A Analyzing Software Requirements Errors in Safety-Critical, Embedded Systems

A b s t r a c t 11’his paper analyzes tllc root causes of safety-rclatccl software errors in safety-critical, cmbcclclccl systems. ~’hc results show that software errors iclcntificcl as po-tentially hazardous to the system tend to be produc.cd by different error mcchanislns than non-safety-related software crrom. Safety-related software errors arc SIIOWII to arise]nost COImnOI~ly from ( 1) discrepancies Lctwccn the docu]nc Ilted requirclncnts specifications and the rcquircmcnts nccdcd for correct functioning of the systcln and (2) misunderstandings of t})c software’s interface with the rest, of the system. ‘1’he paper uses these results to identify methods by which requirements errors call bc prc-vented. ‘1’hc goal is to reduce safety-related software errors and to enhance the safety of con] Idcx, cmt)cddcd systems. 1