Multi-Function Multi-mode Digital Avionics (MMDA)

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Multi-Function Multi-mode Digital Avionics (MMDA)

• NASA Glenn Research Center End of FY05 Status
• Presented to ICAO ACP WGC-11
• GRC/James Budinger
• September 20, 2006

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Multi-Function Multi-mode Digital Avionics (MMDA)

• Objective
• Develop and demonstrate in a relevant environment
  a Multi-function, Multi-mode Digital Avionics
  (MMDA) prototype that illustrates lower total
  system cost and faster certification and
  re-certification process
• Multi-mode The integration of similar modes of
  operation of a single avionics C,N, or S function
• Multi-function The integration of multiple CNS
  functions

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MMDA Rationale

• Rationale for a new approach
• Existing certification methodologies are
  expensive and based on proprietary methodologies
• A new, cost-effective methodology to certify
  avionics is needed for both initial and
  subsequent for added waveforms (reduced
  maintenance cost)
• Software defined avionics are a technology
  enabler for migration of mobile network centric
  operations into the NAS
• MMDA can serve as an agent of change enabling
  transitional architectures, network enabled
  operations, and NGATS concepts

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MMDA Approach

• NASA/FAA/Industry joint venture
• Work with avionics industry partners and
  standards bodies/working groups and certification
  authorities
• Develop an open hardware and software MMDA
  architecture for civil aviation applications
• Design and develop an MMDA prototype for a
  selected suite of CNS functions and/or modes in a
  relevant environment
• Validate and demonstrate compliance with
  redundancy, certification, security and safety
  standards and requirements

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Pathfinder MMDA Prototype
Classes aircraft, reduce equipage, functions and
modes, etc
Concept of Use Development
State of art, commercial tech., fault mitigation
and graceful degradation, etc
Barriers to market entry, 2012-2020 context
Prototype Development
Requirements Development
Open Architecture Development
Business Case Development
Certification Methodology
Leverage open source and JTRS architectures,
Flexible and open based architecture, etc
Aware of standards and working groups, path
towards modular certification, reduce cert. and
re-cert. costs, etc ...
Work with FAA on methodology developed, validate
design and methodology, etc
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Open Architecture Challenges

• A flexible, open and extendable architecture
  must
• Lower total system cost and reduce time for
  certification and re-certification
• Address the number of waveforms (both new and
  legacy) that are beginning to overwhelm ability
  to fit aircraft with new capabilities
• Leverage best commercial standards and
  innovations in implementation as they emerge over
  time
• Provide flexibility for users to decide which
  capabilities they need and when

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MMDA Notional Architecture
Control/ Management
DSP Processing
A/D D/C
RF Front End
Switch Fabric
Legacy Interface Advanced Information Switch
Avionics Systems
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MMDA Accomplishments(Project terminated at end
of FY05)

• Contracted preliminary assessment and analysis
• See multiple contractor technical reports under
  the Resources tab at the ACAST Website
  http//acast.grc.nasa.gov
• Established government and industry contacts
• AEEC, FAA, DOD JTRS program office, RTCA SC-200
  working groups and standards bodies, and Boeing,
  Honeywell, and Rockwell Collins
• Initiated and chaired the Avionics Special
  Interest Group under SDR (Software Defined Radio)
  Forum
• See avionics SIG vision, goals and glossary
  documents under Document Library tab at
  http//www.sdrforum.org/

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MMDA Plan Forward

• Seek new government sponsor and select industry
  partner(s)
• Coordinate with FAA and Eurocontrol on Flexible
  Onboard Architecture efforts
• Invite comments and suggestions to proceed