With the wide availability of multicore (multicore) processors, their reduced space, weight, and power (SWaP) properties make them extremely attractive for use in avionics systems. As the complexity and performance demands of avionics continue to grow, multicore architectures have become foundational by enabling parallel execution of safety-critical, real-time, and non-critical applications, leading to improved resource utilization and reduced hardware costs. Embedded Linux has emerged as a popular platform in this context, valued for its flexibility, scalability, and broad ecosystem. However, implementing solutions on multicore platforms introduces numerous challenges, particularly regarding certification, that are not present in unicore or discrete multiprocessor systems. 

Developers must address both hardware and software issues, especially as multi-core solutions require robust isolation between mixed-criticality workloads and strict adherence to safety and real-time requirements. Hypervisor technology is increasingly used to provide hardware-assisted virtualization and strong partitioning, allowing multiple operating systems or software domains to operate concurrently while maintaining safety, security, and temporal isolation. Despite these technological advances, the certification of multicore avionics platforms remains a significant hurdle. Issues such as intercore interference, timing analysis, nondeterminism, and compliance with rigorous industry standards (such as DO-178C and CAST-32A) demand new methodologies and tools.

This paper presents a focused analysis of the unique hurdles faced when transitioning from unicore or multi-discrete-processorstems to multicore architectures in avionics. We specifically examine the issues of workload isolation, intercore interference, nondeterministic timing, and compliance with stringent standards such as DO-178C and CAST-32A. The role of hypervisors in enabling robust partitioning and temporal isolation among mixed-criticality workloads is evaluated, with a practical case study demonstrating current practices and their limitations.

Key contributions include a survey of state-of-the-art solutions for safe and certifiable multicore avionics systems, as well as actionable recommendations for developers facing certification challenges. By clarifying both the promises and limitations of multicore adoption, this work provides practical guidance to help the aviation community develop future-ready, reliable platforms.

Co-author: 

Teddy Trachsler, Aviotech GmbH

Short Bio:

Prior to his career at the University of Stuttgart, Matthias Lehmann worked as a software development engineer at Diehl Aviation. Here he worked on the development of an Electronic Flight Control System (EFCS) for primary flight control. He was the responsible software developer for the Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) and software team leader for the IMA developed with Airbus A380 according to DO178B Level A.

Thursday, September 25, 12.00 AM