| Digital computers are quickly replacing analog control systems used in critical applications that can potentially result in death, injury, loss of equipment or property, or environmental harm. The traditional approach to mitigate software errors through extensive testing can reveal errors but cannot prove their complete absence. A potential still exists for a software error to occur during execution of a critical function and cause a catastrophic event. The purpose of this thesis was to assess current system safety, software engineering, and system engineering approaches to develop a synergistic, readily implementable, and cost effective process in the development of software controlled critical systems to minimize the effects of latent faults. |
