Control system for a civilian aircraft (DO-178C / DO-254)

We typically receive 2-3 enquiries a year from organisations that need to develop embedded systems in compliance with DO-178C.

As an example of the type of design solution that we use in such products, we explore the development of software for use as part of the control system in a civilian passenger aircraft on this page.

Our solution is based on a TT software architecture.

[This page was last updated 2018-05-01]

The design challenge that we need to address

In many cases, control systems for civilian aircraft – developed in compliance with DO-254 / DO-178 (and related) standards – have traditionally been based on customised processors that were designed to meet the challenges that are faced in safety-critical systems that operate at high altitudes. For example, such processors may be prone to higher levels of radiation than ground-based designs and can be designed accordingly.

In more recent designs, ‘Commercial Off The Shelf’ (COTS) processors have become more common in many aircraft designs. In such systems, the possibility that the COTS processor will ‘misbehave’ may be addressed through use of a ‘safety net’, which is defined as the employment of mitigations and protections at the appropriate level of aircraft and system design to help ensure continuous safe flight and landing.

This approach requires the safety net to be designed as a component within the aircraft system.

Implementing a safety net

Use of a TT Wrapper can be an effective way of performing the required monitoring of a complex COTS processor.

Related design examples

You will find two other examples that illustrate the use of TT Wrappers on this website:

• Controller for an Autonomous Road Vehicle (ISO 26262, ‘ASIL D’)
• Dealing with ‘SOUP’ in a Medical Infusion Pump (IEC 62304, ‘Class C’)

Complete your cost-effective DO-178C design successfully using a SafeTTy Solutions™ package

The example presented on this page is based on a SafeTTy Solutions™ Package (SSP-RTL4).

SafeTTy Solutions Packages are designed to help your development team produce a safety-related embedded system quickly and cost-effectively, in compliance with one or more international safety standards and guidelines (such as DO-178C).

SafeTTy Solutions Packages are based on TT designs and include carefully-selected combinations of our various products and services.

SafeTTy Solutions Packages include an appropriate ReliabiliTTy® Technology Licence.

Learn more about SafeTTy Solutions Packages …