Aircraft LRU Dual Memory Segmentation for Certification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft line replaceable units (LRUs) lack versatility in their software configuration, as they are restricted by aviation-law certification requirements, limiting user customization and functionality without compromising safety or certification integrity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a dual memory system within LRUs, where a first main memory contains certification-critical software and a separate second main memory allows users to store and load individual software, such as user interfaces and media, without affecting certification, using external storage like USB sticks or network connections, and ensuring integrity through encryption and compatibility checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single main memory is used to store all software for LRU operation, then certification integrity is maintained, but user customization and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the main memory into two separate memories: a first main memory for certification-critical software and a second main memory for user-customizable software. This segmentation allows independent modification of each memory's content without affecting the other, resolving the contradiction between certification integrity and user customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a memory controller as an intermediary component that manages access to both main memories. The controller ensures that user software loaded into the second main memory does not adversely affect the certification basis by mediating between user customization needs and certification integrity requirements.
2Device complexity
If user software is stored in the same memory as certification software, then device complexity is reduced, but software integrity and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the memory storage into distinct first and second main memories, physically separating certification software from user software. This segmentation increases device complexity slightly but ensures software integrity by preventing corrupted or unauthorized user software from affecting certification-critical operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LRU software is modified to enhance functionality, then versatility improves, but certification validity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows software modifications to be made in the second main memory without affecting the first main memory containing certification software. This enables functionality enhancement through user software while maintaining certification validity, as the certification basis remains unchanged and intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the LRU system in the second main memory that can be freely modified for user customization. This copy operates independently from the certified original in the first main memory, allowing functionality enhancement without compromising certification validity.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of the invention is a line replaceable unit (LRU) (2) for an aircraft (1). According to the invention, the LRU has:a) a first main memory (7) which contains the software required for certification of the LRU (2),b) a second main memory (8), which is separate from the first main memory (7) and in which a user of the LRU can store individual software which does not adversely affect the certification basis of the LRU.The subject matter of the invention is, furthermore, an arrangement comprising an LRU according to the invention and a database (12) with appropriate individual software, as well as a corresponding method for operation of an LRU.