COTS tool qualification using RTCA DO-330: Common pitfalls

Tools can be used to eliminate, reduce, or automate activities associated with software development and verification processes. The qualification provides assurance that tools employed will neither introduce errors into the software product nor fail to detect an error. When required, a tool qualification shall be performed within the context of tool's intended use, according to the RTCA DO-330, ensuring compliance with the RTCA DO-178C. The main objective of tool qualification is that the tool complies with its requirements, ensuring the tool provides equivalence to any automated activities. In this paper, the authors will provide the common pitfalls on qualification of Commercial Of The Shelf (COTS) tools.