Avionics Service Integration via DAL Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current avionics systems face high development costs and complexity when integrating new navigation functions, particularly due to the need for increased software development levels and hardware modifications, which complicates maintenance and training, and increases the risk of errors.
Innovation Solution
A method for functionally and physically integrating new navigation services into an avionics onboard system with an open client-server architecture, utilizing a DAL+ digital core computer and a DAL- peripheral computer to minimize additional hardware and software requirements, optimize cost, and maintain safety levels by decomposing services into elementary functions and distributing them optimally within the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new navigation functions are integrated into existing avionics systems, then system functionality is improved, but development cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the avionics system into a core module (FMS/PA) and a peripheral module (new navigation function). The core module maintains its original high DAL certification, while the peripheral module operates at lower DAL levels. This segmentation allows new functions to be added without requiring the entire system to be re-certified at higher safety levels, thereby reducing development complexity and cost while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the new navigation function from the core avionics system and implements it as a separate peripheral module. This extraction allows the new function to be developed, tested, and certified independently at appropriate DAL levels, avoiding the need to upgrade the entire core system and reducing overall development complexity.
2Reliability
If software development level is increased to meet safety requirements, then safety level is improved, but development cost increases tenfold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different DAL levels to different parts of the system. The core module (FMS/PA) maintains its high DAL level (A, B, or C) for safety-critical functions, while the peripheral module (new navigation function) operates at lower DAL levels (D or E) for non-safety-critical functions. This localized approach to safety levels ensures that safety requirements are met where necessary without incurring the tenfold cost increase across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the system into core and peripheral modules with different safety certification levels, the patent avoids the need to upgrade the entire system to high DAL levels. Only the necessary portions receive high-level certification, significantly reducing development costs while maintaining appropriate safety levels for critical functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new functions are integrated into existing systems, then system capability is improved, but maintenance and training complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts new navigation functions into a separate peripheral module that interfaces with the core system through standardized protocols. This extraction allows maintenance personnel to service the peripheral module independently without affecting the core FMS/PA system, reducing maintenance complexity and training requirements while still improving overall system capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral module is designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that allow it to work with the core system without requiring specialized maintenance procedures. This universality simplifies maintenance and training by using common tools and procedures across different system components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If new navigation services are integrated, then service functionality is improved, but hardware and software requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the new navigation function with the existing core avionics system through standardized interfaces and communication protocols. Rather than requiring completely separate hardware and software systems, the peripheral module leverages existing system resources and infrastructure, improving service functionality without proportionally increasing hardware and software requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral module is designed to be multi-functional and compatible with existing system architectures, allowing it to provide new navigation services while utilizing existing hardware and software resources. This universality reduces the need for additional specialized components and minimizes the increase in overall system requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for integrating a new navigation service is implemented in an avionics onboard system comprising a DAL+ core computer and a DAL− peripheral computer for managing the application. The method of integration determines an optimal functional and physical distribution of the elementary functions FU(i) of the new service within the onboard avionics system over the set of possible distributions which minimizes a global cost criterion CG, dependent on several parameters, including at least the additional development cost of the elementary functions integrated within the digital DAL+ core computer, and carries out the integration of the new service.