Functional Safety

Functional Safety

The Evidence

Functional safety assessments are required to prove, as part of approval procedures, that an electronic or software solution also functions safely. It must be verified that the software on the operating path of each affected function, the hardware and all variable parameters produce the intended functions and that errors are effectively caught. The standards to be applied here are EN50129 or EN61508.

The Situation

In the event of a fault, a safe condition must be established or an unsafe condition must be recognised in good time. In this context it is also important that the evidence for all relevant environmental conditions are submitted correctly.

The Assessment

The functional assessment is specifically divided into a document review and a practical (driving) test with the vehicle. In the first part, the hazard analysis and safety requirement specification of the manufacturer or operator are checked. During the theoretical investigation, the functional chain of all affected safety functions is identified by means of the circuit diagrams, the operator manual, the pneumatic diagram and the verification documentation of the development team. From this, we derive a test plan for the desired and the faulty function. During the practical examination, the vehicle is put through its paces on the basis of the test plan, both in operation and when stationary:

  • Are all the desired functions during normal operation implemented as planned?
  • Are all safety functions implemented in the event of a fault?

The Result

The result is an assessment report that is suitable for submission to authorities. This is subject to DAkkS accreditation.