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.