FMEA-based Failure Analysis of Brake-By- Wire Automotive Safety-Critical System

Safety critical systems are those systems whose failure could result in loss of life, significant properityda mage, or damage to the environment. Brake-by-wire (BBW) technology in automotive industry is the ability to contr ol brakes through electrical means. It can be designed to supplement ordinary service brakes or it can be a standalone brake system. The increasing usage of brake-by-wire system in the automotive industry has providedma nufacturers with the opportunity to improve both vehicle and manufacturing efficiency. The replacement of traditional mechanical and hydraulic control systems with electronic control devices presents different potential vehicle-level safety hazards than those presented by conventional braking system. The purpose of this paper is to discuss Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) based safety-critical approach towards to development of brake-by -wire system from a safety perspective, This approach using FMEA starts at early system design. Thus, weaknesses in the design, leading to potential accidents, can be identified early and necessary interventions taken. The FMEA investigates failure of each entity of the BBW design component.