Modeling the Europa Pathfinder avionics system with a model based avionics architecture tool

In order to decrease avionics architecture development time, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has developed a model-based architecture simulation tool called the Avionics System Architecture Tool (ASAT). ASAT consists of a library of reusable avionics component models, an avionics architecture development environment, and a set of scenario scripts embodying important sequences of system operation. ASAT users build avionics architecture models using components from the library, run scenarios through the architectures, and analyze simulation run results to verify the architecture meets system requirements. In this way, architecture level design problems are uncovered early in the design process. In addition, since the component models can easily be added, changed, or removed from the system model, ASAT supports rapid trade studies among architecture options. This paper reports on ASAT development and its application to model alternate avionics architectures of a Europa lander mission study project called Europa Pathfinder.