Functional Safety Software

Learn about Automotive software

This course expands on the overall role software plays in modern technical systems, with emphasis on next-generation vehicle designs where software takes the dominating role. The course bridges the discussion on the practical measures used in software design, as well as key programming constructs, with the take on complex software stacks including AUTOSAR, RTOS and their future role in automotive safety. Software decomposition and virtualization (hypervisors), AI algorithm isolation (caging), software upgrade procedures and cybersecurity aspects will also be covered.

Participants in Functional Safety Software will practice the key software methods including stateless design, static resource allocation, N-version programming, recovery block, failure assertion and defensive programming, diverse monitoring, scheduled and time-triggered execution, and real-time aspects. Students will also analyze several examples of software verification and validation techniques and discuss their applicability in the safety domain from the conceptual standpoint.

Course Highlights:

• Automotive safety: role of software in modern systems - challenges and opportunities
• The complex software stacks including AUTOSAR and RTOS
• Software safety methods
• Considerations, challenges, and advantages of modern software paradigms
• Software verification and validation techniques including MISRA, ULT, and coverage

Course Benefits:

• Recognize appropriate safety methods necessary for a design, implementation and validation of software solution used in the safety context.
• Apply selected methods for safe software design and implementation
• Apply the relevant methods for software verification and validation from the safety perspective.

Course Typically Offered: Live Online during Winter, Spring, and Summer quarter 

Prerequisites:  Students should have basic engineering knowledge in either one of the following disciplines: electrical engineering, computer engineering, or mechanical engineering. Have taken previously Systems, Functions and Safety (EE-40185) course, and Automotive Functional Safety Standards (EE-40186) or equivalent experience.

Hardware (required): Computer with Internet connection, working speakers and microphone.

Next steps:  Upon completion of this course, consider taking other courses in the Functional Safety Engineering For Automotive Certificate

More information: Contact unexengr@ucsd.edu to learn more about Functional Safety Fundamentals For Automotive and course offerings.