Patrice Toillon

A design approach for predictable and efficient multi-core processor for avionics

This paper presents design principles of a predictable and efficient multi-core system to meet embedded computers requirements in avionics. Multi-core processors are commonplace for massive data processing and personal use. Much of such systems have a number of features whose primary purpose is to improve performance. It results in the design of a set of hardware features which are difficult to analyze for certifiable avionic hard realtime applications. Such analysis is necessary because a fault in these applications could jeopardize the flight itself. Throughout a study of various academic and industrial works, we propose an approach to manage bottlenecks to meet avionic requirements in terms of partitioning, performance and predictability (determinism).

Mastering the behavior of multi-core systems to match avionics requirements

This paper presents design principles of a predictable and efficient multi-core system to meet embedded computers requirements in avionics throughout a study of previous works and experimental analysis. Multi-core processors are commonplace for massive data processing and personal use. Much of such systems have a number of features whose primary purpose is to improve performance. These architectures are composed of black boxes when avionics requires white boxes to demonstrate that they can match avionics constraints. Thats why we also propose an approach to manage bottlenecks in order to meet avionic requirements in terms of partitioning, performance and predictability (determinism).

A versatile input interface for avionic computers

During the last decades, the Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) concept has allowed important cost-savings in the development of avionic equipment thanks to an important reduction of the number of different modules. However, modularity in avionics is still limited by hardware concerns: current avionic computers have to interface with a lot of different inputs or outputs, from environment sensing to intercomputer communications, and the applications which can be hosted on the computer directly depends on these inputs and outputs. In this paper, we propose a new concept of input interface, named versatile input interface, which could facilitate the design and reuse of avionic equipment by allowing more flexibility in the development of Input/Output boards. The versatile input interface is meant to be used in avionic environment, and therefore will comply with avionic environmental procedures such as DO160-F [1].

An optimized answer toward a Switchless Avionics Communication Network

Actually, ARINC664 is the standard in reference for the Avionics Core Network and particularly the Part7 for Deterministic Network. The current communication architecture already deployed is based on the use of dedicated Ethernet Switch for the management of all data exchanges. These ones are not favorable regarding their SWaP (Size Weight and Power) impact on avionics suite addressing Bizjet or Regional Aircraft. This paper proposes new principles avoiding the systematic implementation of such dedicated communication equipment with a new communication architecture identified as Distributed Network System. This concept is the response towards a Switchless Avionics Communication Network.

A high voltage programmable input interface for avionic equipment

Avionic computers are required to sense their environment or interact with other devices through the use of various sensors or communication buses. Currently, these sensors and buses use dedicated interfaces, which limits the functionalities that can be implemented in the computer. In this paper, we propose a programmable interface meant to interface most common sensors found in avionics, which could facilitate the design and reuse of avionic computers. The architecture of the interface is presented, with a focus on the programmable analog signal conditioning stage which is able to withstand the high voltages present in the harsh avionic environment.

A versatile interface for avionics computers

♦ Flexible hardware ♦ Scalable ♦ Self-calibrating ♦ High Voltage Capability ♦ Reduced surface From Dedicated Interface to complete Versatile I/O Interface…