GE MAC-VME/VXI Data Sheet
GE
Intelligent Platforms
Features
• Up to 64 ARINC 429 channels
• ARINC 429, 419, 453, 573, 575, 708, 717,
RS-232, and RS-422 support
• Powerful, on-board processing
• Modular, multi-protocol support
• Fully independent channel operation
• Easy-to-use functionality
• Multiple data buffering mechanisms
• On-board message scheduling
• 64-bit time-tagging
• Error injection/detection
• ARINC 429 Message
• VxWorks support for the Tundra Universe
interface included
• Support for Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista,
XP, 2000 with GE Intelligent Platforms 810
and NI PCI-MXI-2 interfaces
• LabVIEW support available
• Linux kernel version 2.6x support with
select GE Intelligent Platforms x86
SBC hosts
The Modular Avionics Controller (MAC) is
GE Intelligent Platforms’ new family of intel-
ligent, high performance 6U VME and C-size
VXI interface solutions for ARINC 429, serial
communications and other avionics proto-
cols. As an evolutionary follow-on product
from GE’s successful VME/VXI-AIC prod-
uct line, the MAC family provides a single
integrated interface to multiple avionics
protocols on VMEbus or VXIbus platforms.
Software
An integrated Application Programming
Interface (API) is provided for high-level
access to all MAC-based protocol functions.
The efficient and easy-to-use MAC-API
provides high performance access to all
protocol, control and data functions. A com-
prehensive transition library is also provided
to seamlessly migrate applications from the
AIC to the MAC. API support for VxWorks,
Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, XP and 2000
is provided for PC-based hosts across the
GE Intelligent Platforms 810 and National
Instruments PCI-MXI-2 interface. Linux sup-
port is provided with select GE Intelligent
Platforms x86-based VME SBCs. High level
ARINC 429 support is optionally available
for LabVIEW. For VME and VXI hosts, the API
is also supplied in source code.
Hardware Architecture
Architecturally, the MAC has two PMC slots
which can be populated with one or two
powerful PMC Modules. All user I/O is via
front panel connectors. Transition cabling
to 68-pin SCSI III connectors are provided
with every module.
ARINC 429 product configurations have
a minimum of 2 receive and 2 transmit
channels, up to a maximum configuration
of 48 receive and 16 transmit channels
or 32 receivers and 32 transmitters, front
I/O on a single board populated with two
PMC modules. Data rates, parity, filtering,
message scheduling, error injection, self-
test operation and protocol features are
controlled on-board. All ARINC 429 channels
operate independently and simultaneously
at full data throughput.
In addition to ARINC 429, MAC configuration
options offer concurrent, integrated
support for numerous other 2-wire ARINC
interfaces including ARINC 419, 453, 571,
573, 575, 582, 585, 708 and 717. Serial
interfaces, including RS-232 and RS-422 are
also supported.
MAC-VME/VXI
VME/VXIbus MAC (Modular Avionics Controller)