Research of software tools for DO-254 projects

Airborne Electronic Hardware (AEH) development relies deeply on the quality of tools that helps the hardware artifact implementation from requirement to entity. Electronic Data Automation (EDA) tools are made to test the logic, synthesize the circuits, place and route the electronic elements and their connections prior to final implementation. A critical issue for EDA tools is its adequate safety to use in avionic. The paper focuses on approaches, from EDA industry, to using the EDA tools in the DO-254 project recently, then explains the principle of assessment and qualification, finally introduces methods to assess some EDA tools. The discussed contents will provide a guideline for the tools certification process.