Preparing for SOI-3

Process assurance is a really important role in a DO-254 program. If done well, it can save companies a lot of time and expense by making SOI audits go smoothly and avoiding unnecessary rework. As an example, I was recently holding a SOI-3a audit, which includes checking the ability to rebuild and regenerate the test environment and results. While the company had the necessary documentation as part of their Hardware Verification Plan (HVP) there was still a lot of confusion about which files to pull and where the evidence resided – which boiled down to versioning and control of the files. So I suggested two things.

1. Creating a VCI (verification control index) document to control all the test bench files, models, scripts –basically the collection of items used when testing the FPGA. After all, this repository of data is very similar to the design (hardware) repository, which is controlled by an HCI.
2. Holding a Process Assurance “test readiness review” prior to the formal test for credit audit to run through the process internally prior to the SOI audit. The Job Aid, Section 3-3, provides a really good guide for what to review.

Running tests without proper conformity of the test environment and design could result in a full rerun of tests, which can take weeks! So doing these two fairly simple things can save time and frustration in the long run.

“… the Process Manager referred to these suggestions as one of the most important tips he ever learned from a DER”

In my example above, these small changes made a world of difference the next time around, and the Process Manager referred to these suggestions as one of the most important tips he ever learned from a DER. Try it yourself and see the difference it can make in your processes.

Patmos Engineering services offers both guidance for your program as well as auditing services. If you need help preparing for SOI-3 – or any audit for that matter – contact me to set up a discussion.

Tammy Reeve
DER/Founder
Patmos Engineering Services, Inc.