Validated MIL-STD-1553 RT Using Holt's New HI-6110 Message Processor

Monday, March 27, 2006

Holt’s HI-6110 COTS MIL-STD-1553 Message Processor has successfully achieved full MIL-STD-1553 RT Validation at Test Systems, Inc., in Phoenix Arizona. Military design engineers can now confidently use their host microprocessor and memory in conjunction with the HI-6110 Message Processor to achieve small, cost effective MIL-STD-1553 Databus Terminals. The HI-6110 is configurable in BC / RT / MT operating modes and designed to take full advantage of the existing host processor/memory.

Mission Viejo, CA (March 27, 2006) – Holt Integrated Circuits today announced successfully achieving full MIL-STD-1553 RT Validation with their HI-6110, single-chip CMOS 3.3 volt MIL-STD-1553 Message Processor. Testing was performed at Test Systems, Inc., an independent Air Force approved testing service for MIL-STD-1553 remote terminals. The HI-6110 is a true single-chip CMOS integrated circuit designed to implement the MIL-STD-1553 data communications protocol between a host processor and a dual redundant 1553 data bus, and supports MIL-STD-1553B Notice 2 and MIL-STD-1760 Stores Management.

Designers employing the new HI-6110 are able to implement BC / RT / MT operating modes with all of the advantages of a single-chip CMOS device, including;

  • On-chip bus transceivers
  • Exceptionally low power consumption (less than 500mW)
  • World's smallest footprint for a MIL-STD-1553 terminal device
  • Easy to understand operation with no legacy architecture to understand and support
  • Off-chip memory to reduce cost and pin-count
  • Significant cost savings over hybrid terminal products currently on the market

The HI-6110 is a single-chip protocol device and includes on-board dual redundant transceivers as well as Manchester Encoder / Decoders, MIL-STD-1553 message-level protocol engine, and sufficient on-chip data storage for single message buffering. With exceptionally low power the device dissipates less than 500 mW on-chip power at 100% duty cycle. The HI-6110 may be configured as a Bus Controller (BC), a Remote Terminal (RT), an addressed Monitor Terminal (MT), or as a non-addressed MT. All that is needed to interface to the MIL-STD-1553 bus is an isolation transformer for each bus (also available from Holt). The host CPU communicates with the HI-6110 over a 16-bit parallel Input / Output bus. The status of message sequencing and the data transfers are flagged by pins and register bits. Registers provide for configuration, status information, error information, and the type of the currently executing command.

The HI-6110 Message Processor introduced by Holt is the first completely new IC design provided to the market in years. Care has been taken to provide customers only what they need, and eliminate unnecessary legacy operating modes. The HI-6110 uses system memory for 1553 message data which is configured by the user to specifically meet the needs of the application. As a result, the device can be offered in a small package that takes full advantage of the host processor / memory at a price offering significant cost savings to the system designer. The HI-6110 is offered in either a 52-pin plastic quad flat pack (PQFP) or a 64-pin plastic chip-scale package.

“Designers of military avionics data bus systems have waited a long time for a simple, fully integrated MIL-STD-1553 terminal IC that acts as a peripheral device to the system’s host processor,” says David Mead, Executive Vice President and COO of Holt Integrated Circuits. “The 3.3 volt HI-6110, with its exceptionally low power consumption, allows the designer to focus on their system application, and hand off the detail protocol management to the message processor.”

Engineering samples of the HI-6110PQI in the 52-pin PQFP package are now available from Holt, along with an accompanying Remote Terminal evaluation / demonstration board to customers wishing to evaluate the device for new production designs.

Readers interested in learning more about the HI-6110 or any of Holt's MIL-STD-1553 products should contact Holt Integrated Circuits at (949) 859-8800, by e-mail at info@holtic.com, or by visiting the Holt Web Site 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 250 manufacturers and are employed in flight control, navigation, engine management, communications, safety equipment, and in-flight entertainment systems worldwide.

Holt's transceivers for MIL-STD-1553 applications are recognized as the industry's smallest and have the lowest power consumption. In addition, Holt also offers MIL-STD-1553 Manchester encoder/decoders and interface transformers. Holt’s range of ICs supporting the ARINC 429 standard is the widest in the industry, and its display drivers offer high-voltage operation as well as innovative design features to enhance ease of use and testability. Select products are also available to DSCC SMD specifications. Holt Integrated Circuits is a certified ISO 9001:2000 supplier.

About Test Systems, Inc.

Specializing in MIL-STD-1553 since 1979, Test Systems, Inc., provides test equipment, training seminars and validation testing.  Test equipment provides for testing and simulating 1553A/B terminals and systems.  Training seminars on MIL-STD-1553 provide a comprehensive discussion of the standard and includes hands-on lab sessions.  Approved validation testing service tests remote terminals and components to the requirements of MIL-STD-1553.   Readers interested in learning more about products and services provided by Test Systems, Inc., may contact them by phone: (602) 861-1010; by e-mail at info@testsystems.com, or via their website at www.testsystems.com.