Avionic system integrators harness second generation IMA development platform
Lynx Software Technologies UK has released the LynxSecure Safety Bundle (LSB) for Intel multi-core processors. It is an open system architecture solution that unlocks the potential of multi-core to deliver second generation IMA. Second generation IMA are characterised by their shift from federated and distributed modules towards integrated capability on multi-core processors, recognising the need for provable safety and increased security in the system architecture that this integration creates
Integrating the complete range of system development services for platform suppliers to build, deploy and sustain their IMA platform, LSB enables system integrators to leverage modern multi-core hardware to reduce size weight and power by consolidating multiple line replaceable units onto a single platform.
It enables an open development capability in which any bare metal, Linux or other RTOS or OS-based system module or application can reside in a single multi-core time and space partitioned system safely and securely. It provides system integrators with maximum flexibility to create competitive supply chains that do not impose the unnecessary cost burden of safe system integration when that functionality is not required.
This solution securely integrates four key capabilities: LynxSecure, the secure-by-design separation kernel hypervisor; LynxOS-178, to run safety critical application workloads; a fully supported version of Embedded Linux based on the Buildroot technology for non-critical application workloads; and Luminosity, an Eclipse based integrated development environment. This includes the ability to develop fully separated ‘bare-metal’, OS independent system functions or secure applications using developer tools of choice, thereby meeting the demands for high assurance module development in an open systems development framework.
LynxOS-178 is the only commercial RTOS which has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration as a reusable software component, says the company. Up to 80% of the OS certification costs that developers would usually have to bear to achieve DO-178B/C is removed, even as they move to the latest generation of Intel multi-core processors.
Assured separation means that only software in the LynxOS-178 partition needs to go through certification even though it resides on the same processor as non-critical applications with no safety requirements.
The LynxOS-178 RTOS has been certified to design assurance level A, and provides native POSIX API’s, ARINC 653 services, and FACE compatibility.
