Software Component
Section 08: Software Certification (DO-178C)
Definition
A distinct part of a software item, typically identified at the architectural design level. Software components are the building blocks of a software item's architecture: they implement specific functions, have defined interfaces, and may be composed of lower-level components or code modules. In DO-178C, the term is used in the context of software architecture, where the software item is decomposed into software components that implement the high-level requirements through low-level requirements and source code.
Where This Shows Up
Software components represent the design decomposition of a software item. The traceability chain runs from system requirements to high-level software requirements (allocated to the software item) to low-level software requirements (allocated to software components) to source code implementing those requirements. The architectural decomposition into components is documented in the Software Design Description.
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Primary Sources
Describes software components in the context of software architecture and design.
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