Multi-Core Processor Segmentation for Avionics Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) architectures face challenges with multi-core processor certification due to shared resources and hostile environments, where wireless links are needed but certification of extra cores is problematic, and data concentrators are located in harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core processor system with a main processor, internal EPON bus, and secondary core processors, where each secondary core processor has its own OLT and can connect via a wireless network, allowing for a mixed wired/wireless configuration and reducing wire weight, with fault isolation and improved safety analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multi-core processors share internal resources to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but certification becomes problematic due to inability to perform detailed safety analysis of shared resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-core processor into physically separate core modules (first core module and second core module), each with dedicated resources including separate optical network units, separate internal buses, and separate access to shared memory. This physical segmentation eliminates resource sharing between cores, enabling independent safety analysis and certification of each core module while maintaining multi-core functionality.
2Weight of moving object
If data concentrators are located remotely in hostile environments to reduce wire weight, then wire weight is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to environmental effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/wired connection between remote data concentrators and the IMA backbone bus with an optical communication system. Optical network units and optical line terminals transmit data through optical signals, substituting the physical wire-based mechanical system with an optical field-based system that is more resistant to environmental effects while maintaining remote deployment capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless links are used to connect remote data concentrators to improve adaptability in hostile environments, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal optical communication infrastructure where optical network units and optical line terminals serve multiple functions: they enable both wired and wireless connectivity, support multiple data concentrators simultaneously, and provide a standardized interface for different communication media. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite enabling versatile deployment in various environments including hostile conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-core processor system including a main processor, an internal EPON bus, and a plurality of secondary core processors. The main processor includes a processing unit; an offload engine operatively connected to the processing unit for routing data to and from the processing unit; a plurality of main processor optical network units (ONU's) operatively connected to the offload engine; and, a dual optical line terminal (OLT) operatively connected to the offload engine. The internal EPON bus is operatively connected to the OLT. The plurality of secondary core processors are located physically separate from the main processor, each secondary core processor having a respective secondary core processor ONU being operatively connected to the main processor via the internal EPON bus. A number of the multi-core processor systems can be used to form an integrated modular avionics (IMA) system when operatively connected to remote data concentration components via an external EPON bus connected to the dual OLTs of the multi-core processor systems.