Modeling of a heterogeneous AFDX-CAN network gateway

The current communication architecture of new generation aircrafts become an heterogeneous architecture based on the high rate AFDX (Avionics Full Duplex Switched Ethernet) backbone interconnected to low rate data peripheral buses. This paper aims to analyze the low rate CAN bus mixed with the AFDX network. We have studied the communication constraints in such heterogeneous embedded network system. The coexistence of both CAN and AFDX networks in new aircraft necessitates the use of CAN/AFDX gateways that support the data exchange among the different networks. The focus of this paper is to propose and analyze bridging strategies on the CAN/AFDX gateway. We investigate appropriate configuration and necessary functions in the gateway nodes between the two networks in order to support a guaranteed real-time communication that is beneficial for the overall network performance.