PROCESS DOCUMENTATION

Process Documentation

Process Documentation

TASK A: Detailed Business Case Deployment and Support of Software

Introduction

Programmable Logic (PL) devices are hybrids of hardware and software. While primarily hardware devices, PL's behavior are determined by previously loaded software. This hybrid aspect of PL devices is not being sufficiently addressed when the devices are developed, tested, and validated. Presently, current University of Northampton admission system tend to treat PL devices as essentially hardware and are simply tested for desired functionality. In essence, successful functional testing and simulation comprise the primary criteria for releasing PL based projects into production. The software development processes and techniques employed in developing the software implemented in the PL devices are not subjected to the same rigor as would be required for other forms of mission critical software. The FPGA is one specific PL devices that serves as the focus of this presentation

A recent survey conducted within the University Of Northampton admission center intended to identify projects, facilities of University of Northampton admission process that use PL devices revealed that their usage at University of Northampton is widespread and varied. The survey also indicated that PL devices are used in safety-related projects and facilities as well as in pure research environments. Additionally, the survey revealed that approximately two-thirds (2/3) of all the projects surveyed did not incorporate the use of any standards, procedures, or project guidelines in the development of the software implemented in PL devices, which may be attributed in part to the lack of such standards, procedures or guidelines.

Objectives and Scope

Presently, University of Northampton has provided no clear guidance on the software aspects (design and development) of PL devices, nor on how to assure the safety, reliability, or quality of these hybrid devices. Considering the current practice where PL devices undergo limited software analysis and testing and are typically tested for functionality as a hardware item, software assurance engineers rarely verify the process used to develop the coding for the PL devices, nor the end PL software “product.” As the application of PL devices becomes more widespread, especially in mission critical applications, the means to verify and validate their design and functionality will be essential.

Business Case Summary

PL software designs are presently tested for functionality, boundary conditions, and operational simulation but unlike main stream software, most PL software designs are not subjected to formal Verification and Validation, not to mention Independent Verification and Validation practices. Considering the accepted fact that detecting and fixing defect at the design phase of the logic is much simpler and less expensive than in later phases, the objective of this research is to develop a methodology that V&V and IV&V analysts can apply to the software aspects of PL's in the earlier phases of PL development.

Anticipated Benefits

FPGA design can be carried out at several levels of abstraction. These design levels can be loosely classified as high level graphical entry, the processor level (architecture, behavior, and systems level), the register level, and at the gate or logic level. Integrated design tools include languages such as VHDL, graphical ...