Integrated modular avionics

Integrated modular avionics (IMA) is an aircraft architecture in which multiple avionics applications share modular computing hardware. Partitioning separates their software and resource use while allowing common infrastructure.

ARINC 653: A software interface standard for partitioned avionics systems that specifies scheduling and communication services. It defines the partition management services used by many IMA platforms.
DO-297: An aviation standard addressing development and approval of integrated modular avionics systems. It organizes assurance responsibilities across IMA platform and application suppliers.
Airbus A380: A four-engine, double-deck wide-body airliner introduced into commercial service in 2007. Its avionics architecture is a prominent early large-scale IMA deployment.
Federated avionics: An aircraft architecture in which dedicated computers typically serve individual avionics functions. It contrasts with IMA's consolidation of multiple applications on common computing resources.
Time partitioning: A scheduling method that assigns software applications exclusive processor time during defined intervals. It prevents one hosted application from consuming another's allotted processor time.
DO-178C: A standard for developing airborne software with evidence supporting its safety and certification objectives. IMA applications still require software assurance appropriate to their aircraft functions.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner: A long-range wide-body airliner developed by Boeing and introduced into commercial service in 2011. Its systems illustrate the use of integrated computing across aircraft functions.
Integrated processing architecture: An avionics design approach that combines computing functions rather than assigning each function a separate computer. IMA is a specific form of this broader integration approach.
Space partitioning: A method that isolates software components in separate memory regions and restricts access between them. It limits how faults or unintended writes in one application can affect others.
DO-254: A standard for designing and verifying airborne electronic hardware. Shared IMA computing hardware requires assurance alongside its hosted software.

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AvionicsBroader topic: It consolidates functions that older aircraft assigned to separate computers.