EffektiV: Efficient Fault Simulation using virtual Prototypes for Qualification of Intelligent Motion-Control-Systems in Industrial Automation

Production plants of the future, so-called Cyber Physical Systems for Industrial Production 4.0, are highly complex, intelligent systems with a variety of components that need to mesh smoothly. Even more complex is the embedded software that controls these systems. In a joint project of seven partners, the research project EffektiV develops methods and tools for error effect simulation to analyze the effects of errors using virtual prototypes in early design phases. This allows the control software to protect against a wide variety of errors through extensive stress tests. In addition, a comprehensive examination of all relevant failure scenarios is possible at an early stage. Iterations with expensive repairs, limited functionality, or even the risk of the product success and hence the impact on competitiveness can thus be avoided.

The fault effect simulation which is to be developed, will allow to protect the reaction of complex systems for production of the future. Just as this is already done for systems in the automotive and safety technology. This technology allows protection even against errors that up to now could not or barely been tested with real hardware setups. Thus, the security of systems is additionally increased despite its rapidly growing complexity. In addition, the efficient development of safe, reliable and robust products for example according to the standards IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 provides crucial support. At the same time EffektiV considers all relevant components along the value chain. In the future early and comprehensive statements about system behaviour under fault conditions can be made and already be integrated into the product development. EffektiV is increasing the efficiency of innovation and thus offers an additional advantage in competition in the field of safety-sensitive systems.

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