DO-178C

Definition

DO-178C is a guideline that provides a framework for the development of safety-critical software used in airborne systems and equipment. It outlines processes and requirements to ensure that software is developed to a high standard of safety and reliability, particularly in aviation applications where failure could result in catastrophic outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DO-178C was developed by RTCA, Inc. and serves as an industry standard for software in avionics systems, specifically for ensuring safety and reliability.
2. The guideline outlines different levels of criticality (A to D), with Level A being the most critical and requiring the most rigorous verification processes.
3. It emphasizes the importance of documentation throughout the software development lifecycle, ensuring that every phase is recorded and traceable.
4. DO-178C introduces complementary documents like DO-330 (tool qualification) and DO-331 (model-based development), which provide further guidance for modern software practices.
5. Compliance with DO-178C is often required by aviation regulatory bodies like the FAA and EASA for the certification of airborne systems.

Review Questions

• What are the key differences in requirements between the various levels of criticality defined in DO-178C?
  • In DO-178C, software is classified into four levels of criticality based on potential consequences of failure. Level A is the most critical, necessitating comprehensive verification processes including rigorous testing, reviews, and analyses to ensure high assurance of safety. Level B requires less stringent measures than Level A, while Levels C and D have progressively relaxed requirements. Each level dictates specific documentation and verification activities needed throughout the development lifecycle.
• How does DO-178C ensure that software development practices contribute to overall safety in aviation?
  • DO-178C ensures software safety by mandating a structured approach to development, which includes detailed planning, thorough testing, and comprehensive documentation. Each phase of the development process must be verified against specified requirements, with traceability maintained from requirements through design, implementation, testing, and verification. This structured approach minimizes the risk of defects and enhances reliability, making the final product safer for use in aviation applications.
• Evaluate how the introduction of additional guidance documents such as DO-330 and DO-331 complements the main objectives of DO-178C.
  • The introduction of guidance documents like DO-330 and DO-331 enhances DO-178C by addressing modern challenges in software development, such as tool qualification and model-based approaches. DO-330 outlines how to qualify tools used in software development and verification processes, ensuring that tools meet required safety standards. Meanwhile, DO-331 focuses on using modeling techniques effectively within the context of DO-178C. Together, these documents provide comprehensive support for evolving software practices while maintaining safety standards critical for airborne systems.

Related terms

Software Verification: The process of evaluating software to determine if it meets specified requirements and is free of defects, ensuring its reliability and safety.

Safety Critical Systems: Systems whose failure could result in loss of life, significant property damage, or harm to the environment, often requiring stringent development standards.

Certification: The formal process through which an organization verifies that a system or component meets regulatory standards for safety and performance.