AB Family Small Form Factor I/O Computers
Capable · Efficient · Proven
AB Family: The Time-Proven COTS Solution

The Ballard AB Family from Astronics pioneered the small form factor avionics I/O computer segment. These flexible Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) devices can be configured for a wide variety of uses, such as standalone rugged computing, protocol converting, data recording, network data serving, or remote monitoring. The problem-solving AB family is particularly well-suited for avionics technology upgrades and have been deployed on dozens of aerial, ground, and marine platforms in military and commercial applications.
Products in this versatile family range from compact AB1000 Avionics I/O Converters and highly-flexible AB2000 Avionics I/O Controllers, to the latest SWaP-optimized AB3000 Series N Avionics I/O Computers. The AB3000 Series N is optimized for distributed architectures with an integrated 8-port gigabit Ethernet switch. It also features 64-bit quad core processing and cybersecurity capabilities. More details for each AB Series can be seen below.
AB Family Overview

NG Family – Avionics Interfacing and Computing
NG is a new family of 64-bit Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) avionics I/O computing platforms, providing flexible, problem-solving solutions for areas such as mission computing, distributed control, and avionics data conversion.
The NG Family is recommended over the AB Family for all new designs.
Find out more about NG Family »
AB3000 Series N – Integrated Network Series Avionics I/O Computers
The AB3000 ‘Series N’ Avionics I/O Computer is the first small form-factor COTS mission computer to integrate a 64-bit quad core processor, high throughput Gigabit Ethernet, and a wide array of avionics I/O in a rugged, compact device.

AB2000 – Flexible Avionics I/O Controllers
The Rugged AB2000 is a family of compact, conduction or convection-cooled controllers for use in demanding environments. These flexible, Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) devices solve challenging interface, bridging and control problems, while reducing SWaP (Size, Weight and Power).

AB1000 – Compact Avionics I/O Converters
The AB1000 is a small, lightweight embedded converter with built-in avionics databus interfaces and a variety of standard I/O types. This unique, small, problem-solving COTS device is ideally suited for simple protocol converting, data serving, and other common avionics needs.Proven Solutions That Minimize Your Risk
The AB Family, like all our COTS products, comes pre-configured and pre-validated for rapid deployment with no up-front NRE. Why spend your valuable time and money developing a custom solution when we've already created the hardware you need—before you knew you needed it. Our expertise is delivering proven solutions that minimize your risk and ensure the success of your program. Here are more ways we help you deliver your programs on time and within budget:
Thoughtful Designs
You need products that integrate and perform the way you expect—with no surprises. Our hardware and software solutions feature high reliability and long service life to save you money now and over the life of your program.
Loaner Hardware
Get a jump on development. We can bail loaner hardware at no charge for both embedded and test & simulation use, allowing you to test drive the products and ensure they meet your needs.
Universal API
Don't rewrite code if things change or you need to migrate from one interface platform to another. Our universal API software portability speeds deployment and protects your valuable programming investment.
World-Class Support
Get responsive and knowledgeable support—both before the sale and for the life of the product. We know your deadlines are critical, so we're a partner that helps you achieve your goals, not one that holds you back.
The AB Family is Prequalified and Ready to Meet Your Challenge
Mounting Orientation
AB3000 Horizontal Chassis
AB3000 Vertical Chassis
AB3000 models are ordered with either a horizontal or vertical chassis. AB2000 models can be mounted in either orientation using an optional horizontal or vertical mounting kit.
Multiple Avionics Databus Interfaces and more...
Ballard boxes are known for their broad and varied I/O complement. Choose the model with the capabilities and protocol mix you need to satisfy the unique requirements of your application. Available protocols include: MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, ARINC 717, and ARINC 708, along with serial, discretes, Ethernet, USB, and others (I/O varies by model, see "Ordering Information" below for examples).
Model Comparison
Model | Description | Processor | Audio/Video | Power Supply | Notable Features |
NG3/NG2 Series | New Generation (recommended for all new designs more info) | Intel Atom E3950 64-bit, quad core | Yes (NG3) | Isolated | mPCIe expansion, user-removeable mSATA, CANbus |
NG1 Series | New Generation (recommended for all new designs more info) | NXP QorIQ LS1023A 64-bit, dual core (Arm Cortex-A53) | No | Isolated | Low SWaP, Gigabit Ethernet, CANbus |
AB3000 Series N | Integrated Network Series | QorIQ T1040, 64-bit, quad core | No | Enhanced high-efficiency, non-isolated | Integrated on-chip 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Switch |
AB2000 Series | Original Series | PowerPC, 32-bit | No | Isolated | PMC expansion |
AB1000 Series | Original Series | PowerPC, 32-bit | No | Industrial Grade | 512 MB CompactFlash |
For full specifications, download product datasheets below in the "Additional Information" section.
Ordering Information
This table includes sample configurations for each AB Series product. For more information on a specific model to meet your needs or to request a quote, call +1.425.339.0281 or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Series | Model | Description |
AB3000 Series N (all models include 8-port gigabit Ethernet Switch, Ethernet Host, USB Host, Serial) | AB3186xN | Standard features plus 2 dual-redundant multi-function MIL-STD-1553, 8R/4T ARINC 429, 1R/1T ARINC 717 channels |
AB3180xN | Standard features plus 2 dual-redundant multi-function MIL-STD-1553 channels | |
AB3146xN | Standard features plus 8R/4T ARINC 429 and 1R/1T ARINC 717 channels | |
AB3581xN | Standard features plus 4R/4T ARINC 429, 4 dual-redundant multi-function MIL-STD-1553 channels, and 20 avionics discretes | |
AB2000 Series (all models include Ethernet Host, USB Host, Serial) | AB2342 | Standard features plus 8R/4T ARINC 429, 1R/1T ARINC 708 and 1 dual redundant multi-function MIL-STD-1553 channel |
AB2146 | Standard features plus 8R/4T ARINC 429 and 1R/1T ARINC 717 channels | |
AB2280 | Standard features plus 4 dual redundant multi-function MIL-STD-1553 channels | |
AB2143 | Standard features plus 4R/0T ARINC 429 | |
AB1000 Series (all models include Ethernet Host, USB Host, Serial, Discrete) | AB1150 | Standard features plus 4R/2T ARINC 429, and 1 dual redundant multi-function MIL-STD-1553 channel |
AB1140 | Standard features plus 4R/2T ARINC 429 channels | |
AB1110 | Standard features plus 1 dual redundant multi-function MIL-STD-1553 channel | |
AB1100 | Standard features only |
nRnT = number of Receive/Transmit channels
Multi-function channels have protocol error injection capability and can simultaneously be a Bus Controller (BC), Bus Monitor (BM), and up to 32 Remote Terminals
(RTs).
Single-function channels can be configured in software as either a Bus Controller (BC), a Bus Monitor (BM), or up to 32 Remote Terminals (RTs).
Software
BTIDriver Application Programming Interface (included)
Device Driver Software (included)
CoPilot Test & Analysis Software (optional)
Cables & Accessories
A wide variety of cables and accessories are available to complement these products.
Browse Cables & Accessories
Let's Start the Conversation
For more information or to request a quote, fill out the form below or call us at: +1.425.339.0281
Astronics AES
12950 Willows Road NE
Kirkland, WA 98034 USA
+1.425.339.0281
Ballard.Sales@astronics.com