DO-254 Compliance Services

What is DO-254?

DO-254, also known as Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware, is a critical standard in the aerospace industry. Established in 2005, it sets the benchmark for the development and certification of electronic hardware used in aircraft systems. This standard ensures that hardware components meet stringent safety and reliability criteria, particularly in scenarios where failure could jeopardize public safety or compromise flight operations.

Why is DO-254 Compliance Critical for Aerospace Systems?

As aircraft systems become increasingly reliant on complex electronic hardware, the risk of design errors and failures grows. DO-254 provides a structured framework to:

Mitigate risks associated with hardware failures
Ensure traceability from requirements to implementation
Validate performance through rigorous testing
Achieve certification with regulatory authorities like the FAA and EASA

Non-compliance can lead to costly delays, system failures, and even safety incidents. By adhering to DO-254, manufacturers demonstrate their dedication to producing hardware that meets the highest safety standards.

DAL	Failure Condition	Objectives	With Independence
Level A	Catastrophic	71	30
Level B	Hazardous	69	18
Level C	Major	62	5
Level D	Minor	26	2
Level E	No Effect	0	0

DO-254 Design Assurance Level (DAL)

DO-254 categorizes hardware systems into five Design Assurance Levels (DALs), each corresponding to the potential impact of a hardware failure:

The higher the DAL, the more stringent the activities and objectives that must be met, as hardware failures at higher levels can result in more severe consequences for the aircraft. This system ensures that critical software meets the necessary standards for airworthiness and safety.

DO-254 Development Process

1. Requirements Definition

The foundation of any DO-254-compliant project is a clear set of hardware requirements. These requirements guide the entire development process and ensure that the final product meets safety and performance standards.

2. Conceptual Design

This phase involves breaking down the system into manageable components, often represented by high-level block diagrams. It sets the stage for detailed design and implementation.

3. Detailed Design

Here, the hardware design is developed to meet each requirement. Traceability is key, ensuring that every requirement is linked to its corresponding implementation.

4. Implementation

Depending on the technology (e.g., FPGAs or ASICs), this phase involves converting the designs into functional hardware. Rigorous testing and verification is performed to ensure compliance with DO-254 standards.

5. Verification and Validation

The hardware is tested thoroughly to confirm that it meets all initial requirements. This includes documentation, traceability, and issue resolution to ensure a robust and reliable final product.

6. Production Transition

The final phase ensures that the hardware is ready for manufacturing, with all necessary checks and balances in place to maintain integrity and compliance.

Get your DO-254 checklist here

Download DO-254 Checklist

Benefits of DO-254 Compliance

Enhanced Safety

To minimize the risk of failure, DO-254 ensures that hardware systems are designed and tested to the highest security standards.

Regulatory Approval

Compliance with DO-254 is often a prerequisite for certification by aviation authorities. It facilitates a smoother approval process.

Risk
Mitigation

By addressing potential design flaws early in the development process, DO-254 helps reduce the risk of costly revisions and delays.

Market Confidence

DO-254 compliance signals to customers and stakeholders that your products meet the highest industry standards.

Why Choose Aversan for DO-254 Services?

At Aversan, we specialize in helping aerospace companies navigate the complexities of DO-254 compliance. Our team of experts provides end-to-end support, from initial requirements definition to final certification. With a proven track record in aerospace hardware development, we ensure that your projects meet all regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest standards of safety and reliability.

Explore Our Solutions

The Aversan Difference

Explore three Aversan projects meeting strict aerospace certification standards.

Next Generation Health and Usage Monitor

Aversan served as prime subcontractor for a Tier-1 supplier’s Next Generation Health and Usage Monitoring System (NG HUMS). We delivered turn-key hardware and software design for advanced engine and rotor prognostics in commercial and military helicopters, ensuring compliance with DO-254, DO-178C, and DO-160G.

Aircraft Data Gateway
(ADG)

Aversan was selected as prime subcontractor by a Tier-1 supplier for the DO-254 compliant Aircraft Data Gateway (ADG). We provided mechanical, hardware, software, and systems engineering to enable efficient data exchange between avionics and cabin systems, as well as manufacturing and after-market support.

Onboard Aircraft Electric Drive System

Aversan led turn-key hardware development for the WheelTug cockpit controller in compliance with DO-254. WheelTug integrates electric motors in the nose wheels, reducing engine wear and fuel consumption by allowing aircraft to taxi forward and backward without using engines or tractors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you provide DO-254 Documents as a Service?

Yes, we offer DO-254 services, including assistance with SOI-1 documentation. We help customers write and review the necessary documents to ensure compliance.

2. Can you help us navigate through Stage of Involvement Audits (SOI 1, 2, 3, 4) and Transition Reviews?

Absolutely. We provide comprehensive support for navigating through all stages of involvement audits and transition reviews, ensuring that your hardware development process meets DO-254 standards.

3. Can you help us fix or upgrade our process to do DO-254 projects by ourselves?

Yes, we offer consultation services to help you improve or upgrade your internal processes for DO-254 compliance. Our experts will work with your team to ensure you can manage DO-254 projects independently.

4. Do you have enough DO-254 expertise and process to certify a product if we give Aversan to build?

Yes, we have extensive expertise and a proven process to certify products under DO-254. We can take full responsibility for building and certifying your hardware, ensuring it meets all regulatory requirements.

5. What is AC 20-152A, and how does it relate to DO-254?

AC 20-152A is an advisory circular that provides additional guidance for DAL A, B, and C designs. It is required for certain high-assurance levels and complements DO-254 by providing more detailed instructions for compliance.

6. Do you offer a checklist for DO-254 compliance documents?

Yes, we provide a free downloadable checklist to help you ensure that all necessary documents are in place for DO-254 compliance. Contact us to get your copy.

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DO-254 Services for Aerospace Hardware Certification

What is DO-254?

Why is DO-254 Compliance Critical for Aerospace Systems?

DO-254 Design Assurance Level (DAL)