FAA AC 20-152 PDF

PURPOSE.

a. This advisory circular (AC) applies to manufacturers and installers of products or appliances incorporating complex custom micro-coded components with hardware design assurance levels of A, B, and C. These complex custom micro-coded components include application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic devices (PLD), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or similar electronic components used in the design of aircraft systems and equipment. This AC provides a means (but is not the only means) to gain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval by showing the equipment design is appropriate for its intended function. Further, using this AC will help you satisfy airworthiness requirements when these types of electronic components are implemented.

b. When designing level D devices, manufacturers may choose to use RTCA, Inc. document RTCA/DO-254, Design Assurance Guidance For Airborne Electronic Hardware, dated April 19, 2000, or continue to use their existing design assurance practices. However, if you choose to follow the guidance in RTCA/DO-254 for your level D devices, we do not need to review the life cycle data for that device.