Rapita launches RapiTime DO-178B/DO-330 tool qualification pack for WCET

Rapita Systems has released a unique new tool qualification pack to aid DO-178B/C certification of projects that use its RapiTime tool to determine worst-case execution time (WCET). Enabling tool support to determine measurement-based WCET in the context of a DO-178B/C project, the first time such a solution has ever been made available, the new qualification pack represents a genuine breakthrough for engineers working on large real-time embedded systems. Engineers need to find WCET for avionics systems during DO-178B projects. Because the most common approach is based on manual measurement and analysis, this work is both effort-intensive and difficult to carry out. RapiTime is an evolutionary improvement on existing manual measurement and analysis techniques. It automates the measurement and analysis process, making it possible to determine WCET more quickly and with significantly less effort. RapiTime is the first tool that can be qualified to provide measurement-based WCET in a DO-178B/C project. This release is the second qualification pack for Rapita Verification Suite (RVS) tools following the launch of our RapiCover DO-178B tool qualification pack in May 2012. An on-target code coverage tool, RapiCover is supported by Rapita’s DO-178B tool qualification pack when used for verification purposes in aerospace projects at levels A–D. This DO-178B tool qualification pack is also facilitating the certification work of a European airframe manufacturer. The RapiTime DO-178B/DO-330 tool qualification pack will perform exactly the same role for DO-178B/C certification of projects where RapiTime is used to conduct on-target timing analysis, verification and optimization. Rapita Systems provides three main options for supporting tool qualification within avionics projects:

• Qualification Data: documents that support a qualification case where customers provide their own tool verification.
• Qualification Kit: includes both the contents of the Qualification Data and a customisable test suite.
• Qualification Service: a Rapita Systems engineer works with the customer to create a Qualification Integration to work within their development environment, and to help embed qualification arguments into their certification case.

“RVS tools which effectively analyse the behaviour and performance of complex avionics systems can now be qualified, giving our clients the evidence they need to satisfy their customers,” said Guillem Bernat, CEO at Rapita Systems. Download the Automating WCET Analysis for DO-178B/C white paper today ENDS The RapiCover DO-178B/C qualification support pack was launched in May 2012: RapiCover DO-178B/C qualification support pack Rapita Systems Ltd develops software tools to reduce the cost of measuring and optimising the performance of large, real-time embedded software systems such as avionics or automotive applications. For further information call Andrew Coombes on +44 (0) 1904 567747 or email acoombes@rapitasystems.com