IMA provides a federated architecture, to achieve reductions in size, cost and weight by providing a set of flexible hardware and software resources that can be statically or dynamically mapped to a set of required avionics functional capabilities. This introduces a number of new complexities such as mixed criticalities and reconfiguration.

The Core Processor Input/output Module (CPIOM) are the common avionics computer resources supporting most of the software implemented functions of the aircraft. The CPIOM is a standard hardware platform designed to host several independent aircraft functions.

For example, CPIOMs for the Utilities domain perform fuel management, measurement and display, as well as the landing-gear extension and retraction systems, braking, and the aircraft's nose-wheel steering software. CPIOMs in the Energy domain use the standardised architecture to control electrical power distribution.

CPIOMs in the Cabin domain host inter-related functions including cabin-pressurisation control systems, air conditioning and ventilation. These are also integrated with other applications, such as the fire- and smoke-detection system, as well as the electronics monitoring the status of the aircraft's doors and evacuation slides.