Introduction

In the Safety Element out of Context (SEooC) development, a Specification Document contains extensive details about an IP, including its architecture, performance, storage, functionality, hardware/software configurations, and layout.

However, translating this detailed technical data into Safety Goals and Functional Safety Requirements (FSRs) is not straightforward. The lack of a predefined vehicle integration context adds further complexity, making it difficult to ensure a structured safety mapping in compliance with ISO 26262.

Problem Statement

The key challenge in SEooC development is establishing a clear and traceable mapping from the Specification Document to Safety Goals and further to FSRs. The primary difficulties include:

1. Extracting Safety-Critical Aspects from a Large Specification Document

• Specification Documents provide comprehensive technical details but do not explicitly highlight safety-relevant functionalities.
• Identifying which features have a direct impact on safety requires domain expertise and structured analysis.

2. Defining Safety Goals Without Knowing the Final Vehicle Integration

• SEooC components are developed without a predefined system or vehicle context, making it hard to define accurate Safety Goals.
• There is a risk that the derived Safety Goals may not fully align with the final vehicle’s safety needs.

3. Traceability Issues Between Safety Goals and FSRs

• Without a structured approach, linking Safety Goals to Functional Safety Requirements (FSRs) can become inconsistent.
• Missing traceability leads to gaps in safety validation, increasing the risk of non-compliance during audits.

4. Risk of Over-Specification or Under-Specification

• If safety goals are defined too conservatively, unnecessary safety requirements may increase development costs.
• If safety goals are too relaxed, critical safety risks may remain undetected until later stages of integration.

Conclusion

Without a systematic approach to mapping Specification → Safety Goals → FSRs, SEooC development can face traceability gaps, misaligned safety requirements, and compliance risks.

If you’re facing similar challenges and need expert assistance, contact us today to implement a robust mapping solution for your SEooC components. Let us help you ensure compliance and mitigate safety risks in your development process.