ISO 26262 - why do you need the functional safety standard?

The most important things at a glance:

• Security-relevant system developments are becoming more complex and this increases the demands on manufacturers and suppliers.
• ISO 26262 is a standard for "Functional safety for road vehicles", which defines the requirements for safety-critical systems in series production vehicles.
• The application of ISO 26262 is expected in order to avoid malfunctions in safety-critical systems.
• Functional safety covers the entire life cycle and beyond.
• The risk assessment is carried out in accordance with the safety integrity levels (ASIL).

Overview

1. Why do we need a functional safety standard?
2. Where does ISO 26262 come from?
3. What is ISO 26262 needed for?
4. What is the development process according to ISO 26262?
5. What is behind ASIL?

Functional safety ensures that no risks arise from malfunctions of a vehicle or the systems installed in it.

Why do we need a functional safety standard?

Security-related system developments are becoming more complex. One of the consequences of this is that the demands on manufacturers and suppliers are increasing. From the concept phase through development to decommissioning, the reduction of potential safety risks is essential. In order to achieve the necessary product safety and to prevent potential product liability claims, the development must be state-of-the-art. It is very important to ensure the functional safety of corresponding products, systems and processes.

ISO 26262 is a standard on "Functional safety for road vehicles" that defines the requirements for safety-critical systems in series-produced vehicles. The standard is an established process model for the development and production of series vehicles. ISO 26262 can be applied to all safety-critical systems with one or more electrical and/or electronic (E/E) systems in series production vehicles. Mopeds are excluded.

Where does ISO 26262 come from?

As a standard for the functional safety of road vehicles, ISO 26262 replaces IEC 61508 for the automotive industry.

It is an adaptation and focuses on series vehicles up to 3500 kg gross vehicle weight rating. ISO 26262 was published and entered into force on November 14, 2011. The standard is constantly being reviewed for the need for revision.

What is ISO 26262 needed for?

The application of ISO 26262 is expected by many automotive manufacturers and contracting companies in order to avoid malfunctions in safety-critical systems. As the complexity of electrical and/or electronic (E/E) systems in series production vehicles continues to grow, the risk of life-threatening malfunctions also increases. To minimize damage to people and vehicles, ISO 26262 should be used. ISO 26262 is a kind of safeguard for contracting companies (automotive manufacturers, automotive suppliers, testing institutes) in order to be legally protected in the event of damage and to avert recalls or claims for damages.

What is the development process according to ISO 26262?

The process of developing a safety-critical system in accordance with ISO 26262 is divided into 5 steps:

1. Investigation of situations in which motor vehicles could endanger people
2. Definition of of safety objectives, by describing the situations
3. Rating the systems to which ISO 26262 applies
   • a. No application of the standardnon-hazardous or low hazard (QM)
   • b. Application of the standardClassification from ASIL A to ASIL D (Automotive Safety Integrity Level)
4. Identification of the safety-critical components
5. Transmission the safety requirements

What is behind ASIL?

ASIL = Expected Severity of Injury * (Expected Occurrence * Control of Occurrence)

The ASIL is a scheme for risk classification and an adaptation of the SIL (Safety Integrity Level). This classification helps to make the system safety-compliant with ISO 26262. There are four ASIL classes:

• ASIL A
• ASIL B
• ASIL C
• ASIL D

An ASIL D rating means the highest level of safety integrity and therefore also the highest safety requirements. ASIL is made up of the risk assessment and the risk-dependent requirements.

Functional safety over the entire life cycle and beyond

At DiProCon, we offer expertise, analysis and support to minimize risks and comply with standards.

• Analysis, development and implementation of measures to ensure the functional safety of your products and systems in accordance with ISO 26262
• Risk assessment according to the safety integrity levels (ASIL)
• Support throughout the entire security lifecycle, configuration and change management

As experts in functional safety, we always keep an eye on the standards and requirements of ISO 26262 and combine their compliance, and therefore maximum safety, with the business objectives and specific circumstances of our customers. In this way, we ensure the optimum balance between innovation and risk minimization.

Visit our website: https://diprocon.de

You are welcome to contact us at any time. We look forward to answering your questions and fulfilling your wishes!

Your contact person: Sebastian Martin