MIL-STD-1553, Digital Internal Time Division Command/Response Multiplex Data Bus, is a military standard (presently in revision B), which has become one of the basic tools being used today by the DoD for integration of weapon systems. The standard describes the method of communication and the electrical interface requirements for subsystems connected to the data bus. The 1 Mbps serial communication bus is used to achieve aircraft avionic (MIL-STD-1553B) and stores management (MIL-STD-1760B) integration. In the future it will be used to extend the systems integration to flight controls, propulsion controls, and vehicle management system (electrical, hydraulic, environmental control, etc.).
Several other documents exist, which are related to MIL-STD-1553. MIL-HDBK-1553 describes the implementation practices for this standard including: design considerations, examples of applications, and guidelines for implementations. Portions of MIL-STD-1553 are also the foundation of the MIL-STD-1773 (Fiber-optics), and MIL STD-1760B (Stores Management). In addition, MIL-STD-1553 is embodied in or referenced by the following international documents: NATO STANAG 3838, ASCC Air Standard 50/2, and UK DEF STAN 00-18 (Part 2)/Issue 1.
This Designer’s Guide will provide; 1) a synopsis of the standard and some frequently asked questions and their answers, 2) a specification comparison of the detailed uses of the standard, 3) a review of system design considerations, and 4) a discussion of remote terminal and bus controller designs.