Faster Safety Compliance
Arm Software Test libraries (STL) complement Arm’s functional safety technology which supports systematic capability for ISO26262 ASIL D. STLs are efficient assembly language routines that test for the presence of faults when executing on Arm-based processors at startup and during run time. A single straightforward C language application programmer interface (API) lets developers quickly and easily scale test functions across multiple CPU systems.
Features and Benefits
The safety test libraries undergo an extensive functional safety assessment process; resulting in shorter time to market and higher confidence the user’s system will meet industry safety standards.
Boot diagnostics (which can be destructive) only execute as the system is coming online when there is less of a real-time execution requirement, thus avoiding the chance of mishap in a running system.
Run time diagnostics execute during normal system operation and therefore must not destroy any data and must complete their specific function in a clearly defined time, called the worst case execution time.
Industry standards require that diagnostics test for the widest possible number of faults. Since no one knows Arm-based processors like Arm, no one offers more diagnostic coverage of potential faults.
Arm Software Test Libraries have a size optimized code and so require fewer memory resources which can potentially save costs. They take maximum advantage of built-in processor features that enable fast test execution for greater test granularity and minimize diagnostic execution time on other system functions.
Arm Software Test Libraries take maximum advantage of built-in processor features that enable faster test execution and short test granularity reducing impact on other system functions.
Easing Flexible Functional Safety Checking
Functional Safety for Cars
Faults and failures may be life threatening so automotive systems are demanding higher levels of functional safety. Enabling functional safety from classic automotive applications such as anti-lock braking systems to sophisticated Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving is a priority. Software Test Libraries allow checks to be performed for some functions without the need for high levels of redundant hardware.
Non-Destructive Runtime Execution
Software Test Libraries enable both boot-time and runtime diagnostic checking. Boot-time diagnostics (which can be destructive) execute rapidly as the system is coming online and help check system function before the main application starts. Run time diagnostics execute during normal system operation and therefore must not destroy any data and must complete their specific function in a clearly defined time, called the worst case execution time.
Application Development
Integrate Software Test Libraries into your application. Make use of standard API and scheduler with your bare metal implementation or with your Operating System and allow to take appropriate action whenever the STLs detect a designated fault. Build together with your hypervisor to assure software separation for simplified integration.
Talk with an Expert
If you have any questions about Software Test Libraries or functional safety for Arm-based devices, talk to an Arm expert.
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Everything you need to know to make the right decision for your project. Includes technical documentation, industry insights, and where to go for expert advice.
Blogs
- Wind River and Arm Collaborate on Functional Safety
- The Flexible Approach to Adding Functional Safety to a CPU
- Unlocking Cortex-A53's Safety Potential
- Arm’s Safety Ready program – Building confidence into your application
- The importance of building functional safety into your design from the start
- Functional safety: Enabling safer systems with Arm technology
Whitepaper
- Designing a Complex Software Stack with Hardware Safety Assurance (Wind River)
- State of the Art Software Test Libraries (STL) and ASIL B: Truths, Myths, and Guidance
- Silicon Evolution for the Automotive Revolution
Tools