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Understanding DO-254 and Solutions to Facilitate Compliance Mentor Graphics Bridgepoint™ supports high level system design activities of functional definition and architectural analysis. With Bridgepoint one can capture the system function in an executable model using the industry standard languages xtUML and/or SysML. This model, in turn can transform the system function into a nuanced consideration of architecture, including where to implement sub-functions and what other technologies are requirement for eventual implementation. Once established, the architecture platform can be created in Mentor Graphics SystemVision™ tool, a unified environment that can be used for mechatronic system development at all levels of abstraction and across all disciplines (e.g., digital, analog, software, mechanical, etc.). SystemVision also links to LabVIEW, the test development tool from National Instruments. Ultimately, DO-254 requires in-target (i.e., in-system) hardware test. SystemVision enables the pull in of HDL models (a drag and drop process in SystemVision) and simulation in the context of the system. One can develop a system-level, requirements-based tests in LabVIEW and exercise them on the SystemVision system model. Later, when the physical system is actually built, the same LabVIEW tests can be run on the physical system. Not only is this a very efficient flow, it also supports the testing of a "custom microcoded component" within its target environment, both in the virtually and in its physical instantiation, using the same test set. Bridgepoint and SystemVision both integrate with ReqTracer for automating requirements management in the system development flow. For more information on tools that support system modeling and analysis, visit www. mentor.com/products/sm. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION RTCA/DO-254 is a document that establishes "Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware." Regulatory policy mandates that PLD, FPGA, and ASIC devices for airborne applications must be designed in compliance with DO-254. Reading DO-254 itself is not enough to understand what compliance entails. This paper described the essential elements of the DO-254 document and what it means to comply. It also provided advice and described solutions for efficiently performing the tasks and meeting compliance throughout the DO-254 life cycle. In addition, it provided a sneak peek into system level design, where regulatory policy is imminent. F o r t h e l a t e s t p r o d u c t i n f o r m a t i o n , c a l l u s o r v i s i t : w w w . m e n t o r . c o m © 2010 Mentor Graphics Corporation, all rights reserved. This document contains information that is proprietary to Mentor Graphics Corporation and may be duplicated in whole or in part by the original recipient for internal business purposes only, provided that this entire notice appears in all copies. In accepting this document, the recipient agrees to make every reasonable effort to prevent unauthorized use of this information. All trademarks mentioned in this document are trademarks of their respective owners. MGC 09-10TECH9320-w

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