Embedded Development Track for 2008

10:00 AM

Robust Time and Space Partitioning in Integrated Modular Avionics

Justin Littlefield
Software Manager/Systems Architect, GE Aviation

This talk has changed from it’s original listed topic of “Security Architecture”. We will keep you updated as we get more information.

10:50 AM

Agile for Aerospace

Andrew Buter
Software Engineer, DornerWorks, Ltd.

Curt Stienstra
Software Engineer, DornerWorks, Ltd.

Steven H. VanderLeest
VP of R&D DornerWorks, Ltd.

The aerospace industry generally develops safety-critical software according to the DO-178B standard, as dictated by the FAA. Even software for military aircraft is often developed according to this standard (or following similar military standards). Although the DO-178B standard does not prohibit non-waterfall approaches, they are almost unheard of in this industry because the standard is organized in a clearly waterfall fashion. Required artifacts (along with evidence of independence and traceability) and verification methods are all sequenced in a manner that heavily suggests a waterfall approach. Thus agile development is extremely rare in the aerospace domain.

However, software development for the aerospace industry suffers all the classic problems that Agile addresses, such as changing and abstract requirements, the need for earlier feedback, and the need for more predictability (i.e., fewer surprises late in the game), and the need for clearer communication.

In this presentation, we will look at the current state of aerospace software development and identify some of the hurdles to overcome. We’ll then preview the upcoming DO-178C standard, which may provide some avenues for agile development. Finally, we’ll explore specific Agile practices and show how they can map into the software development world of flight-certified software.

12:40 PM

Design Patterns for Embedded Applications in an Industrial Control Environment

Gary Lynch
Project Engineer – Staco Energy Products

Embedded applications running in an industrial control environment present unique debugging challenges:

  • PWM power stages and high-current switchgear on the same feeder bombard the control with electro- magnetic noise;
  • Controls are housed adjacent to lethal voltages;
  • The controlled quantities change too fast to monitor with the naked eye, but attaching a single scope probe may render the control inoperative.

We’ll introduce some simple, low-cost design patterns to make these challenges more manageable; then use them to solve some real-world problems. Our focus will be on techniques with a broad range of application that don’t require purchase of custom hardware or software.



This Track will be followed by the Potpourri Track in the afternoon.