Modular Avionics Development

The evolution of avionics from autonomous systems to integrated suites has been underway for more four decades. The systems deployed on today's aircraft are second generation avionics composed of single-function `black boxes' loosely coupled via database to allow centralized control of inputs and outputs. In contrast, integrated avionics focuses upon sharing resources and modules that are common among various functions. The F-22 avionics, or third generation, for example, provides integration primarily in the data processing area. However, the proprietary buses, liquid cooling constraints and unique module interconnects make for a closed solution. This, in turn, has led to the need for truly modular avionics employing open architecture concepts to permit extensive use of commercial components and elements which can be integrated into various aircraft and leveraged off rapidly evolving commercial developments. We propose to: 1) develop top level operational requirements and avionics performance drivers, 2) define an open architecture and module partitioning which will lead to standard module interfaces, 3) analyze, simulate, and evaluate key concepts to validate performance and characterize key concepts, and 4) identify high-priority areas which will be targeted for proof-of-concept demonstration in Phase II.