Integrated modular architectures and IMA reduce the physical complexity of electronic architecture by integrating many functions on common embedded resources. As the reduction of physical complexity means that the embedded resources are shared by many functions, the logical complexity of system configuration, functional alignment and resource sharing increases significantly.
Modern integrated embedded platforms are designed for parameter-based architecture design and integration. IMA is not only a set of platform components, networking and computing devices and configurable middleware and platform abstraction layers. Integrated Architectures and IMA require mature design and verification tools, and a well-defined design and integration methodology are required to avoid expensive and error-prone manual analyses and configuration tasks. Therefore, integrated architectures cannot be separated from design methodologies and processes.
In this paper, the network and analysis tools for deterministic Ethernet networks are discussed and basic design requirements are outlined. Our objective is to present general perspective on total system design, with special focus on networking aspects, especially the integration of synchronous and asynchronous VLs.