An investigation into self-test concepts in reconfigurable modular avionics systems

Abstract

The avionics suite of a modem aircraft provides the diverse range of functions necessary for the execution of the aircraft's mission. Progressive requirements drive a constant demand for the increase in system functionality and performance, improvements in availability, survivability and mission effectiveness whilst reducing aircrew workload and life cycle costs.
The rapid development of integrated circuit design and fabrication technology, software design and optical data transfer techniques have enabled systems architects to consider distributed modular processing environments utilising common resource pools of Line Replaceable Elements (LRE5) providing the resources for the system's functions.
This MiPhil thesis considers the detection, isolation, containment and subsequent management of faults in these complex systems to achieve graceful performance degradation by system reconfiguration. The research methods appropriate to these areas are discussed.
The project integrates built-in self-test techniques with a level of intelligence, to present a system model capable of efficient management of the system resources. A working reliability prediction tool facilitates systems analysis based on the premise that the modular system enjoys extended mission availability by exhibiting resilience to multiple system failures.
Results are presented which demonstrate the advantages of reconfigurable modular avionic architectures with built-in self test over traditional architecture.