Evolution of a Problem of the Hidden Faults in the Digital Components of Safety-Related Systens

Abstract

This paper is devoted to a problem of the hidden faults which is shown in digital components of the safety-related systems aimed at providing of the functional safety of objects with the increased risk. These systems are considered on the basis of resource approach as development of computer systems with diversification of an operating mode by its division on normal and emergency. The problem consists in accumulation of faults throughout a continuous normal mode in absence of the input data showing them. In the most responsible emergency mode, accumulated faults are shown in lowering of fault tolerance on which the functional safety is based. The problem of the hidden faults is identified as a problem in development of resources where diversification of a checkability of the circuits contradicts designing of the digital components at the bottom level of resource development – replication. Problem solutions by increase in the level of resource development in designing of the digital components, including a method of a choice of the version in program codes of the FPGA project are suggested.