Structural Coverage Analysis (SCA): Ensuring Complete Software Testing in SafetyCritical Systems

Structural Coverage Analysis (SCA) is a method used to evaluate the effectiveness of software testing by measuring how thoroughly test cases exercise the code. It goes beyond simply checking functionality—SCA ensures that every part of the code has been tested, helping to uncover gaps that might otherwise remain hidden.

SCA is a cornerstone technique in Aerospace and Automotive software development, where safety and reliability are paramount. By systematically identifying untested areas of code, it helps to strengthen system assurance and meet stringent certification requirements.

SCA in the Aerospace Domain

In aerospace, the extent of coverage required depends on the Design Assurance Level (DAL) assigned to the system. DAL classifications reflect the potential impact of a system failure, with A being the most critical and E the least.

Coverage Requirements by DAL

Reference: FAA Order 8110.49A — Software Approval Guidelines.

Why SCA Matters

SCA not only demonstrates compliance with industry standards but also serves as a diagnostic tool, helping identify:

Missing Requirements – If some code is not executed by any test case, it may point to an unaddressed requirement.

Dead Code – Portions of the code that serve no functional purpose and are not tied to any requirement.

Deactivated Code – Code that is intentionally inactive under specific configurations or modes.

Detecting and addressing these issues improves both system performance and maintainability.

Our Expertise at Telary Technologies

At Telary Technologies, we specialize in:

Performing end to end SCA to validate software coverage.

Analyzing SCA results to pinpoint deficiencies and recommend fixes.

Designing custom SCA tools tailored to project requirements.

Our goal is to help clients achieve full compliance with aerospace and automotive standards while optimizing test efficiency.

If you’re looking to strengthen your software verification process, get in touch with us today.

Feel free to visit us: https://telarytech.com/ or Send Us Email: info@telarytechnologies.com