Synchronous/asynchronous Ethernet networking for mixed criticality systems

This paper summarizes how high-bandwidth asynchronous/synchronous Ethernet technologies can support design of distributed mixed criticality systems with time-, safety-, and mission-critical functions, and how this influences architecture design. Distributed IMA and distributed mixed criticality system are related concepts which help to address rising complexity in integrated systems. Distributed IMA offers all benefits of IMA, but for completely distributed systems. This closes the gap between federated and integrated modular architectures. Ethernet networks with time-triggered services (SAE AS6802) enable robust bandwidth partitioning and enable standard asynchronous and TDM-style communication, which is the key to integration of hard real-time controls, audio, video and other non-critical functions in one networked system. In our view, time-triggered services enable application of Ethernet for any type of critical embedded system.