Safety Considerations for Software-defined Radio Integrated in Robust Time and Space Partitioning IMA Architecture

Both Software-defined Radio (SDR) and Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) architecture are technological advances that have the potential to improve the size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) characteristics of avionics products. This paper explores the possibility of integrating SDR applications (Localizer and Glide Slope) into a robust time and space partitioning (TSP) IMA architecture, to benefit from both technologies. The proposed design is demonstrated and validated with a case study in which both laboratory and inflight tests were conducted. We discuss the safety considerations by considering the certification guidance that is specified in the certification standards of DO-178C and DO-297, which are especially essential in the aviation field.