Integrated Modular Avionics Research Articles

OMNeT++ Simulation Framework for Avionics Full-Duplex Switched Ethernet

Avionics Full-Duplex Switched Ethernet (AFDX) is a popular network technology for integrated modular avionics (IMA). When designing an AFDX network, it is important to fulfill the real-time communication requirements of avionic systems. To this end, simulation tools offer a low-cost solution for the performance evaluation of a given AFDX network and message set configuration at the design stage. In this paper, we develop an improved AFDX model for the widely used OMNeT++ (extensible, modular, component-based C++ simulation library and framework) network simulator. Our model exhibits high fidelity to the standard, adds detailed parameter configuration and data logging capabilities, and is compatible with the most recent OMNeT++ version. Our model is accepted by the OMNeT++ community and published as the current AFDX simulation model. Moreover, we propose a complete AFDX simulation framework by augmenting our improved OMNeT++ models with a new network configuration and analysis software tool that we call ANCAT. ANCAT enables users who lack familiarity with the OMNeT++ interface and specific file formats to provide simulation parameters in generic file formats such as.xlsx. Subsequently, ANCAT runs the simulation and generates reports for the results. We first systematically verify the correctness of our AFDX simulation framework by custom-designed experiments. Then, we investigate the practicability of our proposed framework with the performance analysis of a realistic AFDX network topology and message set. In particular, we demonstrate that our proposed framework can be efficiently used to explore the real-time capabilities and relevant features of AFDX networks, as well as provide basic guidelines for network configuration.

Искусственный интеллект в адаптивных внутрикабинных интерфейсах

The principles of developing adaptive in-cabin control interfaces for advanced aviation systems based on the methodology of integrated modular avionics (IMA), which change their functionality depending on the situation and flight conditions, are considered. Existing and promising solutions and technologies for making in-cabin interfaces are described, such as gesture recognition systems, voice commands and other methods of interaction with the pilot, including the use of induced virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies. The problems of piloting in conditions of increased automation of aircraft control processes are shown. Proposals are considered to create even more efficient and secure interfaces in the near future, which will improve the aviation system performance, the aircraft control quality and reduce the likelihood of pilots’ operational errors.

Seamless Transitions from Logical to Physical Avionics Architecture Models for Preliminary Aircraft Systems Design

AbstractThe transition of federated aviation electronics (avionics) systems to Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) concepts leads to a higher integration of functions, which reduces the amount of equipment and therefore system mass. However, these benefits are accompanied by a strong increase in system complexity and more interdependencies. Moreover, further digitalization and automation of aircraft functions lead to a higher impact of avionics in terms of equipment number and energy consumption. One challenge arises from the fact that the IMA platform design starts in parallel to the design of other aircraft on‐board systems, for which the platform shall provide resources like computing power. This leads to a high uncertainty during early design phases on the one hand and to a complex design process including many data and tool interfaces on the other hand. In order to meet these challenges, seamless model‐based design approaches are being broadly investigated. For this purpose, standardized and automated interfaces between different design steps, tools, and stakeholders are needed. In this work, a formalized avionics architecture design process is proposed to support a seamless model‐based tool chain from systems architecting to detailed system design. Methods to handle uncertainties, to provide standardized model interfaces, and to automate transitions between model abstraction levels are included. Overall, this reduces manual effort and the introduction of errors that would lead to high costs during system implementation.

Health Management Architecture and Logic for a Distributed Complex Integrated Modular Avionics System

More and more advanced aircraft systems are equipped with Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) system, which presents a series of challenges related to fault detection and reporting. This paper addresses some of those challenges and proposes a new Health Management (HM) architecture for a typical distributed complex IMA system. A significant objective of this HM architecture is to ensure that the IMA system integrity and availability meet the system safety requirements. Due to the highly complexity and the integration of IMA system, it is very difficult for both designers and verifiers to develop a practical HM application in charge of detecting, isolating and reporting failures to the related hosted applications and other non-IMA systems. For this purpose, this paper proposes a new IMA health management logic for fault isolation and reporting.

A combination method for integrated modular avionics safety analysis

PurposeThis study aims to solve the problem that the traditional hierarchically performed hazard origin and propagation studies (HiP-HOPS) cannot make dynamic model for the complex system such as integrated modular avionics (IMA) system.Design/methodology/approachA new combination method that combines HiP-HOPS with architecture analysis and design language (AADL) is proposed.FindingsThe combination method potentially reduces the amount of rework required for safety analysis and modelling of a modified design.Research limitations/implicationsModelling the IMA system with the combination method can just make qualitative analysis but cannot make quantitative analysis.Practical implicationsThe static model depicts the fault propagation among the components while the dynamic model describes the composite fault with AADL for IMA system.Originality/valueThe results of the case study show that the proposed method not only keeps model consistency but also makes safety analysis and modelling for IMA system efficiently.

Research on Resource Allocation Method of Integrated Avionics System considering Fault Propagation Risk

The integrated modular avionics (IMA) system has coupled cross-linked support characteristics between physical resource entities and logical functions, and the existing resource allocation methods, which mainly consider system performance and resource utilization, do not consider the associated impact of fault propagation among resource entities. Aiming at the fault propagation risk in the resource allocation process of the IMA system, a hierarchical model of the IMA system is established. The fault propagation behavior caused by coupling association during the physical realization of the function layer logical architecture is analyzed, and the impact of different resource allocation methods on the fault propagation behavior is determined. Secondly, resource capacity constraints are established according to the resource requirement for hosted function, and the fault propagation risk model of the IMA system is constructed by considering the fault propagation impact factor, the relative importance of nodes, and the function safety criticality. The resource allocation method is evaluated according to the fault propagation risk model, and a heuristic algorithm is applied to optimize the resource allocation method of the IMA system. The simulation results show that the average propagation probability of the optimized resource allocation scheme decreases by 17.4%, and the overall fault propagation risk of the resource network decreases by 50.3%, indicating that the proposed resource allocation method can effectively improve the safety of the IMA system.

Application of prognostic and health management in avionics system

Currently, most aircraft avionics systems are maintained based on reported failures or periodic system replacement. However, the evolution of prognostic and health management (PHM) concepts from mechanical to electronic systems and further to avionics system maintenance has been driven by changes in weapon platform procurement and support requirements. At the same time, with the increasing complexity of avionics design, integrated modular avionics (IMA) came into being. The appearance of IMA design concept marks the gradual transition of avionics system from distributed joint architecture to integrated architecture, which also provides the foundation for PHM technology to be applied to avionics system. This paper reviews the application and research status of predictive and health management system technology in avionics system.

Research on Model-Based Combined Failure Analysis Method for Integrated Modular Avionics

Aiming at the combined failure problem of Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) system under the condition of resource sharing, this paper proposes a model-based combined failure analysis method for IMA system. Based on the system architecture model and the fault tree model containing the failure cause, the method integrates the failure cause relationship of the IMA system, and completes the analysis of the combined failure effect of the IMA system. By taking the failure conditions of a certain function of the IMA system as an example, the effectiveness of the analysis method is verified.

Abstraction models for verifying resource adequacy of IMA systems at concept level

Complex cyber-physical systems can be difficult to analyze for resource adequacy (e.g., bandwidth and buffer size) at the concept development stage since relevant models are hard to create. During this period, details about the functions to be executed or the platforms in the architecture are partially unknown. This is especially true for Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) systems, for which life-cycles span over several decades, with potential changes to functionality in the future. This work aims to identify abstractions for representing data exchanges among functions realized in networked IMA systems and investigates how these can be represented in formal models and analyzed with exact guarantees. Timed automata (TA) are a relevant choice for modeling since communication resource adequacy is directly related to potential network delays. We explore two alternatives in modeling with TA, a direct one representing every process using a TA template, and a more abstract one representing every computation device with a TA template. While the first approach represents process-to-process data exchanges, the modified approach reduces the state space by representing all processes currently allocated to a single computing element to obtain scalability gains. Both approaches are flexible since the templates presented can be instantiated to represent different types of network topologies and communication patterns. The instantiated TA models are used to illustrate an use case and analyzed with the UPPAAL model checker to verify that a given platform instance supports the desired system functions in terms of network bandwidth and buffer size adequacy, thereby messages reaching their final destination with freshness guarantees. Both abstraction levels are shown to be suitable for verifying the intended properties, but the more abstract one demonstrates a 67% improvement in verification time and a 66% reduction in state space during verification. The more abstract approach is also applied to a real-world example from an earlier publication, with a much larger state space and a more complex structure, to illustrate the ability to reuse the approach in multiple use cases. • A modular UPPAAL-based framework to model avionic application and platform elements. • A framework to analyze IMA systems timeliness and resource adequacy at an early stage. • Alternative abstractions for data exchanges among functions in IMA-based systems.

Automatic Generation of Reconfiguration Blueprints for IMA Systems Using Reinforcement Learning

Reconfiguration is a crucial method to improve the fault-tolerant capability of the integrated modular avionics (IMA) system. The quality of the blueprints has a substantial influence on operational performance after the system reconfiguration. Hence, this letter proposes an intelligent reconfiguration algorithm, which applies reinforcement learning (RL) to the IMA system. The proposed algorithm combines the critical elements of the RL model with the established IMA reconfiguration model to generate low-cost and high-quality blueprints. The experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method can not only generate feasible blueprints rapidly but also enhance system performance by optimizing load balance and reconfiguration costs.

Safety Assessment of the Reconfigurable Integrated Modular Avionics Based on STPA

The reconfiguration technology, which is the significant feature of the newly designed Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) system, enables the transfer of avionics functions from the failed module to the residual normal module, thereby enhancing the robustness of the whole system. The basic target of the IMA reconfiguration is to ensure the safe flight and correct execution of the mission. To solve the problem of lack of effective management mechanism for the IMA system development and safety assessment, a safety analysis method based on STAMP/STPA and UPPAAL for IMA reconfiguration is proposed. The method focuses mainly on system characteristics and multiparty interactions. On the basis of this approach, some studies and analyses have been carried out. Firstly, the STAMP/STPA principle is studied and used to identify unsafe control actions in the reconfiguration process. Secondly, a formal model of IMA reconfiguration is developed using UPPAAL. Finally, the accessibility analysis of the formal model is used to analyze UCAs and the corresponding loss scenarios. The method enables a detailed description of the interactions between the components and a rigorous mathematical analysis of the system, thereby diluting the effect of human factors while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the safety constraints.

Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) with Different Application: A Systematic Mapping

It is very essential to develop the design and structure of Real time operating system (RTOS) exclusively if we are using this for some special tenders. There any researches believed that (RTOS) are conventional approach to designing devices (RTOS) are used to facilitate to implement different criteria and projects such as time to constrained products, the clustering, the fire alarm system, the wireless sensors powered by renewable energy sensors powered, the stability integrated modular Avionics (IMA) and the alternative programs. In this research, several publications have investigated to perceive the performance of RTOS. These study emphases on a review of RTOS in different criteria and projects to evaluate their performance on different Oss and computing platforms. In this publication data is collected comprehensively factors. In this paper, statistics and results helped in implementation of a more engrossed technique towards the implementation and improvement of RTOS. This paper, highest RTOS are clustering and performance for all applications, white alternate programs measured as least important.

Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) with Different Application: A Systematic Mapping

It is very essential to develop the design and structure of Real time operating system (RTOS) exclusively if we are using this for some special tenders. There any researches believed that (RTOS) are conventional approach to designing devices (RTOS) are used to facilitate to implement different criteria and projects such as time to constrained products, the clustering, the fire alarm system, the wireless sensors powered by renewable energy sensors powered, the stability integrated modular Avionics (IMA) and the alternative programs. In this research, several publications have investigated to perceive the performance of RTOS. These study emphases on a review of RTOS in different criteria and projects to evaluate their performance on different Oss and computing platforms. In this publication data is collected comprehensively factors. In this paper, statistics and results helped in implementation of a more engrossed technique towards the implementation and improvement of RTOS. This paper, highest RTOS are clustering and performance for all applications, white alternate programs measured as least important.

Reliability Assessment Model of IMA Partition Software Using Stochastic Petri Nets

In order to reduce the failure rate of Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) partition software, due to the reliability block diagram (RBD) method, fault tree analysis (FTA) method and GO method cannot describe the state transition process of partition software, according to the ARINC 653 standard and the actual running status of the partition software, this paper determines the state machine and conversion delay of the partition software, and establishes the stochastic Petri nets (SPN) reliability quantitative model of the partition software. By proving that each transition in the SPN model of the partition software approximately obeying exponential distribution, and according to the reachable state tree of the SPN isomorphic to a homogeneous Markov chain (MC), the steady-state probability of the partition software in the fault state is calculated to be 5.2778*10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-9</sup> by using MC stochastic process theory. The factors affecting the reliability of the partition software are obtained, and the sensitivity of each factor to the model is studied. Finally, the relevant conclusions are drawn to provide guidance for improving the reliability of partition software.

ВЫСОКОПРОИЗВОДИТЕЛЬНЫЙ ИНФОРМАЦИОННО-УПРАВЛЯЮЩИЙ КОМПЛЕКС ДЛЯ ПЕРСПЕКТИВНОГО ВЫСОКОСКОРОСТНОГО ВЕРТОЛЕТА

Relevance Onboard computing systems (OCS) of modern aircraft (AC) have a system-oriented decentralized structural organization. The decentralized principle provides that the OCS is built in the form of a certain set of subsystems, between which the functional distribution of tasks is carried out. In this case, each of the specialized subsystems performs its functional task, exchanging, if necessary, information with other subsystems through the corresponding information transmission channels. However, as the functional tasks become more complex and their number increases, the decentralized principle of building on-board systems has largely exhausted its capabilities. First of all, this concerns such promising developments as the project to create a high-speed helicopter. The implementation of the concept of a promising high-speed helicopter requires the development of a high-performance on-board information and control complex capable of performing various functions in order to ensure high speed and long flight range, as well as the possibility of landing on unprepared sites. Aim of research The aim of research is to increase the performance of the on-board computer complex by forming an open architecture based on combining COST products, planning computing processes and choosing the optimal structural organization of the hardware. The objectives of the research project: 1. creation of a high-performance information and control complex based on open architectures and on the basis of integrated modular avionics; 2. using the optimization method of this complex to select the optimal possible solution to problems for a high-speed promising helicopter. Methods of research Method of generalized ranks is being worked out in detail. Ranking is made according to four criteria: total product volume, product weight, product availability, and product performance evaluation. Results The scientific novelty of this research project lies in solving problems associated with the formalization of procedures for the optimal configuration of the onboard information and control complex, based on the choice of methods for forming a set of acceptable options for onboard equipment that meet the modern concept of modular avionics, and the principles of heuristic optimization of the vector optimization base. The methods proposed in the work make it possible to improve the quality of the tasks assigned to high-speed helicopters by introducing a high-speed on-board information and control complex that meets the optimal requirements for performing the tactical and technical characteristics of a combat vehicle, which uses optimal COTS modules used on the basis of integral modular avionics. The introduction of the results of the research project into the development of promising high-speed helicopters will, according to estimates, increase the performance of the assigned tasks in front of the combat vehicle by 5–10 %.

Designing of technological processes of decision-making support information system in integrated modular avionics

The experience of world leaders in the industry shows that the key factors in achieving efficient and productive work organization are the reorganization of the information flow scheme, the optimization of the organizational structure of companies and the scheme of production process management. This creates a single information space in which the information model of the product is created and maintained throughout its life cycle. For modern aircraft construction one of the important and urgent tasks is the automation of technological processes. The solution of this problem will give the chance to increase efficiency of technological designing and to carry out technological planning of production resources. Integrated modular avionics (IMA) allows you to reduce subsystems that are smaller in weight, take up less space and consume energy (SWaP). IMA makes it possible to isolate the application not only from the basic bus architecture, but also from the basic hardware architecture, this practice expands the possibilities of transferring applications between different platforms, which allows you to introduce new equipment to replace obsolete architectures. Therefore, IMA should allow multiple applications to share, use, and access the same computing resources at the same time, so fewer subsystems need to be deployed, resulting in more efficient use of system resources and room for future expansion. IMA allows the reuse of inherited code. This reduces development time by providing a method of redeploying existing applications without major modifications. IMA reduces replacement costs because IMA facilitates reuse and because separating the components of the platform that run on a single processor simplifies impact analysis by reducing the cost of retesting. IMA makes it easy to support applications with ever-increasing functionality. IMA uses multi-core processor technology to facilitate a variety of applications such as I / O; running multiple disparate operating environments, such as non-COTS Linux, through virtualization.

Communication scheduling data generation for pre-configured IMA network

PurposeIn modern integrated modular avionics (IMA), it plays an important role to guarantee safety and reliability of the system. The safety and reliability of communication scheduling plays a crucial role in this IMA platforms-based network system. To verify the safety and reliability of the communication scheduling in this network, sufficient and typical test data must be generated to input into the network, obtain and evaluate the corresponding output.Design/methodology/approachTo generate communication scheduling data, this paper presents an iterative communication scheduling data generation algorithm for a configured network of IMA platforms. First, the algorithm generates all possible communication schedules for the first timestamp. Then, constraint is introduced to decrease the quantity of communication schedules to improve the efficiency. The communication schedules are gradually extended to the second timestamp until the final timestamp, i.e. length of communication scheduling sequence.FindingsTo verify the efficiency and feasibility of the algorithm, a model is built based on the architecture analysis and design language (AADL) by mapping the correlation time of generated communication scheduling data into task properties. Schedulability is analyzed by loading this model into AADL Inspector. The simulation result illustrates that the proposed algorithm is efficient and feasible.Practical implicationsThe proposed method can provide data support for communication scheduling test for the network of IMA platforms.Originality/valueA constraint-based iterative communication scheduling data generation algorithm is proposed for the network of IMA platforms automatically.

Research on the Architecture of Service-oriented Space Ground Transmission Computer Network

With the rapid development of microelectronic technology, avionics system is gradually developing to Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) system, which is a way to share multiple subsystems through a unified network connection. Therefore, we need to integrate several kinds of standard module resources and carry out terrestrial transmission. Therefore, aerospace must establish a service-oriented ground transmission computer network system, which will form a unified platform for information processing and message exchange. By supporting highly integrated avionics functions, we can achieve results in functional performance, operational performance and affordable cost. Therefore, based on the typical embedded computer information system, this paper proposes a service-oriented terrestrial transmission network architecture, which will enhance the dynamic allocation of terrestrial transmission network resources. By enhancing the unified operation and maintenance and security control, we can continuously increase the demand of various kinds of aerospace business.

A Safety Evaluation Method of IMA Dynamic Reconfiguration Process Based on CPN

With the rapid development of integrated modular avionics (IMA), the dynamic reconfiguration of IMA provides great advantages in resource utilization and aircraft configuration and acts as a valid means for resource failure management. Due to the complexity of dynamic reconfiguration process, it is difficult to analyze and evaluate the safety of dynamic reconfiguration process. The Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) is effective in modeling such process of the embedded real-time system. Colored Petri Net (CPN) has advantages of simulation and evaluation. Therefore, this paper model the IMA dynamic reconfiguration process based on AADL, and transfer it to CPN model to analyze and evaluate the safety of the process of dynamic reconfiguration. Finally, a case study is provided to indicate the effectiveness of the method.

A Modeling Method for Integrated Modular Avionics Dynamic Reconfiguration Process Based on AADL

With the great development of integrated modular avionics (IMA), the dynamic reconfiguration of IMA not only provides great advantages in resource utilization and aircraft configuration but also acts as a valid means for resource failure management. It is very vital to ensure the correction of the IMA dynamic reconfiguration process. The analysis of the dynamic reconfiguration process is a significant task. The Architecture Analysis & Design Language (AADL) is widely used in complicated real-time embedded systems. The language can describe the system configuration and the execution behaviors, such as configuration changes. Petri net is a widely used tool to conduct simulation analysis in many aspects. Therefore, we proposed a modeling method of IMA dynamic reconfiguration based on AADL mode, behavioral annex and error model annex in the system level. The model is our first step to analyze and solve the safety problem of IMA system. It can benefit deep analyzing about dynamic reconfiguration of IMA system as the foundation.