Code coverage analysis is among the most difficult and time-consuming certification requirements, creating significant schedule risk and cost exposure across safety-critical programs governed by standards like DO-178C and ISO 26262.
Choosing the Wrong Tool Compounds the Problem
Two approaches exist — instrumentation-based and hardware-trace-based coverage — and each carries tradeoffs that, if misapplied, create new problems:
• Instrumentation is flexible but can degrade real-time performance, increase code size, and it requires additional back-to-back testing to prove it hasn't altered application behavior.
• Hardware tracing preserves timing integrity and produces clean audit evidence, but is highly dependent on target device configuration, may not be feasible on all platforms, and cannot achieve certain types of coverage (e.g., full MC/DC).
A Qualifiable Dual-Method Strategy is the Right Solution
Combining instrumentation and hardware tracing using a qualification-ready toolchain minimizes the weaknesses of each standalone approach. Teams can apply the optimal technique for each situation — reducing rework, protecting schedule, and generating defensible verification evidence.
Built for Modern Development
The combined approach is designed to work seamlessly across modern development environments, enabling engineers and AI agents to execute coverage analysis and leverage DevSecOps platforms— future-proofing workflows as AI-assisted development becomes standard practice.
Measurable Outcomes
The practical result of this approach is a streamlined path to compliance:
• fewer surprises during certification
• less rework and repeated testing
• clear and auditable evidence for regulators and customers
☐ Reserve your spot today
We invite you to join this webinar exploring how the combination of code instrumentation and hardware tracing optimizes coverage analysis for embedded, avionics, and automotive applications. Turn coverage analysis and compliance into a commercial advantage by reducing cost, complexity, and risk. Can't make the date? Register to receive the webinar recording after the session has ended.
