Hardware Design Review
Section 09: Hardware Certification (DO-254)
Definition
A structured evaluation of hardware design data by qualified reviewers to assess correctness, completeness, compliance with requirements, and conformance to applicable standards. Reviews are applied throughout the DO-254 lifecycle to requirements, conceptual design, detailed design, implementation data, and verification results.
Where This Shows Up
Reviews serve as both a verification method and a process assurance mechanism in DO-254. They complement testing, simulation, and analysis by providing human assessment of design quality and completeness. Key reviews include requirements review, design review (preliminary and detailed/critical), implementation review (e.g., schematic review, HDL code review, layout review), and test readiness review. Independence requirements for reviews increase with DAL; at DAL A, review independence from the designer is required.
Primary Sources
Section 6.1 — Verification Process, identifies review and analysis as verification methods alongside testing and simulation.
Related Terms
Need help navigating certification?
Understanding the terminology is the first step. If you need expert guidance on DO-178C, DO-254, ARP4754B, or any aspect of FAA, EASA, or TCCA certification, our team is here to help.