ALINT-PRO gets tool qualification data package for DO-254 projects
Avionics system manufacturers who employ complex devices like FPGAs have to meet specific RTCA/DO-254 process objectives to get system approval. DO-254 recommends that applicants define and follow HDL coding standards in line with the complexity of the FPGA design. The DO-254 Users Group suggests that linting tools are used to enforce HDL coding standards automatically. These tools make the design review more effective, reliable and faster.
The sole requirement for DAL A and B is that users should prove verification tools will detect errors in the design and functionally behave as intended. Aldec has followed the Tool Assessment and Qualification process described under RTCA/DO-254 guidance, and allowed users to implement and run the Basic Tool Qualification process.
Aldec’s full and customizable qualification package for the Basic Tool Qualification process provides a data package that is customizable. This means it is prepared to satisfy user requirements and prove that ALINT-PRO can enforce the user’s chosen coding standard, which can be the one included in ALINT-PRO or one that the user has mapped into the tool. The package also integrates an automated test suite and comprehensive documentation. The user only needs to run the test suite in its intendent environment and complete the documentation with tests result and environment information.
“This Qualification Package should greatly accelerate an applicant’s performance of the DO-254-required Basic Tool Qualification for ALINT-PRO,” comments Tom Ferrell, Consulting FAA Designated Engineering Representative (DER). “The rule-based tests are clearly defined and the flexibility built-in to the tool allows for clean and concise alignment to an applicant’s coding standard. Overall, a great addition to the DO-254 tool space.”
Janusz Kitel, DO-254 Program Manager at Aldec, adds: “One of the most significant benefits of using ALINT-PRO to enforce coding standard is the huge amount of time saved when compared to performing a manual review. However, we want to save the user even more time, by not having to manually prove the tool works correctly, which can take a significant amount of time.”
Aldec will also support DO-254 users by providing the independent assessment path and tool qualification data packages for all of its tools used for DO-254 compliance including code coverage, HDL simulation, hardware test platforms and linting with best-practice HDL coding standards.
“As a verification company we have always recognized the importance of verifying that our verification tools perform as intended,” concludes Kitel, “and the ability to prove and record that has always been present, though requiring a series of manual activities. Conscious of how precious time is for engineers working on projects requiring DO-254 certification and recognizing that tool qualification may be a necessary but time-consuming activity, we believe our qualification packages are of great benefit.”
More information
www.aldec.com
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