The USB 1553 series of products are pocket-sized USB adapters that enable computers to interface with MIL-STD-1553 avionics databuses. Having extensive 1553 functionality, they are used to communicate with, simulate, test, and monitor 1553 equipment and systems. Several models are available with different channel counts and capabilities.

        Being a USB peripheral, the USB 1553 is compatible with virtually all modern PC laptop, desktop, tablet, and netbook computers. Plug and Play and Hot Swap features make it easy to install and move between computers. The USB 1553 supports maximum data throughput on all 1553 channels and has a large 32 MB built-in memory. With all its capability and versatility the USB 1553 is suitable for a wide range of applications in the lab and in the field.

        Hardware
        The USB 1553 is small, lightweight, and rugged. All power necessary for operation is provided via the single USB port. All models include eight avionics level input/output discretes and IRIG time synchronization/generation. Two LEDs indicate power and bus traffic by default, or they can be controlled by user software.
Depending upon the hardware model, each 1553 channel may be either single-function, multi-function, or bus monitor only. Single-function channels can be configured in software as either a Bus Controller (BC), a Bus Monitor (BM), or up to 32 Remote Terminals (RTs). Multi-function channels have protocol error injection capability and can simultaneously be a BC, BM, and up to 32 RTs.
 

        Software
        Users can develop their own software applications with the included BTIDriver API. With only a few function calls a program can operate the USB 1553 and process messages to and from the avionics databuses. Functions include routines for transmitting, receiving, scheduling, recording, time-tagging, and manipulating data. The USB 1553 can use applications developed for other Ballard devices. Code migrates seamlessly from BTIDriver compatible devices or through a translation driver from older Ballard devices.

        Alternatively, Ballard’s optional CoPilot software provides easy-to-use, interactive tools for databus test, analysis, and simulation. CoPilot simplifies project development and provides added productivity through virtual instrument displays, flexible monitoring and analysis tools and a powerful scripting engine.