Real-Time Validation of Fault-Tolerant Mixed-Criticality Systems

Modern avionics and space applications are characterized by increasing performance requirements. To satisfy such requirements, the use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) multi-processor system-on-chips (MPSoCs) is a convenient solution. However, such systems are not developed for the avionic use case, therefore a validation approach is in order. In this paper, a validation approach is proposed for fault isolation, detection, and recovery mechanisms applied to mitigate fault effects in mixed-criticality systems. The approach is based on a combination of hardware-in-the-loop testing and fault injection techniques. Experimental results prove that the proposed approach does not interfere with the temporal behavior of the system under-test while allowing a realistic test of the software.