The ANET429 is a standalone Ethernet-based module designed for ARINC429 test and simulation. It offers 4, 8, or 16 channels for ARINC429 data bus systems, making it suitable for analyzing, simulating, monitoring, and testing avionics databus systems. The module is configured via a web application, ensuring operating system independence, and requires a web browser for access.
Function Description
The ANET429 module is built around a System-On-Chip (SOC) hardware running an embedded LINUX Operating System. This SOC provides a built-in Ethernet interface for host connection via a standard RJ-45 connector and a USB interface for external mass data storage devices or a WLAN stick for wireless connectivity. The ARINC channels can be configured as either Receiver (RX) or Transmitter (TX) and can operate in high or low speed modes.
The core of the ANET429's functionality lies in its FPGA, which integrates the ASP processor interface logic, BIU processor interface logic, and the ARINC429 Encoder/Decoder Logic. The BIU section, also implemented in the FPGA, handles up to 16 ARINC429 channels, trigger logic for I/O signals, and includes a SPI-Flash for BIU-Processor Boot.
The ARINC429 Encoder converts parallel data into a serial ARINC429 encoded data stream, appending parity and gap bits. The frame times between labels are programmable from 0 to 255 ARINC429 bits. It also offers error injection capabilities, including Gap Error (-1 bit), Bitcount Error (+/- 1 bit), Coding Error (fixed at bit position 12), and Parity Error (if no special transmission mode is chosen).
The ARINC429 Decoder converts the serial received data stream into a parallel data double word and generates a 16-bit report for each received label. It measures gap time between labels for gap error detection and bus load traffic detection. The decoder's error detection capabilities include Gap Error Detection, Bitcount Error Detection, Coding Error Detection, and Parity Error Detection (if no special transmission mode is chosen).
The module also features an IRIG-B-122 compatible Time Code Processor (TCP) for time-tagging and multi-channel synchronization. This TCP functions as both a Time Code Decoder and an Encoder. It supports a freewheeling IRIG function, automatically switching to freewheeling operation if no external IRIG signal is detected, and synchronizing to an external IRIG-B signal when present.
Three Trigger inputs and three Trigger outputs are provided, compatible with TTL level signals. Filter circuitry is included for EMC aspects. Eight user-programmable Discrete-I/O signals are available, with discrete input signals always active and output signals inactive by default. The discrete outputs use open collector circuitry with a default 4V, and can be externally supplied with 0-35V for switching higher voltages.
Important Technical Specifications
- Memory:
- DDR2 RAM (Global RAM): 128MByte
- LPDDR RAM (ASP Local RAM): 256MByte
- SPI-Flash for FPGA Boot: 8MByte
- SPI-Flash for BIU Processor: 1MByte
- NAND Flash for ASP Processor: 1GByte
- BIU-Section: Low power, high performance 32bit RISC Processor; core voltage 1.0V, core speed 400 MHz, ext. bus speed 100MHz.
- Encoder: Programmable Bitrate High / Low Speed (100 / 12.5 Kbit/sec). Programmable gap between two labels (0 to 255 ARINC 429 bits). ARINC429-Label Bit-32 programmable as Parity or additional Data Bit.
- Decoder: Valid Receive Range Transmission speed select +/- appr. 10%. ARINC429-Label Bit-32 programmable as Parity or additional Data Bit. Measurement of gap between two labels (0.0 to 58.75 bits with 0.25bit resolution).
- Time Tag (IRIG B):
- Decoder: IRIG-B-122 format, 1 µs resolution, 1 Year (46 Bit) width. Signal Waveform: Amplitude modulated sine wave or square wave. Modulation Ratio: 3:1 to 6:1. Input Impedance: 0.5Vp-p to 5Vp-p. Input Impedance: >100 ohm. Coupling: AC coupled. Time Jitter: +/-5µs. Lock time: < 5s.
- Encoder: IRIG-B-122 format. Absolute Accuracy: +/-25ppm (standard Oscillator). Signal Waveform: Amplitude modulated sine wave. Output Amplitude: ~4.5 Vp-p, High voltage level. Output Impedance: ~810ohm. Coupling: AC coupled. Modulation Ratio: ~3:1. Carrier Frequency: 1 kHz +/-50ppm.
- Line Transmitter: All TX Channel with fixed output amplitude from 0 to ±11V. High/Low Speed: Rise and Fall time automatically switched via Analogue Switches to meet the requirement for High / Low Speed operation.
- Back panel Connectors: 15pol. high density DSUB, female (Trigger IN and OUT, Discrete-I/O, IRIG-IN and IRIG-OUT), USB Type-A connector, RJ45 Ethernet Connector (female), DC Power Input (2,5mm centre pin).
- Front panel Connector: DSUB 37 connector, female.
- Buttons: Power ON-OFF, Emergency Boot.
- Trigger In: TTL compatible Input Level, 1KΩ series resistor and fast ESD protection. Rising Edge sensitive, required pulse width >75 ns.
- Trigger Out: Output with TTL Level, series resistor of 82Ω and fast ESD protection. Output-Strobe pulse width: 500ns.
- Discrete IO: User definable Input/Output selection done by software. Input High voltage 3.0V...35.0V. Input Low voltage max. 0.8V. Output High voltage: Internally driven min. 4V default, Externally supplied: up to 35V max. Output Low voltage 0.4V max. Maximum Sink Current of each open collector 50mA.
- Voltage Supply: Input Voltage Range: 9VDC...15VDC (12VDC recommended).
- Power Consumption (12VDC):
- Stand by: ≤100mW
- Operational (IDLE): ~4.8W (16ch), ~4W (8ch), ~3.2W (4ch)
- Operational (low speed, with load): ~6W (16ch), ~5W (8ch), ~4W (4ch)
- Operational (high speed): ~5W (16ch), ~4.2W (8ch), ~3.5W (4ch)
- Temperature:
- Standard Temperature Range: 0°C...50°C
- Extended Temperature Range: -15°C...60°C
- Storage Temperature Range: -40°C...+85°C
- Humidity: 0...95% non-condensing.
- Dimensions: 120 x 160 x 26mm (without connectors).
- Weight: ~500g (ANET429-16).
Usage Features
- Network Integration: The ANET429 can be connected to a network with or without a DHCP server. With a DHCP server, it automatically obtains an IP address. In a network without a DHCP server or for direct PC connection, a link-local IP address (169.254.0.0 to 169.254.255.255) is assigned.
- Web Configuration Tool: The module is configured via a web application accessible through a web browser. This tool provides "System Overview," "General Settings" (for alias name and password), "Network Settings" (for static or dynamic IP, subnet mask, and gateway), "Services" (to enable/disable ANS429 and SSH services), "Maintenance" (for system logs, reboot/shutdown, and factory reset), and "Update" tabs.
- Wireless Network Support: With an attached USB Wi-Fi device, the ANET429 can connect to a wireless network. The "Network Settings" tab provides options to configure the Wi-Fi device, including mode (Managed/Ad-Hoc), ESSID, and security settings (Unsecure, WEP, WPA2-PSK).
- SSH and SCP Access: For advanced users, the ANET429 supports SSH (Secure Shell) for console login and command execution, and SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) for transferring Python scripts and other files to and from the device.
- Python Script Execution: Customer applications, including Python scripts, can be executed directly on the ANET ASP Linux system. The onboard API is fully compatible with the AIM standard API, simplifying migration of existing applications.
- Power ON-OFF Button: A push-button on the back panel controls power. A short press powers on, and another short press powers off. Pressing for approximately 3 seconds forces a power down without OS shutdown (not recommended unless the module hangs).
- Emergency Button: An emergency button allows booting the device into an emergency mode (indicated by a red blinking LED). This mode starts the device with default factory settings and can be used for software updates or when the normal system startup fails.
Maintenance Features
- System Log-Files: The "Maintenance" tab in the web configuration tool provides access to system log files in HTML, Plain (ASCII-Text), or XML formats for troubleshooting.
- Reboot/Shutdown over Ethernet: The module can be rebooted or shut down remotely via the "Maintenance" tab in the web configuration tool or using an SSH shell command.
- Reset to Factory Settings: The "Maintenance" tab includes a "Reset To Factory Defaults" function, which restores the module to its default settings, including DHCP mode and enabling SSH and ANS429 services.
- Software Updates: The "Update" tab allows for software updates by uploading an update file (e.g.,
<filename>.tar.gz) and initiating the update process.
- Module Status Indicator: An LED indicator near the DC Power IN connector displays the current board status:
- RED illuminated: Power on cycle.
- BLUE fast pulsing: ASP / LINUX boot up.
- BLUE slow pulsing: OS booted (ready for operation).
- RED fast pulsing: ASP / LINUX shutdown (power off) cycle or reboot commanded via web tool.
- RED fast pulsing: Reboot OS to Maintenance-Mode or during an update cycle.
- RED slow pulsing: OS in Maintenance-Mode.
- Power Debug Cable (for Rugged Variant): A dedicated cable provides a DC IN Connector, a Power push button, and an Emergency push button for testing the rugged module variant.