The use of a Parameter Data Item impacts various processes as described in DO-178C.A Parameter Data Item is a separate configuration item, that influences the behaviour of the software without modifying the Executable Object Code. A Parameter data item provides a flexible, yet controlled, way to configure and reconfigure the system
DO-178C has addressed some general topics that resulted in changes to several section of the document. One such general topic is Parameter Data Item (PDI). DO-178C has described two terms, Parameter Data Item and Parameter Data Item File as follows:
Parameter data item – A set of data that, when in the form of a Parameter Data Item File, influence the behaviour of the software without modifying the Executable Object Code and that is managed as a separate configuration item. Examples include databases and configuration tables.
Parameter Data Item File – The representation of the parameter data item that is directly usable by the processing unit of the target computer. A Parameter Data Item File is an instantiation of the parameter data item containing defined values for each data element.
The use of a Parameter Data Item impacts following processes as described in DO-178C