Practical techniques for distributed real-time simulation

Real-time aircraft and avionics simulation computing is the foundation of systems used for testing embedded avionics software, for flight training simulation, and for engineering research simulation. Distribution of the simulation software over a set of smaller, inexpensive computers, in lieu of a traditional mainframe has been shown to dramatically reduce the cost of building a real-time simulation architecture. A true distributed architecture is also more cost effective than the latest generation of multiprocessor mainframes. The Advanced Multi-Purpose Support Environment (AMPSE), developed by the Avionics Logistics Branch of the Wright Laboratory (WL/AAAF) on the Embedded Computer Resources Support Improvement Program (ESIP), is an architecture and design methodology for distributed real-time simulation. It is a generic architecture that emphasizes modularity, reconfigurability, expandability, and software reuse. Other recent attempts at distributed real-time simulation systems have encountered significant performance difficulties due to inefficiencies in the approaches used for inter-processor communications and for scheduling and coordination of the distributed software execution. The systems engineering effort by WL/AAAF during AMPSE development focused on a careful design of these mechanisms. The resulting system achieves outstanding real-time performance through very efficient software scheduling and inter-processor communications while retaining a very modular, flexible, and reusable architectural approach.<>