System Integration for MOSA-Compliant Integrated Avionics Architectures 2023-01-1003

MOSA (Modular Open System Approach) provides a framework for efficient and sustainable design of complex integrated systems. In domain of embedded technology, the MOSA as-is does a good job in identifying modular software and hardware frameworks required to establish a common baseline for generic open architecture. On the other hand, it does not cover physical aircraft integration, integration methodology and other constituent elements essential for design of robust interfaces and integrated embedded systems, which are owned by OEMs and their suppliers. The definition of open interfaces is a key constituent in definition of MOSA-compliant architectures. An efficient system integration lifecycle requires unambiguous interfacing among hosted functions. Open interfaces and Ethernet are core system integration technologies and should be integrated and configured with other software/hardware framework elements, to enable hard RT, real-time and soft-time application hosting. The system modularity and scalability required for incremental modernization and upgradeability over the lifecycle are at the stake, if the integrated embedded platform and design/configuration/integration methodology do not prevent unintended cross-functional interferences and ambiguous interface definition.

This paper outlines relevant system integration topics and challenges focusing on definition of key system interfaces, which can affect the system lifecycle and implementation of MOSA objectives. This text reflects on system integration decisions, which may limit governments, OEMs and Tier1s ability to fully accomplish or exceed MOSA objectives.