Funktionssäker

Funktionssäker, a German term, translates to functional safety in English. It is a concept concerned with the absence of unreasonable risk due to a malfunctioning electrical, electronic, or programmable electronic system. This risk can arise from hazards related to the system's function or lack of function. The goal of functional safety is to ensure that systems operate correctly and safely, even in the event of a fault.

The principles of functional safety are applied across a wide range of industries, including automotive, industrial automation, aerospace, medical devices, and railways. It involves a systematic approach to identifying potential hazards, assessing their risks, and implementing measures to mitigate those risks. This often includes designing systems with redundant components, error detection mechanisms, and fail-safe modes.

Key standards such as IEC 61508 (functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems) and its industry-specific derivative standards, like ISO 26262 for automotive, provide a framework for achieving functional safety. These standards define requirements for the entire lifecycle of a safety-related system, from concept and design to operation, maintenance, and decommissioning.

Implementing functional safety requires a rigorous process of analysis, design, verification, and validation. It involves dedicated safety engineers and a strong organizational commitment to safety. The ultimate objective is to prevent accidents and protect human life, health, and the environment from potential harm caused by system failures.