Simulates complex avionics Ethernet networks before hardware integration
Detects timing violations, buffer overflow, and link saturation
Supports latency tracking and VL mapping to ensure data flow determinism
Reduces risk in design decisions with system-level trade-off analysis
Enhances network resilience testing through fault injection and failover scenarios
The AFDX (Avionics Full-Duplex Switched Ethernet) model in VisualSim Architect enables the simulation of reliable, high-speed data communication networks for aircraft systems. While based on Ethernet, AFDX incorporates features for deterministic and fault-tolerant communication, critical to flight safety. This model is ideal for evaluating avionics networks before actual hardware deployment.
Overview
The AFDX model simulates key architectural components, including:
AFDX Switch – Routes data to appropriate avionics subsystems using pre-configured logic
TX/RX Interface – Manages packet transmission and reception across network interfaces
Virtual Links (VLs) – Establishes deterministic communication channels for each data stream
Latency Measurement – Tracks communication delay for performance validation and tuning
Supported Standards
ARINC 664 Part 7 and DO-297. User-defined configuration is supported.
Key Parameters
RT_Table – Routing table configuration for switches
VLAN_Name – Virtual LAN assigned to network channels
TX_RX_Name – Endpoint identifiers for transmission and reception
Virtual Link ID – Unique identifier for each deterministic channel
Speed_Mbps – Configurable link speed for accurate bandwidth testing
View Parameter Snapshots and Plots
Parameter
AFDX Config Parameter
Simulation Results
Stats
Latency
Application
The AFDX model is used for:
Aircraft control systems including flight navigation, guidance, and engine diagnostics
Validating data throughput, redundancy, and failover in avionics networks
Ensuring real-time delivery of mission-critical data in safety-compliant environments
Designing networks for next-generation aerospace platforms and eVTOL systems
Emulating network congestion, routing conflicts, and traffic shaping policies
Integrations
The AFDX model can be integrated with:
VisualSim processor, memory, and DSP blocks for full avionics subsystem simulation
Aircraft system models for mission data flows and control feedback
Fault injection modules for reliability testing
CAN, MIL-STD-1553, or ARINC 429 models for hybrid bus simulations
