Avionics


Avionics software has grown in complexity as the industry gradually shifts away from Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) in favour of Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) systems. Are there any consequences for engineers who need software testing tools to detect timing problems and conduct effective code coverage measurement?

Safe, reliable and inexpensive to produce, separate LRUs were the preferred option of the avionics industry for decades. Now their time is nearly over, because IMA systems using powerful current generation microprocessors (like the MPC750) are being developed or used by leading avionics companies such as BAE Systems, Honeywell, Thales and Airbus. Capable of powering ARINC-653 partitioned real-time operating systems using significantly more complex software architectures, the latest microprocessors also offer weight reduction and maintenance savings. However, these technology trends make the timing behaviour of already complex avionics systems more difficult to analyse.

As a consequence, interest in engineering approaches and tools that can aid quick detection and analysis of potential timing problems during development is on the increase. Certification authorities recognise that an automated process to analyse these systems based on an integration of testing and analysis is a valid and viable approach.

At the same time, there is a growing need to reduce unnecessary testing when conducting code coverage. Decreasing verification time and effort and meeting DO-178B requirements are also assuming greater significance.

Rapita Systems developed RVS Aero for software developers working on high-integrity avionics applications. RVS Aero increases the efficiency of testing processes, aids identification of performance bottlenecks, and is designed for the typical resource constrained embedded environment.

RVS Aero consists of RapiTime Aero (for on-target timing verification) and RapiCover Aero (on-target code coverage measurement). Aerospace applications are typically high integrity applications designed to satisfy the guidance of DO-178B/C or equivalent military standards. Many are built using ARINC-653 partitioned operating systems. RVS Aero was designed to help engineers cope with these demanding specifications.

RVS Aero:

  • provides advanced timing measurement and optimisation capabilities, and coverage metrics including Call pair, Statement, Decision and MC/DC;
  • supports all microprocessors and DSPs, including Power PC; Intel x86; ARM; Infineon Tricore; C167 (and derivatives); MIPS; TI TMS320 and others;
  • works with most C and C++ compilers and runs on Microsoft Windows (XP, 2000, Vista, 7) and Linux.