Integrated Modular Avionics: Managing the Allocation of Shared Intersystem Resources

The integrated modular avionics (IMA) architectures have ushered in a new wave of thought regarding avionics integration. IMA architectures utilize shared, configurable computing, communication, and I/O resources. These architectures allow avionics system integrators to benefit from increased system scalability, as well as from a form of platform management that reduces the workload for aircraft-level avionics integration activities. In order to realize these architectural benefits, the avionics suppliers must engage in new philosophies for sharing a set of system-level resources that are managed a level higher than each individual avionics system. The mechanisms for configuring and managing these shared intersystem resources are integral to managing the increased level of avionics integration that is inherent to the IMA architectures. This paper provides guidance for developing the methodology and tools to efficiently manage the set of shared intersystem resources. This guidance is based upon the author's experience in developing the Genesis IMA architecture at Smiths Aerospace. The Genesis IMA architecture was implemented on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as the common core system (CCS)