A systems architecting framework for optimal distributed integrated modular avionics architectures

Abstract

This work presents a novel holistic framework for Distributed Integrated Modular Avionics (DIMA) architecture design and optimization. Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) are a standardization of avionics components. IMA is beneficial in weight and costs if the complexity of sizing, function allocation, and topology selection is mastered. In preceding publications, stand-alone models and optimization algorithms were developed, which significantly support different aspects of DIMA architecture design. This article extends, integrates, and compares all methods in a holistic framework, which enables model and algorithm-aided design of avionics architectures. Domain-specific modeling of systems software, hardware, and aircraft anatomy enables automated verification and early evaluation of architectures. Moreover, the model is the foundation for a flexible kit of eight optimization routines. For design issues in which humans likely lose the overview optimization routines are proposed. The degree of freedom in optimization ranges from function mapping over routing to a complete architecture generation. Routines for platform selection, network, and topology optimization are unique and unrivaled today. All optimization problems are solved globally optimal and a multi-objective solving algorithm calculates the best trade-off architectures for contradicting objectives, the Pareto optimum. All optimization routines are extensively tested by designing the optimal DIMA architecture for aircraft system functions in an A320-like scenario. Results show significant optimization potential of generated architectures compared to a manually designed one. The resulting architectures are analyzed and compared in performance and structure in detail.