3 ms·
it's been a while, do-178 is concerned with software while do-254 is hardware (both for aviation, FAA standards). Depending on the criticality of the component
by miketery 8y ago
it's been a while, do-178 is concerned with software while do-254 is hardware (both for aviation, FAA standards). Depending on the criticality of the component (e.g. engine control vs radios vs entertainment system) they will abide by different levels (ie DO-178A ... DO-178E).
For both software and hardware there will be requirements for documentation, design, verification, and testing. Some even go as far as to requir the implementation of certain functional logic in multiple ways and having concensus logic (eg hardware logic to interpret GPS accuracy/confidence That ends up being broadcast externally).
There's also DO-160 that's concerned with environmental requirements (eg temperature, humidity, lighting).
This is what makes a radio that should cost $300, cost $5000, and why FAA certified aviation components are expensive compared to uncertified components (eg hobby airplane builds).
- kejaed 8y agoParent comment really gives a great overview of the process. One slight nitpick is that DO-178B or DO-178C are revisions of the standard and the associated criticality is associated with the Design Assurance Level (DAL) from A to E. One would say software is developed to DO-178C DAL B for example. The DAL is determined before the software is started at the Systems level according to a process described in ARP4754A (Guidelines For Development Of Civil Aircraft and Systems) looking at the system architecture, hazards, and potential mitigations of those hazards, one of which is developing software to a certain DAL.