WHITEPAPER

Revolutionizing Aerospace and Defence:

The Power of TSN

and RTOS Integration
Del Pino García, Javier (SOC-E)
Ruiz Dorantes, Oliver (SYSGO)
Walkembach, Franz (SYSGO)

Abstract

The integration of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) with Real-Time Operating

Systems (RTOS) marks a transformative milestone for the Aerospace industry.
This whitepaper examines TSN's ability to deliver deterministic, reliable, and high-
bandwidth communication, addressing aerospace's unique demands through the
IEEE P802.1DP profile. By unifying protocols and optimizing architectures, TSN
enhances performance, reduces complexity, and ensures Safety-critical commu-
nication. Its applications in Avionics, Space, and Defence systems streamline net-
works, cut costs, and support mixed-criticality traffic. Together, TSN and RTOS
enable future-ready, efficient, and resilient systems, redefining connectivity and
laying the groundwork for innovation in Aerospace and beyond.
 Reliability), which ensure continuous communication even
1. Introduction in the face of potential network disruptions. Complementing
this, IEEE 802.1Qci provides stringent filtering and policing,
TSN: A Strategic Enabler for Avionics and fortifying the network against errors and enhancing its
resilience.
Space Industries
Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) is not merely an Synchronization: Orchestrating a Unified
enhancement to Ethernet; it is a transformative approach Network Tempo
that redefines the capabilities of networked systems in
critical sectors. The Avionics and Space industries, where Synchronization is the conductor of the network orchestra,
precision and reliability are not luxuries but necessities, find ensuring each device plays in harmony with the others.
in TSN a technology that aligns with their visionary pursuits. With IEEE 802.1AS at its core, TSN achieves a level of
The advent of TSN marks a significant milestone in the synchronization that is imperative for the coordinated tasks
evolution of network technologies. Its introduction into the of the missions. This standard is the linchpin for operations
Avionics and Space industries heralds a new era of where every nanosecond counts.
connectivity, where the potential for innovation is matched
by the performance of the network. Latency: The Pursuit of Immediate
Responsiveness
Unified Technology: The Convergence of Capabilities
In the realm of real-time operations, latency is the difference
TSN stands out as a unified solution that encapsulates the between success and failure.
core requirements of modern avionics systems. It
converges reliability, determinism, and high bandwidth into TSN addresses low and bounded latency through a suite of
a singular, robust framework, paving the way for a new protocols, each designed to ensure that time-critical data is
generation of networked systems. accorded the highest priority and delivered within the
tightest timeframes, thus maintaining the rhythm of real-time
The Ethernet backbone of TSN offers unparalleled market responsiveness. IEEE 802.1Qbv (Time Aware Shaper)
benefits. It taps into an established ecosystem, bringing with and 802.1Qav (Credit Based Shaper), and 802.1Qbu for
it the advantages of a wide array of COTS products, a large Frame Preemption ensures the QoS and constrains for the
market presence, and a diverse pool of vendors. This critical flows.
positions TSN as a technology not just of the present but
also of the future. Resource Management: Maximizing
Network Efficiency
Reliability: The Foundation of Trustworthy
Communication Effective resource management is akin to a well-
orchestrated ballet, where each movement is both precise
At the heart of TSN lies the promise of reliability, a promise and purposeful.
that is critical in unforgiving critical environments.

The IEEE 802.1CB standard introduces mechanisms like

FRER (Frame Replication and Elimination for

Figure 1. List of TSN protocols categorized by functionality. Source: IEEE (www.ieee802.org/tsn)

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The IEEE 802.1Qcc standard is the choreographer of this enhances user experience, it can disrupt executing
network resources, directing traffic with an eye for efficiency applications, preventing consistent execution times.
and an understanding of the network’s dynamic needs.
Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
The IEEE P802.1DP Aerospace Profile: In contrast, Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
Customizing TSN for the Stars emphasize determinism, allowing system architecture to
The aerospace profile of TSN, IEEE P802.1DP, is a make predefined decisions rather than the OS itself.
testament to the adaptability of TSN to the specialized Features like reduced context switching and increased
needs of the aerospace sector. responsiveness (e.g., PREEMPT_RT in Linux) are
beneficial but insufficient alone for deterministic execution
Recognizing the diverse nature of aerospace applications, in critical safety systems.
the IEEE P802.1DP profile accommodates both
synchronous and asynchronous communication needs. RTOS, such as PikeOS, enable physical partitioning of the
This dual modality ensures that TSN can support a wide system and resource allocation to specific software units.
range of applications and legacy implementations, from These units are restricted to their allocated resources,
those requiring strict timing to those that can tolerate some preventing interference with other partitions. Temporal
degree of latency. partitioning is also crucial, ensuring software units do not
exceed their allocated execution time. This is particularly
The profile outlines the supported TSN protocols, each challenging in multicore systems, where shared resources
selected for its ability to transport time-sensitive data like internal buses can cause interference. RTOS can help
streams with the precision and reliability that Aerospace minimize such interferences, essential for certifying high
applications demand. It is a profile that not only meets the Safety-critical systems on multicore architectures.
current needs of the industry but also anticipates its future
directions. This concept, known as Robust Resource and Time
Partitioning, is outlined in the avionics standard ARINC
This expanded introduction provides a holistic view of TSN’s 653. The system's timeline is defined, and software units are
role in avionics and space industries, setting the stage for a allocated accordingly, ensuring controlled resource usage.
detailed exploration of its integration with RTOS and the
synergies that arise from this powerful combination.

2. The Importance of Real-Time

Operating Systems with TSN
Operating Systems (OS) are pivotal in managing the
allocation of processing elements, such as processors or
cores, to various software units, known as threads or
processes. This allocation occurs both physically and
temporally. In Symmetrical Multiprocessor Systems
(SMP), an OS determines which processor a specific thread
or process runs on and when it gets to use the processing Figure 2. PikeOS RTOS architecture
element, balancing its usage with other processes.
RTOS with TSN
General Purpose Operating Systems System time is typically maintained by an external crystal,
General-purpose operating systems often prioritize driving various system clocks. In RTOS, this clock source
performance, immediately allocating available processing ensures time coherence between software units. However,
elements to pending software units. While this approach can synchronization with external systems can be challenging.
be efficient, it may lead to issues such as cache contention. Precision Time Protocol (PTP, IEEE 1588) addresses this
Modern processors contain first-level caches that store by defining a master-slave architecture for clock distribution,
memory blocks for executing applications. Arbitrary using timestamped messages to synchronize clocks across
allocation can degrade cache performance, causing the network. TSN adopts a subset of PTP (IEEE 802.1AS)
variability in application execution times. Affinity policies can for sub-microsecond precision and supports wireless
mitigate this effect. communications.

Another example is operating systems that prioritize With time synchronization established, TSN can implement
responsiveness, attending to interruptions promptly. While additional functionalities like scheduling, traffic shaping, and
stream reservation protocols. TSN ensures synchronized
802.1 802.1 802.1 802.1 802.1 802.1 802.1 802.1 802.1
AS Qbv Qav CB Qci Qcc Qbu Qch Qcr
P802.1DP
No No Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No
ASYNCHRONOUS
P802.1DP
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No
SYNCHRONOUS
Table 1. TSN Protocols required as defined on IEEE P802.1DP for Aerospace TSN Profile

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clock sources, enabling harmonious and deterministic system ensures that critical control commands are
behavior across the entire technical ecosystem. This transmitted with minimal delay, improving the performance
synchronization is often essential for the proper functioning of AOCS actuators. This integration enhances the stability
of broader critical Safety-related systems. and control of both satellites and launchers, demonstrating
the benefits of TSN in mission-critical applications.

In addition to improving performance and reliability, TSN

3. Applicability of TSN in contributes to significant weight reduction in launchers by
simplifying the network architecture and reducing the need
Aerospace Scenarios for extensive wiring. This weight reduction translates into
cost savings, as the cost of putting an additional kilogram of
The following case studies illustrate the diverse applications
payload into orbit remains significant despite recent
of TSN technology across the aerospace industry,
reductions with reusable stage launchers.
highlighting its role in enhancing the performance, reliability,
and efficiency of embedded real-time systems. In summary, TSN offers significant advantages for the space
industry by providing a unified, deterministic, and high-
Case Study 1: TSN for Spacecraft Avionics bandwidth communication solution. TSN can enhance the
Systems performance and reliability of both satellite and launcher
avionics systems, paving the way for more advanced and
The space industry traditionally relies on various
efficient space missions.
communication protocols such as MIL-STD-1553,
SpaceWire, AFDX, and TTEthernet to meet mission
Case Study 2: TSN for Aircraft Avionics
requirements. These protocols cater to different network
needs in terms of determinism, reliability, and high Systems
bandwidth, resulting in complex multi-protocol networks In avionics control units, managing mixed-criticality traffic
within spacecraft. TSN, with its deterministic and high- while ensuring deterministic and reliable communication is
bandwidth capabilities, offers a unified Ethernet-based a critical issue. Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is being
solution that can replace these multi-protocol networks, adopted as an upgrade over traditional ARINC 664
simplifying the architecture, reducing costs, and enhancing communication protocols, particularly in next-generation
performance. aircraft and helicopters.
TSN's features also make it highly useful in Next Avionics systems must handle various types of data traffic
Generation Launcher Communication Systems. Leading with different levels of priority, ranging from non-critical data
Space agencies, such as ESA and NASA, have recognized (like in-flight entertainment) to safety-critical functions (such
their importance and have shown significant interest in R&D as flight control and sensor data). TSN is highly suited for
projects aimed at developing such technologies and this task due to its ability to ensure deterministic
innovations. communication, meaning that each packet of data reaches
OSRA-NET (Open System Architecture for Real-time its destination at a guaranteed time, regardless of network
Applications) is a framework that defines traffic classes to load. This is essential for maintaining the precision and
prioritize different types of data in real-time systems. In safety of flight control systems.
satellite and launcher communication, OSRA-NET traffic Certain control systems rely on time-sensitive algorithms,
classes can be mapped onto TSN Quality of Service (QoS) such as autopilot and collision avoidance. TSN enhances
classes to ensure efficient data transmission. For example, these systems by scheduling time-defined slots for critical
critical telemetry and control data can be mapped to high- data, ensuring that high-priority communications are always
priority TSN classes, ensuring minimal latency and jitter. delivered on time. This mechanism is particularly important
Medium-priority classes can handle mission data that for managing communication between subsystems like
requires timely delivery but can tolerate some delays, while sensors, actuators, and flight control units, where even
low-priority classes can be used for non-critical data such minor delays can affect performance.
as housekeeping information.
As avionics systems become more sophisticated, the
A practical example of TSN in the space industry is the use number of connected devices and the amount of data they
of GNSS-based synchronization. The Global Navigation generate increases. TSN helps manage this growing
Satellite System provides accurate timing information, complexity by efficiently handling higher traffic and
which can be utilized for synchronization in TSN networks subscriber counts. This reduces the need for intricate and
through the IEEE 802.1AS standard. GNSS receivers on heavy wiring harnesses, which have been a characteristic
spacecraft and launchers provide precise timestamps, of traditional ARINC-664 P7 systems. By lowering the wiring
which are distributed across the TSN network. These complexity, TSN contributes to weight reduction in aircraft,
timestamps synchronize all network devices, ensuring that improving fuel efficiency and reducing network device costs.
data is transmitted and received at the correct times. This
synchronization is vital for maintaining the determinism and In summary, TSN offers a robust solution for managing
reliability of data in Space applications, enabling seamless mixed-critical traffic in aircraft avionics systems. By ensuring
and efficient communication. deterministic and reliable communication, TSN enhances
the precision and safety of flight control systems. Its ability
Once the network is synchronized, an Attitude and Orbit to handle increasing data traffic and reduce wiring
Control System (AOCS) control loop can be integrated complexity translates into significant weight and cost
within TSN’s 802.1Qbv (Time-Aware Shaper) windows. By savings, making it an essential technology for next-
scheduling AOCS control loop data within Qbv windows, the generation aircraft and helicopters. TSN's integration into

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avionics systems not only improves performance
but also paves the way for more advanced and
efficient aviation technologies.

Case Study 3: TSN in Defence Critical

Systems
Ensuring real-time, reliable communication for
mission-critical systems in resource-constrained,
dynamic defence environments is a significant
challenge. The NATO Generic Vehicle
Architecture (NGVA) platform requires robust, low-
latency communication systems to manage both
high-priority video traffic and critical vehicle
functions. Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) plays a
crucial role by providing guaranteed Quality of
Service (QoS), low-latency, and deterministic traffic
management, which are essential for defence
Figure 3. SOC-E’s TSN integration with PikeOS scheduler.
operations.

For land Defence scenarios, real-time video powerful synergy that benefits customers across various
streaming is crucial for surveillance, target identification, sectors.
and situational awareness. TSN ensures uninterrupted,
high-quality video by reserving bandwidth for latency- A Strategic Alliance
controlled video streams, even in resource-constrained and
high-demand environments. The collaboration between SOC-E and SYSGO represents
a strategic alliance that leverages the strengths of both
Additionally, TSN supports seamless integration of various companies. SOC-E’s TSN solutions ensure high-bandwidth,
subsystems within military vehicles, such as navigation, deterministic data transfer, which is essential for the
communication, and weapon systems. By providing a Avionics, Automotive, and Industrial Automation sectors.
unified network infrastructure, TSN reduces the complexity When combined with PikeOS, these capabilities are
and weight of wiring harnesses, which is particularly enhanced, resulting in:
beneficial in armored vehicles where space and weight are
at a premium. This integration not only improves the overall • Deterministic Performance: PikeOS’s capabilities
efficiency and reliability of the vehicle's systems but also guarantee timely delivery of critical data, augmenting
the deterministic nature of SOC-E’s TSN.
simplifies maintenance and upgrades.

TSN's scalability is another significant advantage for • Cost Efficiency: The consolidation of multiple
functions onto a single platform using PikeOS’s
defence applications. As military technology evolves, TSN
hypervisor technology reduces hardware
networks can easily accommodate new devices and
requirements and costs.
functionalities without requiring extensive infrastructure
changes. This flexibility makes TSN an ideal solution for • Certification Confidence: PikeOS’s certification kits
future-proofing communication systems, ensuring they can and modular architecture streamline the certification
adapt to emerging threats and technological advancements. process, providing assurance in the system’s safety
and security.
In summary, TSN offers substantial benefits for the Defence
industry by providing a robust, low-latency, and • Long-Term Support: SOC-E’s and SYSGO’s
deterministic communication solution. Its ability to handle commitment to product life cycle support ensures that
mixed-criticality traffic, ensure real-time data transmission, customers receive consistent and reliable software
and support scalable network architectures makes it an updates and support.
invaluable asset for modern defence operations. TSN's
integration into defence systems enhances operational Accelerating Next-Generation Systems
efficiency, reliability, and adaptability, making it a critical The synergy between SOC-E’s TSN solutions and
component in the advancement of defence technologies. SYSGO’s PikeOS is more than the sum of its parts. It is a
perfect match that accelerates the development and
deployment of next-generation systems. This partnership
4. Uniting SOC-E’s TSN and PikeOS not only enhances the performance and reliability of TSN
systems but also opens new possibilities for innovation in
In the realm of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), SOC-E connected industries.
stands as a global leader, offering a comprehensive portfolio
of solutions that range from high-performance TSN switches Together, SOC-E and SYSGO are driving the future of
and endpoints to industrial-grade plug-and-play devices. connectivity, delivering solutions that are at the forefront of
SOC-E’s expertise in TSN is complemented by SYSGO’s technology and tailored to meet the evolving needs of the
robust PikeOS, a real-time operating system (RTOS) known avionics and space industries. Their combined expertise
for its determinism, safety, and security. This section delves sets a new standard for TSN implementations, ensuring that
into the partnership between SOC-E and SYSGO, exploring customers have access to the most advanced, secure, and
how their combined expertise in TSN and RTOS creates a reliable systems available.

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5. Conclusion & Outlook About SOC-E
The integration of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) with SOC-E is a worldwide leading supplier of Ethernet
Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) represents a communication solutions based on FPGA technology. At the
transformative leap in the Aerospace industry. This forefront of TSN technology, SOC-E is pioneer in developing
whitepaper has explored the multifaceted advantages and a portfolio of IP cores and fully qualified rugged switch router
applications of TSN, highlighting its critical role in ensuring and time server devices, that implement the leading-edge
deterministic, reliable, and high-bandwidth communication networking, synchronization and security technologies for
across various high-stakes environments. The TSN critical systems in applications for the Electric, Industrial and
Aerospace Profile IEEE P802.1DP, specifically tailored for Aerospace sectors.
the unique demands of aerospace applications, ensures www.soc-e.com
that both synchronous and asynchronous
communication needs are met with precision and reliability.

TSN is not just an enhancement to existing network

protocols; it is a revolutionary approach that redefines the
capabilities of networked systems. In the Avionics and
Space industries, where precision and reliability are
paramount, TSN offers a unified solution that integrates
reliability, determinism, and high bandwidth into a robust
framework. This technology is pivotal in replacing complex
multi-protocol networks, simplifying architectures, reducing
costs, and enhancing overall performance. The IEEE
P802.1DP profile plays a crucial role in this transformation,
providing a standardized approach to meet the stringent
requirements of aerospace communications. Figure 4. SOC-E’s RelyUm TSN COTS devices.

The combination of SOC-E’s TSN solutions with the robust

PikeOS RTOS ensures unparalleled performance and
reliability. This integration guarantees that critical data is About SYSGO
delivered on time, reduces hardware requirements through
hypervisor technology, and streamlines the certification SYSGO is the leading European embedded software
process, providing a comprehensive solution for modern provider of real-time operating systems for critical
networked systems. applications in various industries. Their products have been
designed to meet the highest requirements when it comes
The practical applications of TSN in aerospace and defence to Safety and Security. Their customers are major worldwide
scenarios underscore its versatility and effectiveness. In industry players who use PikeOS and ELinOS products as
spacecraft avionics systems, TSN simplifies network a platform for critical systems that need to be certified
architecture, improves the performance of critical control against industry-specific Safety and Security standards.
systems and reduces the overall OBDH subsystem weight,
and therefore, cost. In aircraft avionics, TSN manages www.sysgo.com
mixed-criticality traffic, ensuring the precision and safety of
flight control systems while reducing wiring complexity and
improving fuel efficiency. In defence critical systems, TSN
provides robust, low-latency communication essential for
mission-critical operations, supporting seamless integration
of subsystems and future-proofing defence communication
networks.

As we look to the future, the potential of TSN combined with

RTOS is boundless. This powerful synergy is set to drive
significant advancements in connectivity, enabling more
sophisticated, efficient, and reliable systems across various
sectors. The ongoing commitment to innovation and long-
term support ensures that these solutions will continue to
meet the evolving needs of the industry.

In conclusion, the integration of TSN and RTOS is not just a

technological advancement; it is a strategic enabler for the
next generation of networked systems. By providing a
unified, deterministic, and high-bandwidth communication
solution, TSN and RTOS together pave the way for
groundbreaking innovations in Avionics, Space, and
Defence. This whitepaper has laid the foundation for
understanding the profound impact of these technologies,
setting the stage for a future where connectivity and
reliability are seamlessly intertwined.

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