Learn how to write software which is safe and how to apply safety measures in software.

The course expands on the overall role software plays in modern technical systems, with emphasis on next-generation vehicle designs where software takes the dominating role. The course bridges the discussion on the practical measures used in software design, as well as key programming constructs, with the take on complex software stacks (AUTOSAR, RTOS, etc.) and their future role in automotive safety. Some of the key software methods are explicitly exercised, including stateless design, static resource allocation, N-version programming, recovery block, failure assertion and defensive programming, diverse monitoring, scheduled and time-triggered execution, real-time aspects. Additional modern considerations are also briefly covered, including software decomposition and virtualization (hypervisors), AI algorithm isolation (caging), software upgrade procedures and cybersecurity aspects. Students will also analyze several examples of software verification and validation techniques and discuss their applicability in the safety domain from the conceptual standpoint.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Recognize appropriate safety methods necessary for a design, implementation and validation of software solution used in the safety context.

• Apply selected methods for safe software design and implementation

• Apply the relevant methods for software verification and validation from the safety perspective.

Hardware (required): Computer with Internet connection, working speakers and microphone.

Software: Chrome browser.

Course Typically Offered: Live Online in Winter quarter (mid January - March) and Spring quarter (April - mid June).

Prerequisites: Students should have basic knowledge of system safety and functional safet, as well as core knowledge of programming (ideally in C) and sofware engineering. Ideally, course “NIT-FSBA-01: Systems, Functions and Safety” should have been completed beforehand.

Next Step: To further practice and deepen the knowledge in functional safety, consider taking the courses from the Functional Safety Engineering in Automotive catalog (NIT-FSEA-XX). To apply the knowledge in automotive engineering, consider courses from the Automotive Engineering catalog (NIT-AU-XX).

Course Number: NIT-FSEA-02

Duration: 3.00 units (~30 live teaching hours, ~60 hours of individual practice and preparation work)