A Sentient Watchdog Instrument for MDA Systems

MSI manufactures multi-processor instrumentation modules. Our latest product is the Embeddable Programmable Instrumentation Circuit (EPIC). The army has funded the EPIC for embedded diagnostics, prognostics and intelligent control of electrical systems in combat vehicles. A new Phase II NAVAIR contract funds transition to a radiation-hard ASIC chip installed in either connectors or LRU. The EPIC module is small enough to reside in the backshell of a M38999 connector or as a small module built-in or added into electronic systems. We propose new research that will develop and prototype an embedded instrument for aggressive situation security, the CM-Watchdog. The product we develop will have an aggressive goal seeking ability that uses the EPIC self checking architecture. The CM-Watchdog will extend use of the “Business Rule Engine”, from control and diagnostics to tamper protection, configuration status monitoring, and intrusion protection and configuration assurance. The procedures and algorithms for security situation awareness will be embodied in the “Business Rules”. The CM-Watchdog, in a component or in a connector backshell “doghouse” will use the rules to assure that a system is operating normally and any hardware or software changes are certified through the MDA CM cycle.