Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M MIL-STD-1553 Interface Card
The Astronics Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M is a MIL-STD-1553 interface card designed for reliable communication and testing. It features advanced hardware and software for efficient data handling and simulation of MIL-STD-1553 bus activity. Ideal for aerospace and defense applications requiring solid and precise data transfer.
- Model
- Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M
- Calibration
- Available on request
- Price
- $3,200
- Status
- In stock
- RFQ ref
- LE1553-5/4M
This unit
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 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
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage / Current Range | '+12 VDC, +3.3 VDC |
Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M — Repair & Calibration Service
Aumictech offers NIST-traceable calibration and repair for the Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M. Calibration covers analog input channel accuracy and offset at all gain settings, analog output accuracy, digital I/O logic threshold verification, sample rate and timing accuracy, and trigger and synchronization bus functional verification. NI CompactRIO and PXI chassis also undergo backplane trigger line integrity check.. All calibrations ship with a NIST-traceable certificate. Turnaround is typically 1–3 business days after receipt.
Common Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M faults: power supply failure (cRIO-9073/9074), C-series slot connector wear, PXI chassis fan failure, GPIB interface failure on VXI controllers, BIOS/EEPROM corruption. NI CompactRIO most common faults are power supply failure on older cRIO-9073/9074 chassis and C-series module slot connector wear from repeated hot-swap cycles. PXI chassis fan failure is the most common wear item — chassis fans are field-replaceable. VXI embedded controllers most commonly develop EEPROM corruption and GPIB interface failure.
Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M price
This Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M is listed at $3,200. Calibration is available separately from $450. Contact us for volume pricing or if you need multiple units.
Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M calibration cost
NIST-traceable calibration for the Astronics / Ballard Technology LE1553-5/4M is $450 (standard — pass/fail certificate and calibration sticker) or $650 (full measured data at every test point, reference standards documented, traceability chain included). Calibration for this instrument covers analog input channel accuracy and offset at all gain settings, analog output accuracy, digital I/O logic threshold verification, sample rate and timing accuracy, and trigger and synchronization bus functional verification. NI CompactRIO and PXI chassis also undergo backplane trigger line integrity check.. Turnaround is 1 to 3 business days after receipt. See full calibration details →
