High Level Failure Analysis for Integrated Modular Avionics

Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) is the term used for a common computer network aboard an aircraft. In order to gain full benefit from this technology a strategy is required to allow the separate development and safety analysis of applications and the computing platform. This paper presents the results of high level failure analysis of an IMA computing platform as a separate system and shows how the analysis can be used as part of an overall certification strategy for IMA. For the analysis six high level functions were constructed which described the functionality provided to applications and devices using the IMA platform. Lower level IMA services, such as scheduling and communications, are used to meet one or more of the functions. Deviations in service provision were considered using a number of guide words to suggest possible failure modes. The analysis revealed a number of weaknesses in the design which will require further consideration.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2001
• Where: SCS
• Authors: Philippa Conmy, John A. McDermid
• Keywords: Analysis, Computing Platform, IMA Computing Platform, SCS 2001, Software Engineering