Integrated modular avionics challenges discussed

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 22, 2001

Julian Lea-Jones of ERA Technology will warn that the gains offered by integrated modular avionics require a a change in approach to aircraft system design, at the forthcoming Avionics Conference

"The new avionics technologies offer the opportunities of safer, more available and cost effective aircraft, with the promise of more passenger services than ever before.

However, the gains offered by integrated modular avionics (IMA) are not achieved without an understanding of the need for a change in approach to aircraft system design and standards specification", warns Julian Lea-Jones, Civil Avionics Support Group Manager at ERA Technology in the opening paper to be presented at the Avionics Conference on 27-28 November 2001.

Julian Lea-Jones explains that the role of the system integrator has always been challenging.

Now more than ever, it is important that system engineers, in addition to their specialist function as identified by the (Air Transport Association) ATA chapters, have an understanding of all the associated functions implemented by IMA.

"Modelling systems are being developed to help manage the processes from requirements capture, system definition, validation, design through to verification and certification.

However, this is a major challenge when a single system model may have nearly a hundred users throughout the supply chain", continues Julian Lea-Jones.

The system engineer also has to have an understanding of the impact of commercial off the shelf equipment (COTS) and be able to take into consideration the need to replace subsystem designs at component, board or module level, with zero impact on the overall functionality and design validation.

For this reason comprehensive requirements elucidation and capture will play an increasingly important role in the design process.

The breadth of issues associated with the introduction of IMA and other modern avionics systems form the basis of the activities of the Civil Avionics Support Group (CASG).

CASG provides an independent, member-based forum for many organisations throughout the civil avionics supply chain to improve effectiveness and safety in the industry.

Managed by ERA, CASG helps its members identify business opportunities arising from avionics developments, as well as providing a forum to voice the industry's contribution to emerging standards.

Julian Lea-Jones' paper looks at the significant developments in avionics showing how different business and technology drivers shape today's avionics industry.

The paper also outlines the lessons that industry, suppliers and customers have had to learn when providing avionics systems to meet the customers' expectations in a rapidly changing commercial environment.

The value of the paper lies in showing how lessons learned from past issues can be applied to present-day challenges.

Julian Lea-Jones's paper will be presented at the Avionics Conference and Exhibition, organised by ERA Technology on 27-28 November 2001 at the Bristol Marriott Hotel, Old Market, Bristol.

This premier international avionics event will examine the evolution and latest challenges of integrated technology within the avionics industry.

The programme covers a diverse range of topics, providing an insight into the latest developments around the world.

By attending the event delegates will learn from the experience of influential organisations, expand their knowledge through high quality presentations and real life case studies and have excellent opportunities to network.

The event will appeal to organisations that design, manufacture, operate and maintain aircraft and avionic systems.