Object request broker software technology: applications in an advanced open systems avionics architecture

The use of COTS hardware elements for avionics systems has become both attractive and potentially highly rewarding in recent times. A number of programs are underway to validate approaches and demonstrate applicability. A different situation exists with respect to software. The use of "COTS" software for avionics applications lags far behind that of hardware. However, the rise of "Object Request Broker" (ORB) concepts for network communications may change matters. This paper documents experience with the use of ORB technology as the basis for open system communications within an advanced avionics architecture driven toward software portability and machine independence of functions. The paper describes the conceptual approach to using ORBs in this context, and initial results in the first series of implementation and demonstration tests.