Quantification of plausibility cross-checks in safety related control system architecture design for automotive applications

Williams, Andrew Robert (2019) Quantification of plausibility cross-checks in safety related control system architecture design for automotive applications. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

When designing safety critical systems for automotive applications it is imperative that the chosen architecture can fulfil the designated safety goals. One significant aspect of this is proving architectural metrics are satisfied.
The method developed in this thesis demonstrates, very early in the design process, that a system architecture can be systematically described and analysed to show that the final architectural metric targets for functional safety will be met. The system architecture model proposed can be used to explain a very complex system to other engineers / managers in an easily understood concept diagram, specifically tailored to examine the achievable diagnostic coverage of potential failures in the electrical /electronic system.
Once the first architectural model is established, the method analyses architectural metrics in a quantified way, identifies potential weak areas and guides the designer towards additional Plausibility Cross-checks, or, in some cases, completely different architectures to improve the architectural metrics. The metrics can be calculated very quickly in comparison to the level of detail required for the final design. This permits quantified analysis of each candidate architecture allowing an informed decision to be made on which architecture to take through to the final design process. Often, multiple solutions will meet functional requirements, however, only a subset will meet functional safety requirements.
The necessity to build safety into products has always been an important aspect of overall system design. This method allows decisions based on justifiable data, early in a project timeline to influence design decisions and ensure that concepts are correct. As demonstrated through examples this is achieved with a high level of confidence.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:
DateEvent
22 September 2019Completed
Uncontrolled Keywords: Functional Safety, Plausability Cross-check, Safety Critical, Single Point Fault Metric
Subjects: CAH10 - engineering and technology > CAH10-01 - engineering > CAH10-01-02 - mechanical engineering
Divisions: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment > School of Engineering and the Built Environment
Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection
Depositing User: Doris Riou
Date Deposited: 07 Nov 2019 08:26
Last Modified: 12 Jan 2022 13:05
URI: https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/8353

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