Advanced avionics system development: achieving systems superiority through design automation

Avionics systems in advanced aircraft provide the improved capability critical to achieving mission success for the war fighter. As the costs associated with aircraft avionics continue to mount, improved weapons system acquisition and support depends on cost-effective design methodologies and accurate design documentation. This paper explores how the standard hardware description language VHDL serves a critical role in effective acquisition of digital electronic systems. Wright Laboratory programs focusing on electronic systems design automation provide complementary improvements in design, documentation, and maintenance capabilities. Results from this research supports acquisition reform efforts to streamline the weapons system procurement process and provide contractors the flexibility to use the most effective design management techniques. At the same time, while the US Department of Defense (DoD) is moving away from dictating standards in contracting, the electronics industry continues to embrace open standards as a means to ensure hardware and software component compatibility. The question arises: what methodology and standards developments are necessary to support the continuing development of sophisticated weapons systems for the military? To address this question, the paper explores methodological needs for hardware and software design, manufacturability, test, and related issues to provide context and motivation before describing ongoing work to meet these needs