A Multi-Core Platform for Integrated Modular Avionics Derived from a Cross-Domain Embedded System Architecture

In a European research project, a cross-domain embedded system architecture called GENESYS has been developed in order to take full advantage of the economies of scale of the semiconductor industry. The GENESYS system architecture defines a novel Multi-Processor System-on-a-Chip (MPSoC) as a basis for avionic, automotive, industrial control and medical applications. This paper shows how Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) systems can be realized using this MPSoC platform. Middleware within the IP cores of the MPSoC establishes the services of the APplication EXecutive (APEX). Also, the economic and technical benefits of the MPSoC-based architecture are discussed. The cross-domain MPSoC allows to leverage the economics of scale, while also improving fault isolation, composability and predictability.