Airborne Hardware Assurance (DO-254) Certification

DO-254 (ED-80 in Europe) is the accepted guidance for the design assurance of complex electronic hardware in aerospace (programmable logic devices such as FPGAs, ASICs and PLDs). It is the hardware-side counterpart of DO-178C and uses the same DAL logic. A lighter evidence path is recognised for simple hardware; complex hardware requires full life-cycle evidence.

• Avionics hardware designers
• Aerospace suppliers developing FPGAs and ASICs
• Manufacturers of flight-critical electronic boards
• Developers of unmanned aircraft avionics hardware

The document is not directly a legal text; it is recognised by aviation authorities as an acceptable means of compliance. It is practically mandatory for flight-critical systems containing complex electronic hardware. As with DO-178C, no separate 'DO-254 certificate' is issued; evidence is presented as part of system certification.

• Determining the hardware design assurance level (DAL)
• Planning: the PHAC, the hardware design plan, the verification and validation plan, the configuration management and quality assurance plans
• The hardware design life cycle: requirements capture, conceptual design, detailed design, implementation, production transition
• Verification and validation: review, analysis and test
• The distinction between simple and complex hardware
• Elemental analysis and advanced verification methods (for DAL A/B)
• Traceability: from system requirements to hardware design and verification evidence
• Configuration management, problem reporting and process assurance
• Management of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components
• The Hardware Accomplishment Summary (HAS)

1. 1Application and Product DescriptionThe product family, model list, technical specifications and target market are determined. The applicable standard and certification route become clear at this step.
2. 2Technical File ReviewDesign documents, the bill of materials, critical-component certificates and the instructions for use are examined.
3. 3Product TestingThe tests the relevant standard requires are carried out. The test report is the fundamental basis for the certification decision.
4. 4Factory AuditIf the scheme requires it, the continuity of manufacturing and factory production control (FPC) are verified on site.
5. 5Issuing the Certificate and MarkingOnce conformity is verified, the certificate is issued; the marking rules for the product and packaging are applied.
6. 6Follow-up AuditsDepending on the scheme, periodic factory audits and/or follow-up testing on samples taken from the market are carried out.

The validity period varies by scheme: some product certificates are indefinite and rely on periodic factory audits, while some schemes (e.g. country market marks) require annual or per-shipment renewal. Every design change to the product requires the certificate to be reviewed.

• The list of product models and variants
• Technical drawings, diagrams and the bill of materials
• Certificates for critical components
• The instructions for use and a sample label
• Existing test reports, if any
• Production-site details

There is no fixed list price; the cost is calculated based on the following variables and provided in writing in the quote.

• The number of models and variants in the product family
• The test scope the applicable standard requires
• Whether a factory audit is required
• The number of target markets and whether each requires separate testing
• Whether existing test reports can be accepted

Product certification is carried out under ISO/IEC 17065; The tests that form the basis for certification are carried out in laboratories with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The two scopes are separate. Recognition between accreditation bodies is provided through IAF and ILAC agreements.

The scope under which this scheme can be offered varies according to your product and activity; it is confirmed in writing at the quote stage.

• NADCAPSpecial Process Accreditation
• DO-178CAerospace Software Assurance
• DO-160Environmental Conditions Qualification
• AS9100Aerospace Quality Management
• AS9110Aerospace Maintenance Quality Management
• AS9120Aerospace Distribution Quality Management
• EN 9100Aerospace Quality Management
• EN 9110Aerospace Maintenance Quality Management