Model-based semiautomatic safety analysis of programmable systems in automotive applications

We discuss our work towards the development of a safety analysis method. The analysis in the proposed method is performed using an algorithm for the automatic synthesis of fault trees that can be applied on the system at different stages of its design. At the early stages of the design, the algorithm can generate fault trees on the basis of abstract functional specifications of the system. Mechanical analysis of those fault trees, cut-set analysis for example, can help to identify conceptual design flaws and refine the initial design. This process can then be repeated down to low levels of the hardware and software implementation. By partly mechanising the safety analysis process, the proposed method could help, we believe, in managing the increasing complexity that the automotive sector is likely to experience in safety assessments with the introduction of safety-related integrated driver assistance systems in the future.