AFDX Network Simulation Using Ethernet Controller and Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current AFDX network simulation and testing systems require multiple specialized cards for each item of equipment, making it difficult and expensive to simulate multiple equipment items, especially in large integration scenarios where over fifty items need to be simulated.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing non-specific computer means with a simulation layer controlling an Ethernet controller and a commercially available Ethernet switch to manage data transmission, including formatting and deformatting functions, and a frame sequencer to ensure compliance with real-time constraints, allowing for the simulation of multiple equipment items using COTS products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple specialized AFDX cards are used to simulate each equipment item, then real-time constraints are satisfied, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single Ethernet controller card that can simulate multiple AFDX equipment items simultaneously. Instead of requiring one dedicated AFDX card per equipment item, the system enables one card to perform multiple simulation functions through software configuration, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining real-time performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by creating virtual representations of AFDX equipment through software models rather than physical hardware for each item. The simulation layer generates virtual AFDX interfaces that replicate the behavior and communication protocols of actual AFDX equipment, allowing multiple virtual equipment instances to run on a single physical Ethernet controller.
2Measurement precision
If multiple specialized AFDX cards are used for each equipment item, then simulation accuracy is maintained, but cost increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing expensive specialized AFDX hardware cards with more economical Ethernet controller cards. The system uses standard, widely-available Ethernet hardware that is significantly cheaper than dedicated AFDX cards, while compensating for any capability gaps through software simulation layers that replicate AFDX-specific protocols and behaviors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/hardware-based AFDX card system with a software-based simulation approach. Instead of relying on specialized hardware to enforce AFDX protocols, the system uses software layers that emulate AFDX communication patterns, replacing physical specialized components with virtual software equivalents that achieve the same functional goals at lower cost.
3Ease of operation
If Ethernet switches are used to manage multiple equipment simulations, then ease of operation improves, but real-time constraint satisfaction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the Ethernet switch with static routing tables and VLAN settings before operation begins. This pre-configuration ensures that data packets are routed deterministically without requiring real-time switching decisions, thereby maintaining real-time constraints while benefiting from the ease of operation provided by switch-based management of multiple equipment simulations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for simulating at least one item of equipment missing on an AFDX network and for testing such a network comprising at least one real item of equipment, which uses non-specific computer means including:a simulation layer (21) controlling at least one Ethernet controller (22),at least one commercially available Ethernet switch (42) to switch data.