Reliable implementation of hybrid control systems for advanced avionics

The avionics systems of modern aircraft must manage a complex array of continuous and discrete dynamics that govern aircraft operations. Producing the software that implements such systems and provably satisfies stringent safety requirements is a difficult problem. Expanded cockpit automation, addition of data links to bring more information into the cockpit, and planned upgrades to the air traffic management system will increase the system complexity and the magnitude of this problem. This paper describes avionics automation from a hybrid systems perspective and presents initial results of our research in providing methods for reliable implementation of these systems.