Reliability Aspects of Software for Digital Avionics

摘要

Methods to develop reliable software based avionics systems, especially for safety critical functions, are reviewed. The differences between analog and digital systems, and the policy of the FAA to certify software based systems are presented. Methods to minimize the number of errors during software development, methods to remove as many errors as possible via testing, and methods to minimize the effect of remaining errors during operational flights are outlined. A safety analysis regarding common-mode failures is given. Reliability related techniques used by avionics manufacturers are discussed.