to reliably communicate with and monitor avionics equipment.

“We are excited to release our new high-performance ME1000 mPCIe interface cards to the aerospace market for use in applications where space is at an absolute premium,” said Jon Neal, President of Astronics Ballard Technology. “The product’s small size and large complement of I/O, combined with our reputation for reliable designs, long life, and industry-leading customer support, will provide our customers with a highly flexible, low-SWaP embedded solution.”

Key benefits of the new ME1000 include:

• High I/O density, including up to two dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 channels, eight avionics level input/output discretes, two differential discretes, and serial capability
• Comprehensive IRIG support for both IRIG A and IRIG B time code signals
• A cost-effective and rugged I/O connector that reduces mating connector costs and is available in either a horizontal or vertical orientation to fit in more places
• An extended temperature range and optional conformal coating to withstand harsh environmental demands
• Full concurrent multi-function operation—Bus Controller (BC), Remote Terminal (RT), and Bus Monitor. Alternatively, cost-effective single-function cards provide BC/RT/Monitor operation individually.
• Astronics Ballard Technology’s universal BTIDriver API to reduce software development time