MIL-STD-1553 is a government standard that describes a serial communication network used for avionics integration. In laymens terms, the communication network or digital Data Bus as it is known, is basically a militarized local area network (LAN). The major components of a MIL-STD-1553 data bus are as follows:

Controls information flow on the Data Bus

Embedded / Standalone - react to the messages sent via the bus controller & integrate subsystems to the bus

Used for monitoring and testing the bus, while providing data acquisition capability

Cable - is the actual Data Bus, which is a shielded, twisted pair of wires that carry the signal. The cable has an impedance of 78 ohms.
Box Couplers and Inline Couplers - facilitate connecting and isolating components/subsystems to/from the main Data Bus.
Terminators - used to terminate or "close" both ends of the bus, typically 78 ohms.
Connectors/Adaptors - provide an electro-mechanical interface to the bus via a variety of concentric twinaxial type devices.
Relays - Switching devices used to connect/disconnect portions of the data bus or selected RT's.

Need information on a typical MIL-STD-1553 test set-ups? Click Here to View/Print illustrations for typical test set-ups.