WHAT IS MIL-STD-1553?

MIL-STD-1553 is a military standard that defines mechanical, electrical, and operating characteristics of a serial data communication bus for the U.S. Department of Defense. It is now commonly used for both military and civilian applications in avionics, aircraft, and spacecraft data handling. A 1553 system typically uses a dual redundant, balanced-line, physical layer with a differential network interface with time division multiplexing, half-duplex, command/ response data communication protocol with up to 32 remote terminal devices. It was first used in the F-16 fighter aircraft and is now widely used by all branches of the U.S. military and NATO.

For more information about MIL-STD-1553, watch the following videos.

MIL STD 1553 Overview

Complete 1553 Solution

The current standard, MIL-STD-1553B was introduced in 1978, the goal of which was to define explicitly how each option should function, so that compatibility among manufacturers could be guaranteed.

MIL-STD-1553 is the military’s equivalent to ARINC-429, though structurally it is VERY different. The first and most obvious difference is that most 1553 links are designed with dual, redundant channels. Though commercial aircraft don’t typically get wires cut by bullets or flak, military aircraft are typically designed such that a single cut wire or wiring harness won’t cause a loss of system control. If you are looking to “hook” to a MIL-1553 device, be sure your interface has both channels.

Also, a MIL STD 1553 device can serve as Bus Controller, Bus Monitor, or Remote Terminal. Not all interfaces support all three functions. Be sure the interface you select has the capability you require.

As with the ARINC-429 bus, when operating as a bus controller, the unit must be capable of detailed transmission scheduling (including major and minor frame timing) and this is best per- formed in hardware rather than via software timing.