Conceptual Design of IMA Platforms with Distributed A653-P4 Computing Modules for Next-Generation Aircraft

The desire to further extend system functions on Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) platforms necessitates advances in terms of module and network technology. The introduction of distributed computing concepts, such as passively cooled ARINC 653 Part 4 modules, is intended to enable fast local control loops for safety-critical systems on IMA, for which a central computing platform with an ARINC 664 backbone network would not meet timing requirements. Moreover, by mapping low-computing software applications close to their corresponding peripherals, a reduction of network load can be achieved. However, challenges persist during the conceptual design phase of IMA platforms, as peripheral localization and installation constraints induced by the aircraft geometry are difficult to consider due to high uncertainties. An approach that leverages parametric architecture design pattern within a model-based conceptual design framework is proposed. A use case study was conducted to identify conceptual variants of both state-of-the-Art Distributed IMA and next-generation architectures that feature distributed computing for a Virtual Research Aircraft (ViRAC). The study demonstrated that a fully model-based, formalised approach that integrates different disciplinary tools during early design iterations can lead to a reasonable platform draft in fewer design iterations.

Subjects

avionics plat-forms | conceptual aircraft system design | distributed computing

DDC Class

629.13: Aviation Engineering

005: Computer Programming, Programs, Data and Security

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Conceptual Design of IMA Platforms with Distributed A653-P4 Computing Modules for Next-Generation Aircraft