The use of EEPROMs in embedded computers for avionic applications

The use of embedded computers in Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) of avionic systems has led to problems related to the loading, modification, and verification of flight software. Through technology insertion, systems incorporating the more commonly used types of nonvolatile electronic memory devices can be upgraded by replacing these memory devices with electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). By using EEPROMs together with a common memory loader/verifier (ML/V) substantial improvements are realized in reliability, maintainability, and the ease with which software can be handled. A successful program of EEPROM technology insertion has resulted in significant improvement in system performance of a family of avionic devices.