What is EN ISO 26262:2018?

EN ISO 26262:2018 is an international standard that deals with functional safety for electrical and electronic systems within road vehicles. It provides guidelines and requirements for the development of safety-related systems, aiming to minimize the risks associated with failures in these systems.

Understanding the Purpose

This standard was developed to address the increasing complexity of software-intensive automotive systems and to ensure that they meet the necessary safety requirements. The purpose of EN ISO 26262:2018 is to provide a framework for systematically achieving functional safety, taking into account the complete lifecycle of the system.

The standard covers various aspects related to functional safety, including hazard analysis, risk assessment, safety requirements specification, development of safety-critical hardware and software, and verification and validation activities. It promotes a systematic approach to safety, starting from the concept phase and extending throughout the entire development process.

Main Requirements of EN ISO 26262:2018

EN ISO 26262:2018 outlines several key requirements that must be met to ensure functional safety in automotive systems. These requirements include:

Management of Functional Safety: This involves establishing an appropriate organizational structure and processes to manage functional safety throughout the development lifecycle.

Functional Safety Concept: The development of a comprehensive functional safety concept that identifies potential hazards, assesses risks, and defines safety goals and strategies.

Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment: Systematically identifying hazards, analyzing their potential impacts, and assessing the associated risks.

Requirements Specification: Defining safety requirements based on the identified hazards and risks.

System Design and Architecture: Developing a safe system architecture that satisfies the defined safety requirements.

Software Development: Ensuring the development of safe and reliable software, including thorough testing and validation.

Benefits of EN ISO 26262:2018

Implementing EN ISO 26262:2018 brings several benefits to the automotive industry. Firstly, it enhances safety by reducing the risks associated with malfunctions and failures in electrical and electronic systems. This, in turn, increases consumer trust and confidence in automotive technology.

Additionally, compliance with this standard helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to quality and safety, facilitating regulatory compliance and market access. It also promotes better collaboration between different stakeholders involved in the development process, enabling smoother integration of various components and subsystems.

In summary, EN ISO 26262:2018 is a crucial standard for ensuring functional safety in automotive systems. By adhering to its guidelines and requirements, manufacturers can improve the safety and reliability of their products, thereby protecting the well-being of road users.