International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395 -0056
Volume: 02 Issue: 09 | Dec-2015 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2015, IRJET ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal Page 299
COMPONENT SAFETY ASSESSMENT USING THREE-STATE MARKOV
CHAIN MODEL
Gandi Satyanarayana
1
, Dr. P. Seetharamaiah
2
1
Research Scholar, Computer Science & Engineering, GITAM University, AndhraPradesh, India
1
Professor Emeritus, Computer Science& System Engineering, Andhra University, AndhraPradesh, India
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Abstract - In this Paper, we use a stepwise solution in
order to model both design faults and physical faults
through a three-state homogenous Markov model that is
used to solve three state non homogeneous Markov chain
for the component modeling. Four parameters are used in
the modeling of the three-state Markov chain model. By
using the parameterized three-state Markov model
Component safety assessment is conducted by the
assumption that component does not utilize redundancy.
Key Words: Safety-critical computer systems, Faults,
hazard, Errors, Failures, Physical Fault, Design
Failures, Safe Failures, Unsafe Failures, Coverage,
Failure rate,
1. Introduction
Safety-critical system and computer system are the two
concepts concerned in a safety critical computer system. A
safety-critical system is a system whose faulty function
could have very serious effects such as the loss of severe
injuries, large-scale environmental spoil, human life, or
large cost-effective penalties, A computer system [IEEE
729] is a system composed of computer, peripherals, and
the software essential to make them work together. Here
we deal with component modeling and assessment. A
system is comprised of at least one component. The
assumption in modeling of components is that component
does not utilize redundancy. A simplex system is a system
that does not utilize redundancy frequently. [Dunn2002].
Redundancy is the usage of additional resources further
than those needed for the normal system operation for the
purpose of achieving fault tolerance [Johnsonl989]. Fault
tolerance is the ability of a system to continue to perform
its tasks properly during and after the occurrence of
hardware and/or software faults [Johnson 1989]. For
example, in Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR), a typical
fault tolerant design is achieved through three redundant
components.
A system can be designed with both fault tolerant
mechanisms and fault detection mechanisms. A
component cannot have any fault tolerant mechanisms,
but a component can have fault detection mechanisms.
Actually Components are the building blocks of a system.
By the assumption that a component is non-redundant, the
fault universe and the failure universe of a component is a
one-to-one mapping, as shown in Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-1 Component Fault-Failure Mapping
1-1 Hazard, Faults, Errors and Failures
A system may not always achieve the desired aim .The
factors of reliability of a system arises due to causes and
effects of deviation from the system functioning. The
following definitions come from [N.G.Leveson 2001].
Definition 1.1: Hazard is the potential to cause harm to
people, Environment, Asset and Reputation of an
organization.
Definition 1.2: Fault is a physical defect, imperfection, or
flaw that occurs within some hardware or software
component.
Definition 1.3: Error is a design flaw or deviation from a
desired or intended state.
Definition 1.4: Failure is the non-performance or inability
of a system or component to perform its intended function
for a specified time under specified environmental
conditions.
Mapping for a
Component
Fault Universe Failure Universe