Safety Assessment of Software-Like Devices

摘要

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are among a class of devices that are finding increasing use in safetycriticalsystems. In a sense, FPGAs are hardware devices that function much like firmware hence the term Software-Like Devices. An FPGA is capable of an extremely large number of configurations, almost equivalent to themachine states in a microprocessor. Like microprocessors, they can assume any of the possible configurations anddo so almost instantaneously under the right conditions. In this sense, they are very much like software. However,certain FPGA technologies are less susceptible than others to external influences that may adversely affect thefunctionality. This paper examines the application of Software Like Devices in safety-critical systems , makesrecommendations for the safety assessment and testing of these devices, and provides specific recommendations fordevices that aren’t suitable for use in safety-critical applications.