A Distributed Platform for Integrated Modular Avionics

Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA), Distributed IMA
(DIMA), and
Modular Certification are widely discussed approaches
in the
aerospace community at the moment. IMA deals with the
idea of
sharing hardware resources and integrating several
aircraft functions
into one hardware unit to reduce weight, space,
cabling, power
consumption and costs. DIMA architectures provide
more flexibility
to the used hardware by splitting it up into several
smaller units,
distributed all over the aircraft and connected by a
safety-critical
communication system. Modular Certification uses the
modularity
provided by those systems to split their
certification into several
parts, which reduces development time and effort.
Based on these
prerequisites, the concept of a distributed and
integrated platform
solution is introduced. It defines the constraints
and services
needed for implementing a modular certifiable and
flexible
platform, which is able to handle all safety-critical
functions in an
aircraft. This book discusses the platform s
attributes and
certification demands, identifies its requirements
and constraints
and considers its applications and business
opportunities.