An Airborne Software CMA Application Method Based on ARP4761

Abstract

Common Mode Analysis (CMA) is an important part of the civil aircraft system safety assessment, which runs through the whole process of aircraft design and manufacturing. Common mode analysis is used to verify the independence of systems, functions, or components to meet safety requirements. At present, common-mode analysis research focuses on the hardware in the system, and there are few studies on common-mode analysis of software, and a relatively complete method has not yet been formed. In recent years, the role, scale, and complexity of software in the aviation field have been rising, and many problems have also arisen. For example, the application of the Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) system has greatly increased the comprehensiveness and complexity of aircraft functions. This can lead to an increased probability of fault propagation, potentially leading to common mode failure of the software. Analysis of the common mode failure of software has become a potential future demand for the aviation industry. Based on the analysis method of common mode analysis in Guidelines and Methods for Conducting the Safety Assessment Process on Civil Airborne Systems and Equipment (ARP4761), this paper presents a common mode analysis method that can be used for aviation airborne software. It can solve the common mode analysis problem of aviation airborne software and reduce the safety problems caused by software common mode.