Integration of Data Distribution Service into Partitioned Real-time Embedded Systems

Abstract

Data Distribution Service (DDS) middleware facilitates interoperability and portability of components by building the underlying communication network in mixed-criticality systems with real-time requirements, especially those in conformity with Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE) technical standard. Partitioning is the key technology permitting applications with different levels of criticality to execute in a same hardware on strict isolation in time and space. A system architecture is proposed to realize the integration of DDS into partitioned real-time embedded systems compliant with ARINC- 653 specification. The architecture allows communications among applications through the DDS middleware, whether they are executed in a partitioned system or not. Then an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) combat scenario is simulated to exemplify the design feasibility. Evaluation tests show the communication stability can be obtained whether an ARINC-653 compliance system interconnect with heterogeneous systems or homogeneous systems. Based on the reliable configuration, the average communication time is stable at around 272.60μs in former situation and 281.32μs in the latter. And the specific performance difference between the two cases is further analyzed.