Guidelines for Assuring the Software Aspects of Certification When Replacing Obsolete Electronic Parts Used in Airborne Systems and Equipment

This paper proposes guidelines and an approach for assessing and ensuring that the replacement of electrical and electronic parts used in aircraft electrical systems and equipment is addressed safely from the software perspective in the certification process while minimizing manufacturer and operator costs and schedule impacts. Many electronic components used in already certified aircraft systems and equipment are no longer being manufactured, that is, are obsolete, and this paper proposes an effective and efficient approach for ensuring the software aspects of certification for replacement of these parts in existing airborne systems and equipment.