Hardware/software avionic system performance (HASP): a design tool for a virtual prototyping system

The complexity of evolving avionic systems and standards demands the need for cost‐effective risk reduction to facilitate the smooth transition into new technologies. Simulation modelling and analysis provides a flexible means of achieving this aim. This paper describes the development of an avionic modelling environment that can be applied to the assessment of avionic architectures and standards. New avionic architecture concepts can be developed and investigated within the modelling framework. Evolving avionic standards can also be evaluated. Within the environment three modelling domains have been defined: behavioural, performance and visualisation. Behavioural models primarily constitute the software components of a system, the performance models analyse the hardware concepts, and visualisation models provide a means of understanding the system’s operation. Collectively these domains form the hardware/software avionic system performance (HASP) simulation and modelling facility. The integration of the three modelling domains forms a design tool for a virtual prototyping system and this paper discusses how HASP can be integrated with a broad range of tools for the entire design process.