The three laws of safe embedded systems
This short article is part of an ongoing series in which I aim to explore some techniques that may be useful for developers and organisations that are beginning their first safety-related embedded project.
Developing software for a safety-related embedded system for the first time
Developing a safety-related embedded product is not the same as writing ordinary firmware, and this article lays out eight practical steps to get you started. Using a washing-machine controller as a running example, it covers scoping, key requirements, hazard analysis, applicable standards, platform and MCU choices, runtime monitoring, and prototyping. The checklist helps teams prepare for verification, testing, and later certification work.
How to test a Tesla?
In a previous article, I commented on the fact that Tesla cars with an "autopilot" system are about to be introduced on roads in the UK (and other places).
In the previous article I noted that Nick Reed from the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory is quoted in "The Times" newspaper (2015-10-16) as saying: “It would be legal for a driver to use Tesla’s autopilot mode in the UK, as it’s an advanced version of existing driver assistance systems”.
“Smarter” cars, unintended acceleration – and unintended consequences
In this article, I consider some recent press reports relating to embedded software in the automotive sector.
In The Times newspaper (London, 2015-10-16) the imminent arrival of Tesla cars that “use autopilot technology to park themselves and change lane without intervention from the driver” was noted.
By most definitions, the Tesla design incorporates what is sometimes called “Artificial Intelligence” (AI).Others might label it a “Smart” (or at least “Smarter”)...
Developing software for a safety-related embedded system for the first time
Developing a safety-related embedded product is not the same as writing ordinary firmware, and this article lays out eight practical steps to get you started. Using a washing-machine controller as a running example, it covers scoping, key requirements, hazard analysis, applicable standards, platform and MCU choices, runtime monitoring, and prototyping. The checklist helps teams prepare for verification, testing, and later certification work.
The three laws of safe embedded systems
This short article is part of an ongoing series in which I aim to explore some techniques that may be useful for developers and organisations that are beginning their first safety-related embedded project.
How to test a Tesla?
In a previous article, I commented on the fact that Tesla cars with an "autopilot" system are about to be introduced on roads in the UK (and other places).
In the previous article I noted that Nick Reed from the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory is quoted in "The Times" newspaper (2015-10-16) as saying: “It would be legal for a driver to use Tesla’s autopilot mode in the UK, as it’s an advanced version of existing driver assistance systems”.
“Smarter” cars, unintended acceleration – and unintended consequences
In this article, I consider some recent press reports relating to embedded software in the automotive sector.
In The Times newspaper (London, 2015-10-16) the imminent arrival of Tesla cars that “use autopilot technology to park themselves and change lane without intervention from the driver” was noted.
By most definitions, the Tesla design incorporates what is sometimes called “Artificial Intelligence” (AI).Others might label it a “Smart” (or at least “Smarter”)...
Developing software for a safety-related embedded system for the first time
Developing a safety-related embedded product is not the same as writing ordinary firmware, and this article lays out eight practical steps to get you started. Using a washing-machine controller as a running example, it covers scoping, key requirements, hazard analysis, applicable standards, platform and MCU choices, runtime monitoring, and prototyping. The checklist helps teams prepare for verification, testing, and later certification work.
The three laws of safe embedded systems
This short article is part of an ongoing series in which I aim to explore some techniques that may be useful for developers and organisations that are beginning their first safety-related embedded project.
“Smarter” cars, unintended acceleration – and unintended consequences
In this article, I consider some recent press reports relating to embedded software in the automotive sector.
In The Times newspaper (London, 2015-10-16) the imminent arrival of Tesla cars that “use autopilot technology to park themselves and change lane without intervention from the driver” was noted.
By most definitions, the Tesla design incorporates what is sometimes called “Artificial Intelligence” (AI).Others might label it a “Smart” (or at least “Smarter”)...
How to test a Tesla?
In a previous article, I commented on the fact that Tesla cars with an "autopilot" system are about to be introduced on roads in the UK (and other places).
In the previous article I noted that Nick Reed from the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory is quoted in "The Times" newspaper (2015-10-16) as saying: “It would be legal for a driver to use Tesla’s autopilot mode in the UK, as it’s an advanced version of existing driver assistance systems”.









