DO-254 & DO-160

A3i Systems' expertise extends beyond software into the critical domains of hardware design, development, and qualification for the aerospace industry. Our capabilities in DO-254 ("Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware") and DO-160 ("Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment") ensure that the electronic hardware we develop is not only functionally correct but also robust, reliable, and capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of airborne environments.

DO-254: Hardware Design Assurance

Our DO-254 capabilities cover the full hardware development lifecycle, providing confidence that our designs are safe and reliable.

1. Hardware Planning & Process Development

Similar to our DO-178C approach, a solid plan is essential for DO-254 compliance. We develop and implement comprehensive plans to guide the hardware development process, including:

  • • Hardware Development Plan (HDP): Outlining the overall strategy, processes, and tools for the hardware project.
  • • Hardware Quality Assurance Plan (HQAP): Defining the procedures for ensuring the quality of the hardware.
  • • Hardware Configuration Management Plan (HCMP): Establishing a robust system for managing hardware versions, changes, and documentation.
  • • Hardware Verification and Validation Plan (HVVP): Specifying the methods and procedures for verifying and validating the hardware design.

2. Hardware Requirements, Design, and Implementation

We follow a rigorous process to translate system requirements into a safe and reliable hardware design.

  • • Requirements Capture: We work to ensure all hardware requirements are clear, testable, and traceable to the system requirements.
  • • High-Level and Low-Level Design: We create detailed designs for the hardware, including block diagrams, circuit schematics, and detailed component selections. Our expertise includes high-speed processor boards for avionics and automotive applications, multi-layered boards, and analog and mixed-circuit designs.
  • • Obsolescence Engineering: We offer specialized services to address component obsolescence, providing solutions for re-design and re-certification to ensure the long-term viability of your products.

3. Verification and Validation

Verification is a core component of DO-254. We employ a variety of methods to ensure the hardware design meets its specifications and is free from design errors.

  • • Requirements-Based Testing: We perform rigorous testing to verify that all hardware requirements are met.
  • • Formal Reviews & Analysis: We conduct thorough reviews of hardware requirements, design, and code, as well as perform analyses such as Worst-Case Circuit Analysis (WCCA).
  • • Test and Validation: We utilize a range of testing approaches, including design simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and environmental qualification testing to validate the functionality and robustness of the hardware.

Our experience includes full lifecycle hardware development for FAA-certified products like an ADS-B Transponder and an ARINC 429 Router/Filter.

DO-160: Environmental Qualification and Testing

Our expertise in DO-160, "Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment," ensures that our products are qualified to operate reliably in the extreme conditions of the airborne environment.

Comprehensive Testing

We have a proven track record of performing all required DO-160 environmental qualification tests, including but not limited to:

Temperature: Testing the equipment's performance under extreme high and low temperatures.
Vibration and Shock: Simulating the mechanical stresses the equipment will face during flight.
Fluid Susceptibility: Verifying the equipment's resistance to various fluids it may encounter.
Power Input: Testing the equipment's ability to handle fluctuations in power supply.
Lightning: Verifying the equipment's resilience to lightning strikes and related electromagnetic effects.
Altitude and Humidity: Simulating the conditions at different altitudes and humidity levels.

End-to-End Solutions

We can manage the entire DO-160 qualification process, from test planning and procedure development to test execution and report generation. Our in-depth knowledge of the standard's various sections and categories allows us to create a tailored test plan for each product, ensuring all applicable tests are conducted efficiently and accurately.

Integrated Approach

By combining our expertise in DO-254 and DO-160, A3i Systems offers an integrated and holistic approach to airborne electronic hardware development. We deliver products that are not only compliant with the most rigorous design assurance standards but also proven to withstand the real-world environmental challenges of aerospace operation.

Ready for DO-254 & DO-160 Compliance?

Our integrated hardware design assurance and environmental qualification expertise ensures your products meet the highest aerospace standards.