Improvements in Functional Safety of Automotive IP Through ISO 26262: 2018 Part 11

In early 2018, the second edition of ISO 26262:2018[1] automotive functional safety standard, is due for release. At the time of writing, the draft international standard (DIS) version is out for comment and review. One significant change over the original version of the ISO 26262:2011[2] standard is part 11, which brings detailed information to support semiconductor manufacturers develop ISO 26262 compliant intellectual property (IP). In the original version, information available to semiconductor companies was limited, this forthcoming release will bring significantly more information to support semiconductor and silicon IP suppliers. In the areas of digital and analogue components, programmable logic devices (PLD), multi-core processors and sensors. Tips, recommendations and practical examples are illustrated. However, there are certain areas that still not well represented, diagnostic coverage for analogue components for example is not defined in detail and there is a shortage of supporting information. Part 11 could also provide more worked examples to give design and functional safety teams a better insight into estimation techniques. The final draft international standard (FDIS) is due for publication in autumn 2017, and certain aspects of part 11 will be enhanced.