Mission Viejo, CA (December 12, 2013) - Holt Integrated Circuits today released an ARINC 429 repeater reference design. The design uses a combination of Holt’s latest ARINC 429 receiver, HI-8476, and a discrete-to-digital sensing device with built-in ARINC 429 transmitter, HI-8470. This two-chip repeater solution operates autonomously without an MCU or software and is capable of seamlessly reproducing ARINC 429 signals transmitted over long cable runs or noisy environments.
Contrary to what one may assume, a repeater is more than simply connecting the output of an ARINC 429 line receiver to the input of a line driver. Such simple solutions usually result in transmitted waveforms that violate ARINC 429 timing requirements (explained fully in Holt’s White Paper AN-8476, “Constructing an ARINC 429 Repeater”). A common working solution stores the receiver digital output in RAM or ARINC 429 protocol device, then reconstructs the digital ARINC 429 word in a microcontroller or FPGA for retransmission using a line driver. This solution requires software and multiple components. Holt’s two-chip repeater solution eliminates the microcontroller, software and associated certification costs, and any additional ARINC 429 protocol devices.
“This two-device combination offers customers an elegant and cost effective solution for an ARINC 429 repeater,” said Anthony Murray, Director of Business Development at Holt. “Elimination of software and hardware simplification reduces size and complexity, eases certification and ultimately saves money.”
The receiver device, HI-8476, features ARINC 429 label filtering, enabling reception of three individual labels or groups of labels. The received ARINC 429 bus data is made available at 32 digital output pins. The transmitter device, HI-8470, uses this 32-bit parallel data input to automatically transmit an ARINC 429 compliant word on the bus. Optional parity checking is possible and configuration and operation of the transmitter is fully controlled by CMOS logic pins.
The entire repeater solution operates from a single 3.3V supply and may be lightning protected to RTCA/DO-160G, Section 22 Level 3 Pin Injection Test Waveform Set A (3 & 4), Set B (3 & 5A) and Set Z (3 & 5B) by using only two external resistors on the receiver inputs.
These devices are available in industrial −40oC to +85oC and extended −55oC to +125oC temperature ranges and come in multiple standard package options.
To request information on Holt’s ARINC 429, ARINC 825 (CAN), MIL-STD-1553 and other product lines, readers should contact Holt at (949) 859-8800, by e-mail at info@holtic.com, or visit the Holt website at www.holtic.com.
About Holt Integrated Circuits
Located in Mission Viejo, CA, Holt Integrated Circuits is a major supplier of ICs for avionics and military data bus and display applications. The company’s products are specified by more than 400 manufacturers worldwide and are employed in flight control, navigation, engine management, communications, safety equipment, and in-flight entertainment systems.
Holt’s range of ICs supporting the ARINC 429 standard is the widest in the industry and its MIL-STD-1553 transceivers are recognized as the industry’s smallest, having the lowest power consumption. In addition, Holt MIL-STD-1553 integrated terminals offer the most compact, cost effective solution available, integrating protocol, transceiver and transformers in a single 15x15mm package. Other data bus products include ARINC 717, CAN (ARINC 825), RS-485/422 and analog switches. Select products are available to DSCC SMD specifications. Holt also offers product compliant to the European Union "RoHS Directive 002/95/EC".
Holt Integrated Circuits is ISO 9001:2008 registered and is a STACK certified supplier and winner of the STACK International 2012 Gold Supplier Award.