Dependability validation techniques for electronic systems

Abstract

Dependability has become an essential parameter on system design. The fulfillment of the system function, either in mission oriented or in continuous operation, requires knowledge about all possible failure modes. If a fault occurrence causes a mis-operation it should be approached a design for a dependable system. Some issues should be performed both at system design and development stages, in order to build a robust system, by evaluating correctly failure conditions and guaranteeing the fulfillment of the system function. The main one is the validation process as well as it conditions the modelling methods associated to and the techniques to be adopted. This paper presents an approach for analysis of validation techniques for electronic systems. The analysis points out two directions, verification techniques needed to support the design at different phases and fault forecasting techniques to assess systems behavior for modelling faults activation and occurrence.