Redundancy verification analysis-an alternative to FMEA for low cost missions

Redundancy verification analysis (RVA) is a promising technique for verifying internal redundancy within electronic assemblies, as well as "cross-strap" redundancy between them, in cost or schedule constrained spacecraft development projects. RVA tracks a signal from its source to the end of the signal path, through all the subsystems along the way, including software. When performed in conjunction with a worst case analysis (WCA), RVA may obviate the need for a system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), providing a detailed examination of the actual workings of system hardware, software, and interfaces. Demonstrated by JPL on the Mars Global Surveyor project, use of RVA is consistent with NASA's emphasis on "faster-better-cheaper" spacecraft design and development.