Multicore Avionic Calculator With Filtering Core for Domain Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security gateways between avionic and open domains in aircraft communication systems are not optimal, particularly in ensuring secure data transfer while maintaining the integrity of the avionic domain's high security level.

Innovation Solution

An avionic calculator with a multicore processor is used, comprising a primary core for avionic communication, a secondary core for open domain communication, and a tertiary core for filtering data, forming a security barrier between the domains to ensure secure data transfer and maintain the avionic domain's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated security gateway calculator is implemented between open and avionic domains, then the security level of the avionic domain is protected, but the device complexity and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the security gateway functions with an existing avionic calculator that already executes avionic software applications. The multicore processor integrates both avionic domain processing and open domain communication capabilities within a single device, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated security gateway calculator while maintaining security protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The avionic calculator is designed to perform multiple functions: executing avionic software applications on primary cores, handling open domain communications on secondary cores, and performing data filtering on tertiary cores. This multi-functional approach allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If data filtering is performed between domains, then the integrity of the avionic domain is maintained, but the data transfer speed and communication efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoiddata transfer speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The processor is divided into specialized cores with distinct functions: primary cores for avionic applications, secondary cores for open domain communication, and tertiary cores for filtering. This segmentation allows data filtering operations to be performed in parallel with avionic application execution, minimizing the impact on data transfer speed while maintaining integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tertiary cores act as intermediary filtering units that process data messages between the secondary cores (open domain) and primary cores (avionic domain). By dedicating specific cores to filtering operations, the system maintains data integrity while enabling concurrent processing that minimizes bottlenecks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cores are used for different functions, then the functionality and security are enhanced, but the device complexity and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidprocessor complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically assigns specific cores to specific functions based on operational requirements. The multicore processor can adaptively manage which cores are active for filtering, avionic applications, or open domain communication, allowing the system to optimize performance and reduce complexity based on real-time needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12486043B2Avionic calculator comprising a multicore processor, with a filtering core between open and avionic domains
Publication Date: 2025.12.02 THALES SA
  • US12486043B2 patent drawing
  • US12486043B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The avionic calculator is suitable for being carried on-board an aircraft and comprises a multi-core processor configured for executing avionic software applications. The processor includes at least one primary core for communicating with at least one avionic equipment distinct from the calculator, each avionic equipment being carried on-board the aircraft and belonging to an avionic domain; at least one secondary core for communicating with at least one electronic device external to the avionic domain; and a tertiary core for performing at least one filtering of a data message received from a respective device external to the avionic domain and intended for a respective avionic equipment of the avionic domain. Each avionic software application being executable by the at least one primary core or the at least one secondary core.