How Do I Perform a PXI-MIL-1553 Loopback Test?

How do I perform a loopback test on my 1553 module?

There are two methods for performing a loopback test with a 1553 module. Either an Internal Loopback Test, or an External Loopback Test.
 
Internal Loopback
You must have a multi-function card to perform an internal loopback. To perform an internal loopback perform the following:

1. Put the BM, BC, and/or RT all on the same core and channel.

External Loopback
There are two ways to perform an external loopback: Direct Coupling or Transformer Coupling.
 
Direct Coupling:

1. In the BTI XML editor, navigate to the channel1553 configuration.
2. Set the “termination” property to “On” for the specific bus you plan on using.​
3. Make the external connections between the channels you want to use.

 

Transformer coupling:

1. In the BTI XML editor, navigate to the channel1553 configuration.
2. Set the “termination” property to “Off.”
3. Using the LFH 16037  Twinax BNC cables, connect channels 0 and 1 of the same bus to a 2 stub transformer coupler via the stub connections.
4. Connect a 75 ohm load to each of the two bus connections.

 

Additional Information

Internal Loopback

The BM, BC, and/or RT will all be simulated, so by putting these on the same channel, the other simulations can interact with each other.
 
Please note about making an internal connection:

• The external connection should be properly terminated in order to prevent possible damage from driving an unterminated stub.
• The messages will also be sent out to connected hardware.
  • Ensure there are no external transmitters. An external BC will likely cause bus collisions and an external RT could respond and mask a configuration issue with the internal RT.
  • An external monitor may be connected to analyze the complete bus traffic.
• You must have a multi-function device (LV-222-55X-XXX) to be able to simulate the BC, BM, and RT on a single channel.
• If you are using a single channel Multifunction MIL-1553 card (LV-222-550-000) you can use the shipping example - 'Example 08 - BC Control LRU RT' and simulate BC,BM and RT on single channel to perform internal loopback.

External Loopback

Direct Coupling

Please note about making the external Direct Coupling:

• There are no terminal blocks currently available for making these connections. This means that you’ll have to use jumper wires on the modules's LFH connector or on the D-Sub connector of the 16036 cable to make these connections

Transformer Coupling

Please note about making the external Transformer Coupler:

• This requires external hardware not included with the module or sold by NI, specifically, one 2-stub coupler and two 75 ohm terminations. The LFH 16037 cable assembly can be purchased along with the PXI MIL-STD-1553 Interface Module. The cable assembly part number is 784807-01.
• This setup only tests one bus. Swap the Twinax BNC cables to test the other bus or connect the second bus to another transformer coupler with 75Ω terminations.
• This requires a module with multiple channels per core.