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DO-178C Software Partitioning and RTOS Audit Checklist

A comprehensive checklist for auditing software partitioning strategies and RTOS implementations in compliance with DO-178C guidelines for aerospace and defense avionics systems.

DO-178C Software Partitioning and RTOS Audit Checklist

by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

The DO-178C Software Partitioning and RTOS Audit Checklist is a critical tool for ensuring the integrity and safety of complex avionics systems in the aerospace and defense industry. This comprehensive checklist addresses the essential aspects of software partitioning and Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) implementation as specified in the DO-178C guidelines. By systematically evaluating the partitioning strategies and RTOS configuration, from resource allocation to inter-partition communication and scheduling, this checklist enables auditors and systems engineers to verify the robust separation of software components with different criticality levels. Proper partitioning and RTOS implementation are crucial for maintaining the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance in modern avionics systems, ultimately contributing to enhanced aviation safety and efficient certification processes.

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Industry

Aerospace and Defense

Standard

DO-178C - Software Considerations in Airborne Systems

Workspaces

Laboratories

Occupations

Systems Engineer
Software Architect
RTOS Specialist
Safety Engineer
Certification Expert
1
Is the RTOS implemented in accordance with DO-178C standards?
2
What is the complexity score of the software partitioning?
Min: 1
Target: 3
Max: 5
3
Is the documentation for the software partitioning available and complete?
4
What issues were identified during the audit of the RTOS implementation?
5
Please provide your observations during the audit.
6
Is the software partitioning deemed adequate for the intended functions?
7
What is the maximum execution time for critical tasks in milliseconds?
Min: 0
Target: 200
Max: 500
8
When was the last review of the RTOS implementation conducted?
9
What risk assessment comments were noted during the audit?
10
Does the RTOS comply with applicable safety standards?
11
Is the RTOS meeting all specified real-time requirements for the application?
12
What is the percentage of memory utilization of the RTOS?
Min: 0
Target: 75
Max: 100
13
When was the RTOS implementation completed?
14
What are the findings from the evaluation of the RTOS implementation?
15
Is there a formal change management process in place for the RTOS?
16
Are appropriate error handling mechanisms implemented in the RTOS?
17
What is the maximum latency measured for task switching in milliseconds?
Min: 0
Target: 50
Max: 100
18
When is the next scheduled review of the RTOS performance?
19
What known limitations exist in the current RTOS implementation?
20
Is there an audit trail available for changes made to the RTOS?
21
Have all safety-critical functions been verified in the RTOS?
22
What is the measured system availability percentage of the RTOS?
Min: 0
Target: 99
Max: 100
23
When was the last maintenance performed on the RTOS?
24
What recommendations for improvement were identified during the audit?
25
Have all personnel involved in the RTOS implementation received proper training?

FAQs

The primary focus is to ensure that software partitioning strategies and RTOS implementations in aerospace and defense applications comply with DO-178C guidelines, verifying robust separation of software components and deterministic system behavior.

Effective software partitioning ensures that software components of different criticality levels are isolated, preventing interference between partitions and containing potential faults, thereby enhancing the overall safety and reliability of avionics systems.

The checklist covers areas such as partition design and implementation, RTOS configuration, resource allocation, inter-partition communication mechanisms, scheduling and timing analysis, partition isolation verification, and RTOS certification evidence.

The audit should involve systems engineers, software architects, RTOS specialists, safety engineers, and certification experts to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the partitioning and RTOS implementation.

The audit should be performed during the system architecture design phase, revisited during detailed design and implementation, and verified again during integration testing. Additional audits may be necessary when significant changes are made to the system architecture or RTOS configuration.

Benefits of DO-178C Software Partitioning and RTOS Audit Checklist

Ensures compliance with DO-178C software partitioning and RTOS requirements

Enhances system safety through robust separation of software components

Improves overall system reliability and deterministic behavior

Facilitates efficient resource utilization in complex avionics systems

Supports smoother certification processes for integrated modular avionics