By Jeff Zacuto, Senior Director of Commercial Marketing
In an era where transportation and defense systems are more complex and interconnected than ever, the need for real-time data access and analysis has never been more critical. Shift5 is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with its newly introduced Bus Interface Card (BIC). This innovative piece of hardware marks a significant leap forward for maintenance and cybersecurity teams, offering unparalleled features that address the complex challenges faced by modern and legacy platforms.
The Need for Advanced Data Observability
The transportation and defense sectors are grappling with unprecedented challenges. Whether it’s ensuring the security of mission-critical military vehicles or maintaining the operational readiness of commercial fleets, the ability to access and analyze serial bus data in real time is essential. However, the complexity of onboard networks—often a mix of different protocols and legacy systems—has made this a daunting task. For teams struggling with these challenges, the Shift5 Bus Interface Card (BIC) delivers new capabilities unlike what’s found on the market today.
A Glimpse into the Future of OT Data Capture
The Shift5 BIC is not just another hardware solution; it’s a pioneering advancement in OT data observability. It unifies data collection from multiple, disparate protocols across legacy and modern defense and transportation assets, offering comprehensive data observability across defense, rail, and aviation fleets.
This device is designed to seamlessly interface with six of the most prevalent serial protocols, including ARINC-429, ASCB, CAN, MIL-STD-1553B, RS-422, and RS-485. And ongoing development will soon bring support for proprietary, specialized, and custom protocols, making the Shift5 BIC a versatile tool for a wide range of operational environments.
One of the standout features of the Shift5 BIC is its instant data capture capability. Unlike traditional systems that take 30-45 seconds to start recording data after power-up, the Shift5 BIC captures data within just 50 milliseconds. This rapid initiation is crucial for capturing critical data exchanges during the power-up sequence—information that can be vital for diagnosing system behaviors and preventing failures.
An Industry-First: Malformed Data Detection
A true industry breakthrough, the Shift5 BIC is the first to offer malformed data detection and capture. This feature allows the device to identify and flag data anomalies that might indicate cyber intrusions or other system malfunctions. By preserving these non-standard messages for post-processing analysis, the Shift5 BIC enhances security and improves the reliability of the systems it monitors. This capability is particularly significant in the context of increasing cybersecurity threats, where early detection of anomalies can prevent catastrophic failures.
Analog Signal Analysis and Device Fingerprinting
Another cutting-edge feature of the Shift5 BIC is its ability to perform analog signal analysis and device fingerprinting. By analyzing the analog characteristics of data signals, such as amplitude and timing, the Shift5 BIC can provide insights that go beyond standard digital analysis. This capability is particularly useful for maintenance teams, as it allows for the precise identification of potential issues before they escalate into critical failures. The device’s ability to create unique ‘fingerprints’ for different components adds another layer of diagnostic precision, making it easier to track and manage complex systems.
Seamless Integration and Scalability
Designed with flexibility in mind, the Shift5 BIC can be easily integrated with the Shift5 Manifold or other onboard systems equipped with a mini PCI express (mPCIe) slot. Its customizable FPGA IP cores allow for easy updates and expansions, ensuring that the Shift5 BIC can adapt to evolving operational needs. This makes it an ideal long-term investment for organizations looking to enhance their data observability capabilities across both legacy and modern platforms.
A New Way Forward for OT Observability
The introduction of Shift5’s Bus Interface Card is a significant milestone in the field of OT data observability. By offering instant data capture, industry-first malformed data detection, and advanced analog signal analysis, the Shift5 BIC provides maintenance and cybersecurity teams with the tools they need to help ensure the security, availability, and reliability of critical transportation and defense systems. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern and legacy operational environments, innovations like the Shift5 BIC will be key to staying ahead of the curve.
To learn more about how the Shift5 BIC can transform your operational technology strategy, visit Shift5.io/hardware.