SOC-E and SafeCore Devices are preparing the launch of AeroTSN-EP, a new Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) End Point IP Core designed to support the transition of Aerospace, Defence and Space systems towards deterministic Ethernet-based communications.
Modern onboard platforms are increasingly moving from federated and proprietary communication architectures to more integrated, software-defined and modular systems. In this context, Ethernet is becoming a key technology to transport different types of traffic over a common network infrastructure. However, critical applications cannot rely only on conventional best-effort Ethernet behaviour. They require bounded latency, controlled jitter, high reliability, precise time synchronization and predictable behaviour under defined network conditions.
This is where TSN becomes especially relevant. TSN extends standard Ethernet with mechanisms that enable deterministic communication, traffic scheduling, redundancy and time-aware operation. For aerospace onboard networks, these capabilities are being consolidated through the IEEE 802.1DP profile, which defines how selected TSN and IEEE 802.1 security mechanisms can be applied to aerospace Ethernet networks. The objective of this profile is to provide a common technical framework for building deterministic, interoperable and verifiable communication systems for onboard applications.
AeroTSN-EP is being developed with this evolution in mind. The IP Core is intended to act as a TSN-capable end point for FPGA-based platforms, enabling equipment manufacturers and system integrators to implement deterministic Ethernet interfaces closer to the application logic. By integrating TSN functionality at the end-station level, the solution aims to simplify the development of systems where traffic generation, timing behaviour and redundancy mechanisms must be tightly controlled and validated.
A key design driver for the new IP Core is its focus on safety-oriented applications. Aerospace and defence systems often require hardware components to be developed under rigorous assurance processes. AeroTSN-EP is being designed targeting DAL A compliance in accordance with DO-254, the standard commonly used for the development assurance of airborne electronic hardware. This approach is intended to support use cases where the communication end point may be part of safety-critical functions and where traceability, verification, robustness and controlled design processes are essential.
The collaboration between SOC-E and SafeCore Devices combines complementary expertise in deterministic networking, FPGA-based systems and safety-oriented IP Core development. The objective is not only to provide TSN features, but to deliver them in a way that is suitable for critical embedded environments, where predictable communication must be supported by a development process aligned with aerospace assurance expectations.
