What is Freedom From Interference (FFI)?

Freedom From Interference (FFI) refers to the complete separation of critical safety functions from non-critical ones. This means that any failure or malfunction in a non-essential system—whether it’s hardware or software—should not affect the functioning of safety-critical function.

What is Memory Partitioning?

Memory partitioning involves dividing a computer’s memory into distinct sections or partitions, allowing for better organization and management. There are several types of memory partitioning strategies:

Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment in Functional Safety.

Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA) is a vital process for ensuring the reliability and safety of complex systems. By identifying potential hazards, evaluating their risks, and implementing risk mitigation strategies, companies can prevent system failures and reduce the impact of those failures on both people and the environment.

What is a Hypervisor?

A hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), is a piece of software, firmware, or hardware that allows multiple operating systems to share a single physical host. It creates, runs, and manages virtual machines (VMs) by partitioning the hardware resources of the host machine (like CPU, memory, and storage) among various VMs.

Motor Control Safety

Motor control systems are complex, involving various components such as controllers, sensors, actuators, and feedback loops. Key safety concerns include:
Loss of Control: A failure in the motor control unit or communication signals can result in motors running out of control, which can be dangerous in critical applications like automated cranes or robotic arms.

What is Memory Partitioning?

Memory partitioning involves dividing a computer’s memory into distinct sections or partitions, allowing for better organization and management. There are several types of memory partitioning strategies:

What Are Safety Certifying Bodies and Their Role?

Safety Certifying Bodies:
These are independent organizations that assess whether safety-related systems and equipment meet the necessary functional safety standards. They issue certifications after rigorous evaluations to confirm that systems are designed, installed, and maintained to reduce risks to acceptable levels.

Hardware Fault accumulation

Hardware fault accumulation refers to the gradual buildup of minor defects or failures within a system’s components over time. These can include random failures, such as electrical issues, mechanical wear, or environmental damage (e.g., extreme heat or humidity).

Linux in Safety

What Makes Linux a Strong Contender for Safety-Critical Applications?
While Linux is still evolving in the safety-critical space, its unique strengths and the focused efforts of the open-source community are paving the way for broader adoption. Here’s why Linux holds so much promise for high-stakes applications:

ADAS Safety features and SAE LEvels

In today’s automotive landscape, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are becoming increasingly standard in vehicles, enhancing both safety and convenience. These technologies, when combined with clear guidelines like the SAE levels of driving automation, are paving the way toward safer and more autonomous roads. But what exactly are ADAS features?