Category Archives: Verification

The Most Common DO-254 Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

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In our 20+ years in avionics and aerospace engineering, we’ve rarely seen an organization easily and quickly build and certify a project to DO-254 standards. That’s no surprise; DO-254 is vague, ironically software-centric, and complex. In truth, DO-254 is rarely cost-effective in its first usage, however, the competitive landscape of avionics, both commercial and military, is just that: competitive and focused upon long-term cost effectiveness and continual safety. Meaning, if you know DO-254, you have a key advantage over your competition. But how do you know what to expect with such an elusive guideline? What mistakes and complications can come Continue Reading > > >

DO-331 Model-Based Design for DO-178C Project Verification

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Last week, we talked about the “pudding” of DO-178C projects. That, of course, being the implementation stage of a DO-178C guided avionics software project. We touched on establishing implementation decisions and standards in your PSAC plan and the key considerations involved in making your implementation stage run as smooth as possible. So, by now you’ve implemented your product in code and are able to see it running. What’s our next step? Verification. With numerous activities, conditions, and considerations involved, DO-178C project verification can be, in a word, overwhelming. We’ve written about a few of the activities in DO-178C verification, but Continue Reading > > >

Avionics Certification Course

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Check out our upcoming avionics certification and training course! Classes run June 27 through July 1. The amount of topics and dense details in avionics certification combined with the need for tangible application of engineering concepts means that just reading manuals and articles will never be enough to keep your aircraft knowledge “flying high.”  That’s why we’re hosting a comprehensive five-day interactive online avionics certification course. Topics include: DAY 1:– Understand ARP 4754A & ARP 4761 DAL Determination– SAE ARP 4754A Certification Considerations– ARP 4761 Functional Hazard Assessment– ARP 4761 Safety Assessment Process: PSSA & SSA DAY 2:– Avionics Configuration Continue Reading > > >

The 3D Experience: Avionics Software Design, Development and Data Coupling

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Not every profession has to use three dimensions. Artists, musicians, writers, and tax attorneys alike usually only need to consider two planes of existence in their professional lives. But aerospace engineers and avionics professionals have a unique relationship with all dimensions. Dealing with all planes all the time (pun absolutely intended) is no small feat, and it’s especially important (and ironic) when working within a platform that only uses two dimensions: Avionics Software Design. So, for this article, we’re going to cover a different, non-spatial “3D;” let’s talk about the design, development and use of data coupling for Avionics software. Continue Reading > > >

The Aerospace Coverage Sack: Structural Coverage Analysis in DO-178C Verification

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Sunday marks the end of the 2022 NFL season with the stupendous spectacle that is the Super Bowl. So, it should be no surprise that (American) football jargon was in the ConsuNova air this week. The “Power sweep,” “nickel package,” and “icing the kicker” are just a few of the phrases expressed on “any given Sunday,” though one stands out as an avionics and aerospace crossover: “the coverage sack.” For good measure, put simply, a “coverage sack” occurs when the defending team tackles the quarterback because no receiver was “open” to receive a pass. Though the analogy is a stretch, Continue Reading > > >

Autopilot Engaged? Automated vs. Manual DO-178C Verification

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UPDATE – Sept 27, 2022 In just the last six months, we’ve seen some incredible ways AI is helping aviation and aerospace development. As a leader in Avionics certification and aerospace engineering solutions, ConsuNova is at the forefront of new, “smart” technologies in aviation, and we’d like to show you what we’re developing in our upcoming webinar, “Applying AI to Design Assurance in Aerospace”. Topics to be covered include:• Design Assurance overview – Regulations, processes, and safety assurance steps.• Certification challenges using AI – How to deal with the potential risks and difficulties when using AI to deliver intended functionality.• Continue Reading > > >

The Importance of Avionics Software Project Planning

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No matter the industry or role, planning is a crucial part of any task’s successful completion. Well thought-out, SMART-goal driven plans help set the scene for activities, letting every stakeholder “see” the desired outcome, and how, when and even why that outcome will be achieved. When it comes to avionics, a great plan and “sticking to it” will invariably make or break your project. In this article, we’re focusing on avionics software development and how to plan with DO-178C and related DALs in mind. We’ll start with a quick list of the primary components that every good DO-178C-related plan, and Continue Reading > > >

Preparing for Growth: How DO254 Will help You Meet Future Demands

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Chock-full of market fluctuations, the unusual series of unfortunate events of 2020 have affected the financial forecasts of every industry and business. Though those forecasts have been revised and re-revised throughout the year, it’s clear that a 2021 (and beyond) rebound is expected in most markets, and aerospace is no exception. Prior to Covid, average growth was expected to be around 2% a year for the next 20 years. Though it’s true that efforts from virtually every nation on Earth have created short term slow downs, virtually all of the industries and services that support the aerospace market are projected to rise in 2021 as the Continue Reading > > >

Practical DO-178C / ED-12C Training opportunity (June 30, 2016: London / UK)

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This DO-178C training will help organizations understand and prepare for new processes and development activities needed to satisfy DO-178C. This event will address targeted DO-178C topics and efficiently deliver industry best practices. Attendees will receive: Understanding of DO-178C / ED-12C from a “How To” and “Why” perspective along with the following: FREE PSAC & PHAC templates available FREE Access to adviceGEAR Library adviceGEAR includes whitepapers, checklists, process templates, FAA CAST Papers and more DO-178C & its’ relationship to ARP-4754A / 4761 Industry best practices: from planning, to requirements, verification and passing CERT audits 20% early-bird discount ends 16th June 2016. Continue Reading > > >