SAE International Optimizing the Benefit of Virtual Testing with a Process-Oriented Approach 2017-01-2114

In the aerospace industry, methods for virtual testing cover an increasing range of test executions carried out during the development and test process of avionics systems. Over the last years, most companies have focused on questions regarding the evaluation and implementation of methods for virtual testing. However, it has become more and more important to seamlessly integrate virtual testing into the overall development process. For instance, a company's test strategy might stipulate a combination of different methods, such as SIL and HIL simulation, in order to benefit from the advantages of both in the same test process. In this case, efforts concentrate on the optimization of the overall process, from test specification to test execution, as well as the test result evaluation and its alignment with methods for virtual testing. Furthermore, software tools have to be suitable for virtual testing and the entire tool chain has to be adaptable so it can be used for different test methods for various applications that have different users. This paper introduces an exemplary validation and verification process according to ARP4754A and describes how virtual testing contributes to a more efficient overall development process. The ARINC 653 software architecture serves as an example for demonstrating the benefits of using different virtual test environments. In order to coordinate and manage the design, implementation and test process, all test and simulation data is stored centrally using a data and test management tool that reduces complexity for an improved overview. Examples from real projects will illustrate this process-oriented approach.