FuSi, short for Functional Safety, is a critical aspect of automotive engineering that ensures the safety of vehicle systems. This comprehensive guideline, based on the ISO 26262 standard, covers all vehicle products and functionalities, aiming to minimize risks and prevent hazards.
FuSi implementation begins with a Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA) to identify potential dangers and define safety goals tailored to specific vehicle functionalities. This analysis leads to the determination of the Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL), a crucial metric that classifies the potential hazards associated with each system. The ASIL level then dictates the necessary safety requirements and the rigor of development processes for that particular system. From this foundation, the FuSi concept is designed and meticulously implemented.
The FuSi development lifecycle runs parallel with system and software development, sharing key milestones and quality management deliverables. While aligned with overall development, FuSi maintains its own distinct objectives and work products, all meticulously documented in the Development Interface Agreement (DIA) as per ISO 26262 guidelines. This parallel development ensures that safety considerations are integrated into every stage of the product lifecycle.
FuSi experts contribute significantly during the concept phase by conducting thorough requirements analysis and defining precise FuSi goals. They work closely with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers, ensuring alignment with predefined requirements or assisting in their formulation if needed. This collaborative approach guarantees that safety standards are met from the earliest stages of development.
Beyond conceptualization, FuSi specialists can also assume responsibility for the entire certification process, guaranteeing compliance with the stringent ISO 26262 standard. This comprehensive oversight provides invaluable support to automotive companies, helping them navigate the complexities of functional safety regulations. The ultimate goal is to guarantee passenger and driver safety by ensuring the harmlessness of all implemented functionalities.
The FuSi development plan is typically divided into two key phases: the concept phase and the development phase, both subject to rigorous assessment. The concept phase focuses on a system-level evaluation encompassing all crucial domains: software, hardware, and mechanical components. Only upon successful completion of the concept phase can the development phase commence. The ISO 26262 standard, further elaborated in the DIA, specifies the required work products for each phase based on the assigned ASIL.
The development phase, guided by ISO 26262-part 6, employs a variety of best-practice approaches tailored to specific project requirements. These methodologies align with the stages of the V-Model, a widely recognized framework in automotive development. Within this framework, experts meticulously review the Software Safety Requirements Specification, ensuring complete adherence to safety protocols throughout the entire development lifecycle, including system and software design, implementation guidelines, and design principles.
Diverse verification methods, including code walkthroughs, inspections, formal verification, and static code analysis, are employed to ensure the integrity of the system. Rigorous testing, conducted by safety-qualified testers, encompasses a wide range of techniques such as error guessing, interface test cases, fault injection tests, and resource usage tests. These comprehensive measures guarantee the necessary structural and functional coverage. Functional safety in the automotive industry serves as a critical safeguard, ensuring the reliable operation of all vehicle systems to protect drivers and passengers under various operating conditions and even in challenging circumstances, such as collisions.
By proactively addressing potential risks and implementing robust mitigation strategies, FuSi significantly reduces the likelihood of costly delays and ensures a smoother product development process. This proactive approach to safety is fundamental in the automotive industry, contributing to the development of reliable and safe vehicles.
