Improved embedded flight control system design process using integrated system design/code generation tools

The increasing sophistication and criticality of embedded flight control systems is increasing the need for correct system implementation/error removal before flight control systems are fielded for flight. Competing with this need are pressures to make corrections and design changes quickly to minimize the cost and schedule impacts during development, especially ground and flight test activities. In this paper we present a system design process modified to allow the use of a currently available system design tool that provides automatic code generation from graphical system design input to provide a portion of the flight software. The results are improved system design, accelerated integration times and the ability to correctly implement changes in a shorter period of time. The value of integrated system design/code generating tools is addressed. Modifications made to the current design process to integrate and verify software produced by these tools in the flight program are addressed. Finally, results obtained through the use of this process on a number of current flight control system efforts are summarized