Embedded cloud computing for critical systems

Future generic integrated embedded platforms shall host applications with time-, safety- and mission-critical functions deployed on a set of virtualized computing and networking resources in line with ongoing IMA 2G development efforts. Such integrated systems aim to support reconfiguration, higher availability and extended maintenance intervals. As a proof of their scalability and full reconfigurability, such systems can also host non-critical functions and support different models of computation and communication. Embedded Cloud Computing (ECC) with critical distributed functions can extend the degree of functional integration and improve scalability for modular Ethernet-based architectures hosting critical function, while completely decoupling software control functions from controlled sensors and actuators, and supporting integration of distributed hard RT controls This paper reviews the architectural and embedded platform design patterns required for the integration of ECC systems (embedded cloud) with highly critical functions. In addition, it analyzes basic properties of existing virtualized software platforms and networking capabilities. These challenges and solutions are relevant to generic open embedded architectures such as reconfigurable next-generation Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) architectures, and specific classes of real-time Internet-of-Things (IoT) systems for critical infrastructure applications.