1. 1 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

2. 2 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

3. 3 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 MMDA Rationale

4. 4 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 MMDA Approach

5. 5 Pathfinder MMDA Prototype Concept of Use Development Business Case Development Certification Methodology Requirements Development Open Architecture Development Prototype Development Classes aircraft, reduce equipage, functions and modes, etc … State of art, commercial tech., fault mitigation and graceful degradation, etc … Aware of standards and working groups, path towards modular certification, reduce cert. and re-cert. costs, etc... Leverage open source and JTRS architectures, Flexible and open based architecture, etc … Work with FAA on methodology developed, validate design and methodology, etc … Barriers to market entry, 2012-2020 context

6. 6 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 Open Architecture Challenges

7. 7 MMDA Notional Architecture Switch Fabric A/D D/C RF Front End DSP Processing Control/ Management Legacy Interface Advanced Information Switch Avionics Systems

8. 8 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.govhttp://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/http://www.sdrforum.org/

9. 9 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