Aircraft Hardware-Software Interaction Course
About our
The Aircraft Hardware-Software Interaction Course explores the fundamentals and applications of hardware and software system integration in the aeronautical environment. It covers the development and implementation of embedded systems, the design of communication interfaces, and aviation safety and reliability, addressing topics such as ARINC, DO-178C, and DO-254. It focuses on the application of software development techniques for critical systems, error analysis, and validation testing, which are essential to ensuring the safety and proper functioning of onboard systems.
The course provides practical knowledge of systems architecture, aeronautical communication protocols, and development and testing methodologies for in-flight applications.
Participants are prepared for roles in aeronautical systems design, embedded software engineering, validation and verification, and systems certification, boosting employability in the aerospace industry.
Aircraft Hardware-Software Interaction Course
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 2
399 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Comprehensive Mastery of Hardware-Software Interaction in Aircraft
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Aeronautical Systems Architecture: Understand the structure of integrated hardware and software systems in aircraft, including processing units, sensors, actuators, and data buses.
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Programming Languages and Software Development: Master specific languages such as Ada, C/C++, and Python, and apply secure and certifiable software development methodologies for aeronautical applications.
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Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Analyze and configure critical RTOSs for aircraft, ensuring the accurate and reliable execution of tasks in real-time environments.
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Aeronautical Communications: Study communication protocols, such as ARINC 429, CAN bus, and Ethernet, essential for data transmission between different aircraft systems.
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Aeronautical Communications: Study communication protocols, such as ARINC 429, CAN bus, and Ethernet, essential for data transmission between different aircraft systems.
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Sensors and Actuators: Explore the sensor and actuator technology used in aircraft, including navigation systems, flight control, engines, and landing gear.
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Power Electronics and Energy Management: Evaluate electrical power distribution systems, including generators, converters, and backup systems, crucial for safe operation.
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Software Validation and Verification: Apply testing and verification techniques to ensure the integrity and reliability of aeronautical software, complying with standards such as DO-178C.
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Aeronautical Cybersecurity: Identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks in aeronautical systems, protecting information and the integrity of control systems.
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Systems Integration and Testing: Participate in hardware and software integration, performing thorough testing to ensure the correct operation of the aircraft’s systems.
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Flight Automation and Control: Develop skills in the design and programming of flight control systems, including autopilot and stability control systems.
2. Analysis and Optimization of Rotor Performance
- Identify and evaluate vibration modes and aeromechanical complexities, including flap-lag-torsion couplings, whirl flutter instability, and the effects of fatigue on rotor design.
- Apply finite element (FE) methods for the precise dimensioning of laminates in composites, optimizing their strength and durability, and analyze the structural integrity of joints and bonded joints.
- Integrate damage tolerance strategies into the design, as well as employ non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques such as UT/RT/thermography, to ensure safety and extend the service life of rotors.
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. Development of Skills in Aeronautical Hardware-Software Interaction
4. Development of Skills in Aeronautical Hardware-Software Interaction
- In-depth analysis of critical aerodynamic and structural couplings, including flap-lag-torsion, which influence aircraft stability and control. The whirl flutter phenomenon and its implications for rotor and component design will also be studied. Fatigue analysis will be addressed to ensure the durability of aeronautical structures under cyclic loads.
- Acquire the ability to dimension and analyze complex aeronautical structures using finite element (FE) analysis tools. This includes the dimensioning of composite laminates, considering the anisotropic properties of the materials.
The design and analysis of structural joints, both mechanical and bonded (adhesive) joints, will be studied, optimizing load transfer and structural integrity.
Master the principles of damage tolerance, a design approach that considers the presence of defects and damage in structures. Learn to apply non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for damage detection and evaluation, including ultrasonic testing (UT), radiography (RT), and thermography.
5. Aircraft Hardware-Software Systems Engineering
- Design and implementation of aircraft control systems, covering everything from hardware architecture to embedded software programming.
- Principles of aircraft aerodynamics and stability, including the analysis of the effects of aerodynamic forces on the design of control systems.
- Analysis and modeling of aircraft hardware and software systems, using simulation and modeling tools to predict system behavior.
- Development of flight management systems (FMS), including route planning, navigation, and automatic flight control.
- Integration of sensors, actuators, and communication systems in aircraft, including the design of interfaces and communication protocols.
- Cybersecurity in aeronautical systems, including the identification and mitigation of hardware and software vulnerabilities.
- Principles of hardware and software design and analysis for critical systems, including certification and Verification.
Implementation of diagnostic and predictive maintenance techniques for aircraft systems.
Failure and reliability analysis of aircraft systems, including risk analysis and safety management.
Legal and regulatory aspects related to the design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft.
6. Analysis and Programming of Aeronautical Systems
6. Analysis and Programming of Aeronautical Systems
- Analyze flap–lag–torsion couplings, whirl flutter and fatigue.
- Size laminates in composites, unions and bonded joints with FE.
- Implement damage tolerance and NDT (UT/RT/thermography).
Who this program is for:
Aircraft Hardware-Software Interaction Course
- Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, Automation Engineers, or related fields.
- Professionals working in companies that manufacture rotary-wing/eVTOL aircraft (OEM), in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), in aeronautical consulting, and in technological research centers.
- Specialists in flight testing, aeronautical certification, avionics, control systems, and flight dynamics who wish to deepen their knowledge.
- Personnel from regulatory bodies/aeronautical authorities and professionals related to urban air mobility (UAM)/eVTOL who need to acquire knowledge about regulatory compliance.
Recommendations: Basic knowledge of aerodynamics, control systems, and aircraft structures is suggested. A B2+/C1 level of Spanish/English is required. We offer support programs (bridging tracks) to facilitate adaptation to the course content.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
1. Aircraft Hardware and Software Domain
1.1 Flight control systems: principles and architecture.
1.2 Aircraft sensors and actuators: types and operation.
1.3 On-board computer (OBC) architecture: design and components.
1.4 Aviation communication interfaces: ARINC, CAN bus, Ethernet.
1.5 Aeronautical software development: methodologies and standards (DO-178C).
1.6 Aeronautical software testing and verification: techniques and tools.
1.7 Hardware and software integration: challenges and solutions.
1.8 Cybersecurity in aeronautical systems: threats and protection.
1.9 Failure analysis and risk management in control systems.
1.10 Future trends in aeronautical hardware and software.
2.2 Introduction to Rotor Design and Analysis
2.2 Rotor Aerodynamics: Fundamental Principles
2.3 Rotor Modeling and Simulation
2.4 Rotor Performance Optimization
2.5 Rotor Materials and Manufacturing
2.6 Rotor Vibrations and Dynamics
2.7 Rotor Noise and Acoustics
2.8 Design and Analysis of Rotor Control Systems
2.9 Rotor Testing and Validation
2.20 Advanced Applications and Future Trends in Aeronautical Rotors
3.3 eVTOL and UAM: Electric Propulsion, Multiple Rotors
3.2 Emerging Certification Requirements (SC-VTOL, Special Conditions)
3.3 Energy and Thermal in E-Propulsion (Batteries/Inverters)
3.4 Design for Maintainability and Modular Swaps
3.5 LCA/LCC in Rotorcraft and eVTOL (Footprint and Cost)
3.6 Operations & Vertiports: Airspace Integration
3.7 Data & Digital Thread: MBSE/PLM for Change Control
3.8 Tech Risk and Readiness: TRL/CRL/SRL
3.9 IP, Certifications, and Time-to-Market
3.30 Case Clinic: Go/No-Go with Risk Matrix
4.4 Fundamentals of Aircraft Hardware-Software Interaction
4.2 Aeronautical Systems Architecture: Components and Communication
4.3 Programming Languages and Development Environments for Aviation
4.4 Testing and Validation of Aeronautical Software
4.5 Version Control and Configuration Management
4.6 Introduction to Safety in Aeronautical Systems
4.7 Development of User Interfaces (UIs) for Aeronautical Applications
4.8 Implementation of Aeronautical Communication Protocols
4.9 Hardware and Software Integration: Practical Examples
4.40 Case Studies: Analysis of Specific Hardware-Software Systems
5.5 Aircraft Hardware and Software Systems Architecture
5.5 Embedded Systems Design and Development
5.3 Aeronautical Communication Protocols
5.4 Hardware and Software Systems Testing and Validation
5.5 Flight Management and Flight Control Systems
5.6 Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Design
5.7 Aeronautical Systems Safety and Reliability
5.8 Cybersecurity in Aeronautical Systems
5.9 Predictive Maintenance and Data Analysis
5.50 Regulatory Framework and Industry Standards
6.6 Programming Principles for Aeronautical Systems
6.2 Aviation Software Architectures: Structure and Functionality
6.3 Specialized Programming Languages: Ada, C/C++
6.4 Embedded Software Development: Flight Control and Systems
6.5 Simulation and Modeling of Aeronautical Systems
6.6 Software Testing and Validation: Quality Assurance
6.7 Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
6.8 Cybersecurity in Aeronautical Systems: Data Protection
6.9 Hardware and Software Integration: Communication and Control
6.60 Automation and Robotics in Aviation: Systems Programming
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).