Innovative Functional Safety methodology for the Automotive sector

The aim of the research was to create a test set-up for Automotive Functional Safety (ISO26262) around ICT Group's Motar Platform. It soon became apparent that there are few guidelines for a full model-based integration of Functional Safety in the design process. The recent publication of the Risk Analysis and Assessment Modeling Language (RAAML) offered a solution for this. This new SysML language makes it possible to carry out hazard assessments and risk analyses model-based, which is very suitable for an integrated MBD approach.

Functional Safety as an integral part

The research goal was then expanded to develop a model-based Functional Safety methodology, in which Functional Safety is not just an addition, but an integral part of the design. The methodology combines the model-based engineering method MagicGrid with the V-model from ISO 26262, the standard for Functional Safety in the Automotive sector, to create a structural approach.

Basic setup as a foundation

Although it was not feasible to fully validate the methodology in the time frame of the study due to hardware limitations, a workable basic setup was set up with control via the Motar controller. This set-up lays a foundation for the integration of Functional Safety into the design process from the start, and provides a valuable start for future expansions. The methodology shows that a model-based approach for Functional Safety is feasible and offers advantages for the automotive sector, where further validation and further development are desirable.

Both Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and ICT Group are pleased with these results and this is yet another step in the collaboration in the field of Functional Safety for future developments in the Automotive industry.