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Performance of Avionics systems is dictated by the timely availability and usage of critical health parameters. Various sensors are extensively used to acquire and communicate the desired parameters. In today's scenario, sensors are hardwired. The number of sensors is growing due to automation which increases the accuracy of intended Aircraft functions. Sensors are distributed all over the Aircraft and they are connected through wired network for signal processing and communication. LRUs (Line Replaceable Unit) which are integrating various sensors also use a wired approach for communication. The use of a wired network approach poses challenges in terms of cable routing, stray capacitances, noise, mechanical structure and added weight to the structure. The weight of cables contributes significantly to the overall weight of the aircraft. As the weight of Aircraft increases, the required fuel quantity also increases. The Key driver for Airline operational cost is fuel.

Today's digital avionics systems leverage the use of the Embedded COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) hardware to fit the need of small form factor, low power, reduced time to market and reduced development time with efficient use of DO-254 for compliance of product. COTS modules are entering in digital avionics systems such as COM (Computer On Module)/SOM (System On Module)/SIP (System In Package) with huge advancement in semiconductor and packaging industry. In today's scenario COTS are very useful for DAL (Development Assurance Level) C and below as the efforts on compliance for DAL A and B are huge. This paper proposes to use these for DAL A and B as well, where one can get enormous benefit on efforts of compliance and time to market. This paper makes an attempt to explain the current scenario of the Embedded COTS usage in Avionics Systems.