See what API testing solution came out on top in the GigaOm Radar Report. Get your free analyst report >>
Introduction
DO-178C is the international standard for software development in safety-critical airborne systems. It establishes guidelines to ensure that software used in aviation operates safely and reliably, mitigating risks that could arise from software failures.
In the aerospace industry, safety is non-negotiable. With the increasing reliance on complex software systems for aircraft navigation, control, and communication, ensuring the dependability of these systems is crucial for passenger and operational safety. DO-178C provides a rigorous framework for verifying and validating software to meet stringent safety requirements.
DO-178C defines a structured life cycle encompassing planning, requirements definition, design, implementation, verification, and certification. Each phase emphasizes activities such as traceability, testing, and review to ensure compliance with safety objectives.
The aviation industry is evolving with trends like increased software automation and integration with other systems, leading to new challenges in maintaining safety and certification. Let’s explore how DO-178C structures the development process, focusing on its key elements that ensure software safety in airborne systems.
CHAPTER 1: Overview
Aerospace Industry Outlook for Commercial and Defense
Aerospace, spanning commercial and defense sectors, is one of the most technically advanced and cost-intensive industries. Trends like open systems architecture, artificial intelligence, and urban air mobility are reshaping the landscape.
CHAPTER 2: What Is DO-178C?
Ensuring Safety and Reliability in Airborne Software Systems
DO-178C, the Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification document, is the primary standard for developing and certifying safety-critical software in the aerospace industry.
CHAPTER 3: Static Analysis
Static Analysis in DO-178C
Static code analysis in DO-178C involves examining the source code for conformance to standards, accuracy, and consistency to identify potential errors, vulnerabilities, or violations of coding standards.
CHAPTER 4: Unit Testing
Unit Testing in DO-178C
Unit testing in DO-178C ensures that individual software components function as intended by verifying their behavior in isolation, helping to meet the stringent safety and reliability requirements for airborne systems.
CHAPTER 5: Regression Testing
Regression Testing in DO-178C
Regression testing in DO-178C ensures that updates or modifications to airborne software do not introduce new defects or compromise previously verified functionality, maintaining safety and compliance.
CHAPTER 6: Integration Testing
Integration Testing in DO-178C
Integration testing in DO-178C verifies that combined software components interact correctly and meet functional and safety requirements, ensuring the system operates as intended.
CHAPTER 7: System Testing
System Testing in DO-178C
System testing in DO-178C ensures that the complete airborne system performs as required and meets safety objectives within its operational environment.
CHAPTER 8: Structural Code Coverage
Code Coverage in DO-178C
Code coverage in DO-178C measures the degree to which the software code is executed during testing, ensuring critical paths and functionalities are tested to comply with safety standards.
CHAPTER 9: Requirements Traceability
Linking and Traceability of Requirements
Requirements traceability in DO-178C ensures that all requirements are linked to design, implementation, and verification activities, confirming they are addressed throughout the development life cycle.
CHAPTER 10: Tool Qualification
Importance of Tool Qualification in DO-178C
DO-178C tool qualification ensures that software tools used in the development and verification of airborne systems meet specific criteria to reliably perform their intended functions.
CHAPTER 11: Reporting and Analytics
Compliance Reporting for Auditing and Certification
Reporting and analytics provide structured documentation and insights to demonstrate compliance with safety and certification requirements. Automated reports ensure traceability, summarize testing outcomes, and highlight code metrics, enabling regulators and stakeholders to verify that software meets stringent aviation safety standards.
