DO-178B / DO-178C – Software Considerations in Airborne Systems
Overview
DO-178B / DO-178C is the primary standard for software development and certification in airborne systems. Published by RTCA (Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics), it provides guidance to ensure that software used in avionics systems is safe, reliable, and meets certification requirements.
DO-178B was the original version, focusing on general software safety processes. DO-178C is its updated version, addressing modern software development practices, including model-based development, object-oriented programming, and formal methods.
Key Objectives of DO-178B/C
Software Safety Assurance – Ensure that software performs its intended functions without causing hazards.
Certification Compliance – Provide a structured process to satisfy aviation authority requirements (FAA, EASA).
Lifecycle Management – Cover software planning, development, verification, and configuration management.
Traceability – Establish traceability from requirements through design, implementation, and verification.
Risk Mitigation – Identify and mitigate potential software failures that could impact aircraft safety.
Core Elements of the Standard
| Process Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Planning & Standards | Define software development plan, verification plan, and configuration management plan. |
| Requirements | Capture high-level and low-level requirements with traceability. |
| Design & Implementation | Define architecture and implement code according to requirements. |
| Verification & Validation | Conduct reviews, analysis, and testing to confirm compliance with requirements. |
| Configuration Management | Control software versions, changes, and documentation. |
| Certification Liaison | Maintain documentation for regulatory authorities (FAA, EASA). |
Importance for the Aerospace Industry
DO-178B/C is critical for ensuring safety and certification of avionics software. Airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and suppliers rely on it to:
Achieve airworthiness certification.
Reduce the risk of software-related accidents.
Ensure high-quality, reliable software in complex airborne systems.
Support integration with hardware, avionics systems, and modern development tools.
ITEC and Partner Support
ITEC collaborates with aerospace suppliers to provide DO-178B/C-compliant tools, processes, and verification support. From software development and traceability management to verification, testing, and regulatory documentation, our partners help ensure that avionics software meets the highest safety and certification standards.
