IMA architectures course (ARINC 653)
Online course of 300 hours in IMA architectures (ARINC 653). 6 modules covering the move to modular avionics, the ARINC 653 specification, incremental certification with DO-297, networking and input/output, platform integration and verification and a final project, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the evolution from federated to integrated modular avionics.
Master APEX services and ARINC 653 spatial and temporal partitioning.
Apply the incremental acceptance process defined in DO-297.
Size AFDX networks and inter-module communication.
Assess interference on multicore platforms in accordance with AMC 20-193.
Plan the integration and verification of hosted applications.
Design a complete IMA architecture for a set of functions.
Who it's for
- IMA architecture engineers.
- Avionics platform integrators.
- Embedded software engineers moving into partitioned systems.
- Systems configuration engineers.
- Software certification engineers.
- Platform verification engineers.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to join aircraft manufacturers.
What you'll work with
- ARINC 653 Parts 0 to 5 (partitioned avionics application interface)
- RTCA DO-297 / EUROCAE ED-124 (integrated modular avionics development and certification)
- RTCA DO-178C / EUROCAE ED-12C (airborne software)
- EASA AMC 20-193 (use of multicore processors)
- ARINC 664 Part 7 (AFDX avionics Ethernet)
- EASA ETSO-2C153 (IMA hardware elements)
- ARINC 651 (design guidance for integrated modular avionics)
- ARINC 615A (software data loader)
- Wind River VxWorks 653
- SYSGO PikeOS
- DDC-I Deos
- Green Hills INTEGRITY-178 tuMP
- Rapita RVS
6 modules
1.1Limitations of federated architectures1.2The concept of shared resources and partitioning1.3Reference programmes: A380, B787 and A3501.4Second-generation IMA platforms1.5Computing, I/O and network modules1.6Advantages in mass, volume and maintenance1.7New integration and certification risks1.8Roles of the integrator, platform supplier and application supplier1.9Roadmap towards distributed IMA1.10Case study: comparison of architectures for a regional aircraft
2.1Structure of Parts 0 to 52.2Spatial partitioning and memory protection2.3Temporal partitioning and major frames2.4APEX process and time services2.5Communication via sampling and queuing ports2.6Health monitoring and the error table2.7Module XML configuration files2.8Part 2 extended services2.9Part 1 profiles and subsets2.10Workshop: configuring a partition schedule
3.1Module certification tasks3.2Incremental acceptance of platform and applications3.3Configuration data and its verification3.4Roles of the system integrator3.5Planning and agreements between parties3.6Reuse of accepted components3.7Managing modifications to deployed platforms3.8ETSO-2C153 for IMA hardware elements3.9Relationship with ARP4754B and DO-178C3.10Practical exercise: acceptance plan for a hosted application
4.1AFDX networks and virtual links4.2Remote I/O gateways4.3Data concentrators and RDC modules4.4Bandwidth allocation and BAG4.5End-to-end latency analysis4.6Clock synchronisation between modules4.7Dual A and B network architectures4.8Network diagnostics and monitoring4.9Switch configuration and traffic tables4.10Lab: sizing the virtual links of an IMA system
5.1Multicore platforms and interference5.2Requirements of AMC 20-1935.3WCET analysis with shared resources5.4Partitioning robustness against failures5.5Integration testing on the bench5.6Fault injection and health monitoring5.7Software loading via ARINC 615A5.8Configuration tools and their qualification5.9Online maintenance and diagnostics5.10Case study: integrating three applications into one module
6.1Functional requirements of the application set6.2Module selection and network topology6.3Partitioning and schedule design6.4Definition of ports and channels6.5Health monitoring table6.6Timing analysis and resource budget6.7Incremental certification strategy6.8Integration test plan6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Wind River VxWorks 653, SYSGO PikeOS, DDC-I Deos, Green Hills INTEGRITY-178 tuMP and Rapita RVS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied on real procedures for configuring partitions in an IMA module, sizing AFDX virtual links and integrating applications with different DAL levels. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final project.
Standards covered: ARINC 653 (Parts 0 to 5), RTCA DO-297 / EUROCAE ED-124, RTCA DO-178C / EUROCAE ED-12C, EASA AMC 20-193, ARINC 664 Part 7, EASA ETSO-2C153, ARINC 651, ARINC 615A.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Wind River VxWorks 653, SYSGO PikeOS, DDC-I Deos, Green Hills INTEGRITY-178 tuMP and Rapita RVS, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required: you only need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
Related programmes
Course on vibrations in Rotorcraft structures
Online course of 300 hours in rotorcraft structural vibrations: 6 modules covering vibration sources, fuselage structural dynamics, vibration measurement and analysis, passive vibration control, and active…
UAM integration course with urban transport
Online course of 300 hours in integrating UAM with urban transport: 6 modules covering urban mobility and the role of UAM, physical intermodality, digital and fare…
Avionics simulator testing course
Online course of 300 hours in avionics simulator testing, structured in 6 modules covering avionics test environments, aircraft modelling and simulation, hardware-in-the-loop infrastructure, test design and…
More in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
All Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships