FAA Reaffirms Approval of LynuxWorks LynxOS-178 Reusable Software Components RTOS for Safety-Critical Applications

SAN JOSE,CA–March 12, 2012–LynuxWorks, Inc., the first and only embedded operating system vendor to receive Advisory Circular AC 20-148 approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for reusable software components (RSC), has received its second RSC approval for the LynxOS-178 product family.

Today, with RSC approval, the LynxOS-178 Version 2.2.2 RTOS (real-time operating system) can be more extensively used by avionics systems integrators and embedded developers for the operating system portion of the safety-critical software code and supporting DO-178B artifacts for reuse in other system designs with other software components without the need for full recertification.

"More than ever, software component use in safety-critical software for embedded military applications or avionics flight systems is critical," said Stephen Balacco, director, Embedded Software and Tools Practice, VDC Research Group, Inc. “With RSC approval, the software components identified as reusable are already approved by the FAA.” The OS provider chooses software components that are target hardware-independent, such as the kernel and libraries, which can constitute as much as 65% of the code. From that perspective, RSC approval provides system integrators and developers a tremendous head start when a significant amount of the operating system is already approved.

 

According to the VP of Engineering for LynuxWorks, Arun Subbarao, “LynxOS-178 was designed solely for safety-critical applications. The standards-based approach for software reuse in airborne systems and equipment offers a ‘software black box’ solution that can significantly reduce the time and cost of achieving FAA certification and further reduce the risk involved in redevelopment efforts across multiple safety-critical systems.”

In 2006, the LynxOS-178 RSC RTOS was initially approved for the Rockwell Collins Adaptive Flight Display Runtime, Common Computing Runtime, and Data Concentration Module Runtime for Pro Line Fusion.  Rockwell Collins offers a family of flexible avionics system solutions designed to address a wide range of aircraft and missions--from light turboprops to long-range business jets, from commercial helicopters to special missions aircraft.

A Standards-Based Approach for Reuse

LynxOS-178 addresses system developers' need to meet FAA certification by providing a time, space and resource partitioned commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) operating system that fully satisfies the objectives of the DO-178B, level A and the ARINC 653 standard as well as full conformance with the IEEE POSIX Standard. Currently, any time a systems integrator or developer wants to integrate components of any other RTOS, or any previously certified DO-178B software in multiple hardware environments, each new hardware/software configuration or system must be recertified. In other words, integrators and developers cannot take full advantage of the software's existing certification across other multiple platforms, but instead must go through the entire certification process for each new system they build. The RSC acceptance letter from the FAA for LynxOS-178 can be used to support virtually any FAA Technical Standard Order.

About LynxOS-178 RTOS

LynxOS-178 is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) RTOS that fully satisfies the objectives of the DO-178B level A specification and meets requirements for Integrated Modular Avionics developers. LynxOS-178 delivers the security and real-time responsiveness needed for safety-critical systems and provides a low-risk path to DO-178B certification for developers to meet the technical requirements in the production of software for airborne systems. In addition, LynxOS-178 provides full POSIX conformance, enabling developers to take advantage of the time-to-market and investment-protection benefits of open standards-based development. The powerful formula of DO-178B certification and POSIX conformance allows developers to meet the most stringent requirements for real-time safety-critical applications while at the same time ensure application portability, software reuse and interoperability between embedded systems.

Availability and Pricing

RSC certification for LynuxWorks' LynxOS-178 safety-critical RTOS is available immediately at no additional charge to existing customers The RSC acceptance applies to the family of PowerPC microprocessors. LynxOS-178 is approved to support multiple IMA applications at different levels of DO-178B criticality. In addition to the RSC certification and the LynxOS-178 kernel, the offering consists of a complete artifacts package for the kernel -- including software, requirements documentation, design documentation, requirements coverage, test sweeps, verification procedures and test results and user library with a full suite of standards-based development tools and support.

About LynuxWorks

LynuxWorks, a world leader in the embedded software market, is committed to providing open and reliable real-time operating systems (RTOS) and software tools to embedded developers. The company's LynxOS family of operating systems offers open standards with the highest level of safety and security features, enabling many mission-critical systems in defense, avionics and other industries. The latest product in the portfolio, the award winning LynxSecure offers a secure separation kernel and embedded hypervisor that forms a platform for the development of high assurance systems. Since it was established in 1988, LynuxWorks has created technology that has been successfully deployed in thousands of designs and millions of products made by leading communications, avionics, aerospace/defense and consumer electronics companies. LynuxWorks' headquarters are located in San Jose, CA. For more information, visit www.lynuxworks.com.