Safety Critical Computer Systems

Storey, Neil

ISBN 10: 0201427877 ISBN 13: 9780201427875

Publisher: Addison-Wesley, 1996

Synopsis

Increasingly microcomputers are being used in applications where their correct operation is vital to ensure the safety of the public and the environment: from anti-lock braking systems in automobiles, to fly-by-wire aircraft, to shut-down systems at nuclear power plants. It is, therefore, vital that engineers be aware of the safety implications of the systems they develop.

This book is an introduction to the field of safety-critical computer systems written for any engineer who uses microcomputers within real-time embedded systems. It assumes no prior knowledge of safety, or of any specific computer hardware or programming language.

This text is intended for both engineering and computer science students, and for practising engineers within computer related industries. The approach taken is equally suited to engineers who consider computers from a hardware, software or systems viewpoint.

About this title

About the Author

Dr Neil Storey is a member of the Department of Engineering at the University of Warwick, where he has many years¡ experience in teaching electronics to a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional engineers.

From the Back Cover

This book is an introduction to the techniques needed to design and develop computer systems for se in the applications where their correct operation has implications for the safety of their operators, the public, and the environment. This book will discuss the financial and ethical issues (the non-technical issues) that should be an integral part of the development and design process as well as the technical issues of software engineering, formal methods, testing, verification and validation. Examples and case studies will draw on real-world, well-known, safety-critical application areas, such as transportation and nuclear-power generation.

Features

• Covers all phases of the life of a safety-critical system from its conception and specification, through to its certification, installation, service and decommissioning
• Provides information on how to assess the safety implications of projects, and determine the measures necessary to meet safety needs
• Gives a thorough grounding in the techniques available to investigate the safety aspects of computer-based systems and the methods that may be used to enhance their dependability
• Uses case studies and worked examples from a variety of industrial sectors including the nuclear, aircraft, automotive, and consumer products industries

Audience

This text is intended for both engineering and computer science students, and for practising engineers within computer-related industries. The approach taken is equally suited to engineers who consider computers from a hardware, software or systems viewpoint.

Edition details

• Publisher: Addison-Wesley
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0201427877
• ISBN 13: 9780201427875
• Binding: Textbook Binding
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 472