Software FMEA: A Missing Link in Design for Robustness

The intelligence in most products is a function of robust software design. Unfortunately the disciplines of a robust design in control software are often missing. The omission of one basic tool, the Software Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (Software FMEA), is a major source of serious failures and product recalls. The methodology is not yet standardized. The purpose of this paper is to show progress to date and how this author performs this analysis in three stages to incorporate robustness as the design progresses from concept to coding.