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Avionics I/O Computers

Secure · Right-sized · Ready

The Secure, Pre-validated COTS Solution — Now with Onboard AI

Ballard Avionics I/O Computers combine efficient 64‑bit processing, high‑performance databus interfaces, and essential I/O in some of the industry’s most compact, rugged form factors. These flexible, high‑density Commercial‑off‑the‑Shelf (COTS) systems deliver reliable performance on the ground and in the air, and are easily integrated into helicopter, fixed wing, UAV, ground mobile, and marine platforms. They are ideally suited for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) applications and align with DoD open systems business and technical strategies such as MOSA and OMS.

A range of sizes and capability levels is available to meet diverse program requirements—from full‑featured avionics computers with high I/O counts, audio/video, and removable storage, to ultra‑low‑SWaP converters for simpler processing tasks or remote data collection, and the NG3 AI Accelerator variant for advanced onboard AI processing. These problem‑solving products are rigorously qualified and routinely fielded by DoD primes for mission computing, distributed control, avionics data conversion, and tech insertions, providing a direct upgrade path to 64‑bit processing, robust cybersecurity, AI‑enabled capabilities, and higher performance that extends the life of established programs for years to come.

Right-Sized: Deploy Exactly What You Need

Compute. Control. Convert.

The NG Family consists of three distinct product series—each with different capability levels but a common design philosophy. At their core, all NG products are highly flexible systems that combine multi‑protocol avionics I/O with a high‑throughput Ethernet backbone, enabling robust inter‑device communication and seamless integration with a wide range of avionics systems.

Each variant is tailored to a specific class of deployment, depending on the unique needs of your program. Whether you require:

A versatile mission computer with extensive avionics I/O and audio/video support
A simple bridge to convert MIL‑STD‑1553 to Ethernet
Advanced onboard processing and inference with the NG3 AI Accelerator
Or a solution that falls somewhere in between

…the NG Family delivers a scalable, compatible platform to meet your requirements.

Proven Solutions – Ready When You Are

Ballard Avionics I/O Computers, like all our COTS products, are pre‑configured and pre‑validated for rapid deployment—with no up‑front NRE. Instead of investing time and money in custom development, you can leverage hardware that’s already engineered, qualified, and ready to drop into your architecture.

Our core expertise is delivering proven, fielded solutions that reduce risk and help ensure your program’s success. Here are more ways we help you deliver on time and within budget:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Find the Right Avionics Computer for Your Mission

Every program has different performance, SWaP, integration, and budget requirements. Ballard Avionics I/O Computers give you a consistent architecture across a family of rugged COTS platforms—from AI‑accelerated edge processors to compact protocol converters—so you can choose exactly the right balance of compute, I/O density, and form factor for each application. Explore the models below to match the best-fit solution to your mission needs.

Image of Ballard NG3 AI Accelerator

NG3 AI Accelerator – Compact, Mission-Ready AI

The NG3 AI Accelerator is designed for inference in airborne edge computing environments where power, space, and environmental margins are tight. It delivers practical, on‑platform AI without the overhead of data‑center hardware, making it well suited for UAVs, helicopters, and defense systems that operate in demanding conditions.
Find out more about the NG3 AI Accelerator

NG3 Avionics I/O Computer

NG3 Series – Rugged, High-Density Avionics I/O Computers

The NG3 Series is the next generation of flexible COTS avionics I/O computers. These compact systems combine Intel 64-bit quad core processing with an exceptional density and variety of avionics and computer I/O. The NG3 has the power and versatility to solve control and communication challenges, and is prevalidated for rapid deployment with no up-front NRE.

NG2 Avionics I/O Controller

NG2 Series – Rugged, High-Density Avionics I/O Controllers

The NG2 Series includes the same Intel 64-bit quad core processor and avionics I/O selection as our high-level NG3 Series, but features a smaller size with a corresponding reduction in I/O. It is designed for applications where lower SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) is critical. Like the NG3, it is prevalidated for rapid deployment with no up-front NRE.

NG1 Avionics I/O Converter

NG1 Series – Rugged, Compact Avionics I/O Converters

The NG1 Series is a rugged, compact I/O converter that easily solves system integration problems. It runs custom applications that allow you to distribute control thoughout the airframe. It is optimized for converting avionics protocol data to and from Ethernet so you can minimize wiring and significantly reduce overall system SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power). The NG1 is prevalidated for rapid deployment with no up-front NRE.
Find out more about NG1 Avionics I/O Converters

AB3000 Series N

AB3000 Series N – Integrated Network Series

The AB3000 ‘Series N’ Avionics I/O Computer is a problem-solving small form-factor COTS mission computer that integrates a 64-bit quad core processor, high throughput Gigabit Ethernet, and a wide array of avionics I/O in a rugged, compact device.

Mission-Ready Avionics Solutions for Modern Defense Platforms

Compact and Powerful

Ballard Avionics I/O Computers tightly integrate 64-bit processing and dense I/O into small, lightweight SWaP-optimized (Size, Weight, and Power) enclosures that meet military requirements for shock, vibration, temperature, humidity, and pressure. They are small and light enough for use in UAVs and capable enough to handle complex, large-scale aircraft systems. They are ideal for deployment in C4ISR applications.

Edge AI, Real Missions

The NG3 AI Accelerator varient powers next-generation edge AI across mission-critical aerospace and defense platforms, from avionics systems for flight management, sensor fusion, and health monitoring to UAVs for autonomous navigation, object detection, and situational awareness, and electronic warfare systems for real-time threat detection and response.

Cybersecurity Capablities

Broad cybersecurity features facilitate building your unique and effective security solution. These may include security features resident in the Linux or Windows OS, discrete inputs for write protection of base non-volatile memory and removable mass storage, processor security TPM, and a sanitize discrete input to wipe all mSATA storage that is not write-protected.

Flexible Mounting Options for Any Installation

NG3 AI Accelerator, NG3 Series, NG2 Series, and AB3000 Series N units are available in both horizontal and vertical chassis configurations, allowing you to choose the optimal orientation and mounting for your specific application.

NG3-NG2-Horizontal-600

Horizontal Chassis

NG3-NG2-Vertical-600

Vertical Chassis

Avionics I/O Computers at a Glance: Feature and Performance Comparison

	NG3 AI Accelerator	NG3 Series	NG2 Series	NG1 Series	AB3000 Series N
Processor	Intel Atom E3950 64-bit, quad core	Intel Atom E3950 64-bit, quad core	Intel Atom E3950 64-bit, quad core	NXP QorIQ LS1023A 64-bit, dual core (Arm Cortex-A53)	QorIQ T1040, 64-bit, quad core
Integrated AI	Hailo-8R mPCIe AI processor	–	–	–	–
2D/3D Video, Audio	Yes	Yes	–	–	–
MIL-STD-1553	Up to 12 dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 channels	Up to 12 dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 channels	Up to 8 dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 channels	Up to 2 dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 channels	Up to 4 dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553 channels
ARINC 429	Up to 36 ARINC 429 channels	Up to 36 ARINC 429 channels	Up to 24 ARINC 429 channels	Up to 7 ARINC 429 channels	Up to 12 ARINC 429 channels
Other I/O	ARINC 708, ARINC 717, Serial, Discrete, CANbus	ARINC 708, ARINC 717, Serial, Discrete, CANbus	ARINC 708, ARINC 717, Serial, Discrete, CANbus	Serial, Discrete, CANbus	ARINC 717, Serial, Discrete
Ethernet	Up to 16 Fast or 11 Gigabit port switch	Up to 16 Fast or 11 Gigabit port switch	Up to 8 Fast or 7 Gigabit port switch	1 Gigabit port	Integrated on-chip 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
Removable Expansion	2 slots (2 mSATA); Up to 2 SSD	3 slots (2 mSATA, 1 mPCIe); Up to 2 SSD	2 slots (2 mSATA or 1 mSATA/1 mPCIe); Up to 2 SSD	–	–
Weight (typical)	4.5 lb (2.0 kg)	4.4 lb (2.0 kg)	3.7 lb (1.7 kg)	1.5 lb (0.68 kg)	5.2 lb (2.4 kg)

Maximum I/O values shown per type, values are reduced when ordering more than one type.
Fast Ethernet: 10/100 Mb/s; Gigabit Ethernet: 10/100/1000 Mb/s
For full specifications, download product datasheets below in the "Additional Information" section.

Ordering Information

Please contact our Customer Service Department for assistance in choosing the correct model for your application. For more information or to request a quote, call +1.425.339.0281 or fill out the form at the bottom of the page.