A Discussion on the Use of an Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Architecture to Simulate an Aerospace Control System

摘要

The use of control architectures with the Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) concept ("IMA architectures") in aerospace and the Integrated Modular Electronics (IME) concept ("IME architectures") in automotive applications is growing due to its reduced number of hardware such as processors, Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and Electronic Control Units (ECUs), thereby reducing weight and costs. Furthermore, IMA architectures can perform complex reconfigurations in the case of failures and adapt themselves to changes in network functioning or operating modes, which make a control system very robust. The objective of this work is to discuss the use of an IMA architecture to simulate an aerospace control system responsible for maintaining a vehicle in a predetermined trajectory. To do that, we review the current literature related to IMA architectures and give an overview of their characteristics. Then, we choose an aerospace control system and discuss its simulation using an IMA platform. The preliminary results show: 1) the power and versatility of the IMA architecture used in developing an aerospace control system; 2) the advantages and disadvantages of using Integrated Modular Avionics in aerospace and automotive control systems.