EUROCAE ED-247 PDF

SCOPE OF THE DOCUMENT

This document aims to standardize the “Virtual testing” approach.

Two major aspects are considered in this standard:

• The Virtual Component definition.

• The standardization of the interfaces (virtualization rules for the different A/C signals and buses, commands, etc.).

Virtual testing is considered for avionics systems. It’s more convenient to have in mind IMA architectures when considering this approach. However, there is no contradiction for widely using it across all kind of computer based systems embedded in the aircraft, commonly called Line Replaceable Unit (LRU).

The term “IMA platform” or “LRU platform” will be used as far as the real avionics equipment is concerned.

Any other component shall be considered as virtual and their classifications/definitions are given further in the document.

Concerning interfaces standardization between components, the use of specific physical layer is not enforced by this document even though Ethernet is considered throughout the document in the requirements specification. It has to be taken as an example.

This document is organized as follows:

• CHAPTER 1 introduces the intended use and added value of Virtual testing,

• CHAPTER 2 describes the Virtual testing concept and definitions,

• CHAPTER 3 makes an overview of Virtual testing goals,

• CHAPTER 4 defines VISTAS WG-97 Standard concepts and definitions,

• CHAPTER 5 defines the Interface structures and formats,

• CHAPTER 6 deals with specific topics, such as Quality of service, Dynamic signal overriding (failure injection), etc.

Given in APPENDIX C, a proposal of how “Virtual testing” impacts the development phase is also provided in a general environment. The description does not aim at reminding all the regular existing activities and artefacts necessary for avionics developments. It focuses on specificities led by the Virtual Testing in the development cycle.

Virtual components in this document are considered as "black box" and the emphasis is made on the exchanges which have to respect the ICDs defined for the real components and its interfaces with the Virtual Test Bench (VTB).