Crib sheet:
Embedded processors Moto 68020, 68040, Power PC common
Languages : Ada, Spark reduced instruction set Ada , and C
RTOS : VxWorks, Greenhills Integrity, Windriver
Partitioned secure memory areas (to ensure processes don't overwrite each other)
IDE: Apex, Rhapsody etc etc
Multiple redundant processing boards with processor level communications for synchronisation and redundancy
Board support packages often from vendor
In-house programmed custom logic common.
Database and low level drivers often bought-in
Operational Flight Program (application) written in-house
DoD178B for software and 254 for hardware are the considerations.
Trend to standardised databus such as AFDX(Airbus), and standardised digital video (such as ARINC888) and standardised hardware often attempted (Integrated Modular Avionics)
hugel