Software Requirements for Embedded Computers: A Preliminary Report.

Abstract

This report describes the results of an initial year-long study of current Air Force procedures for formulating and communicating software requirements and their effects on software acquisition for embedded computers. An 'embedded' computer is defined as an integral component of a larger defense system whose major functions go beyond data processing. Occasionally such computers are physically embedded in the systems they support (e.g., on-board computers in aircraft or missile weapon systems), but physical proximity is not necessary to the definition. Many command and control systems employ computers considered to be embedded in the functional sense, although they are physically separated from other system components. The results presented here are based on an examination of eight major acquisition programs, drawn primarily from the Air Force's Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD) and Electronics Systems Division (ESD), each containing a substantial embedded computer component. For each program, we interviewed personnel from the System Program Office (SPO) and from the prime contractor wherever possible, these were people who were or had been directly associated with software acquisition.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA084744

Entities

People

  • Malcom Davis
  • Steven Glaseman

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Application Software
  • Command And Control Systems
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Contractors
  • Contracts
  • Control Systems
  • Personnel Management
  • Software Design
  • Software Development
  • Standards
  • System Software
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Computer science

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Software Engineering.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
  • Microelectronics