The RTCA publishes and sells DO-178C (for airborne software development) and DO-254 (for airborne hardware development). You can purchase both of these essential documents here: www.rtca.org.
But there are also a number of publicly available (but often not-easy-to-find) documents from the FAA and EASA that need to be understood and used in conjunction with the guidance of DO-178C and DO-254. Some of the more important ones are included here for your understanding and downloading convenience:
This document from EASA recognizes DO-254 and clarifies its use, adding numerous objectives related to pertinent aspects of modern hardware development. Note that this document is harmonized with the forthcoming FAA document AC 20-152A.
This document from EASA provides essential terminology and processes with regards to managing Open Problem Reports (OPRs) in the context of systems (ARP 4754A), software (DO-178C) and hardware (DO-254) projects. Note that this document is harmonized with the forthcoming FAA document AC 20-189.
This document from the FAA advises FAA staff on how to apply DO-254. Applicants should read it to understand the discussion and interpretation that the FAA folks will use when auditing your programs.
This document from the FAA advises FAA staff on how to apply DO-178C. Applicants should read it to understand the discussion and interpretation that the FAA folks will use when auditing your programs.
This publication, which is still in DRAFT form, provides information in the form of ‘best practices’ for the application of DO-254.
This document, from EASA, which focuses on DO-254/ED-80, updates the earlier certification memos and provides specific guidance material on certification aspects associated with the use of electronic hardware in airborne systems including line replaceable units, circuit board assemblies, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic devices, microprocessors, microcontrollers, integrated circuits, etc.
This DRAFT AC from the FAA provides “best practice” guidance in managing problem reports and is a companion to AMC 20-189 for systems, hardware and software.
This document from EASA focuses on how to deal with the issue of single event effects (SEE) caused by atmospheric radiation, which is a concern to systems and hardware applicants.
This AMC from EASA (soon to be harmonized by an FAA AC) covers how to handle the certification aspects of multi-core processors (MCPs) contained in airborne systems and equipment, which is a concern for systems, hardware, and software developers.