Selecting Components, Standards, and Topologies for Next Generation Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) Architectures

Selecting components, standards, and topologies for next generation Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) requires proper system design and optimization toward new affordability and capability targets. This involves walking the path from current system architectures toward emerging technologies that can enable more unified, common, and cost efficient architectures. Development of this next generation IMA architecture requires focus on applying an Advanced Open Systems Approach (AOSA) to involve stakeholders in both business and technical decisions. This focus requires the development of an Advanced Open Systems Plan that defines the mechanism by which the selected IMA architecture is derived from AOSA objectives and a Technology Insertion Plan that charts the path forward for spiraling the architecture with regard to components, standards, and topology in the framework of program realities. This paper provides a vision how an AOSA driven approach can help focus avionics system design toward selecting components, standards, and topology for next generation IMA platform solutions.