Safety Critical Computer Systems [Textbook Binding]

Neil Storey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 1996

Increasingly microcomputers are being used in applications where their correct operation is vital to ensure the safety of the public and the environment: from anti-lock braking systems in automobiles, to fly-by-wire aircraft, to shut-down systems at nuclear power plants. It is, therefore, vital that engineers be aware of the safety implications of the systems they develop. This book is an introduction to the field of safety-critical computer systems written for any engineer who uses microcomputers within real-time embedded systems. It assumes no prior knowledge of safety, or of any specific computer hardware or programming language. This text is intended for both engineering and computer science students, and for practising engineers within computer related industries. The approach taken is equally suited to engineers who consider computers from a hardware, software or systems viewpoint.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

This book is an introduction to the techniques needed to design and develop computer systems for se in the applications where their correct operation has implications for the safety of their operators, the public, and the environment. This book will discuss the financial and ethical issues (the non-technical issues) that should be an integral part of the development and design process as well as the technical issues of software engineering, formal methods, testing, verification and validation. Examples and case studies will draw on real-world, well-known, safety-critical application areas, such as transportation and nuclear-power generation.

Features

• Covers all phases of the life of a safety-critical system from its conception and specification, through to its certification, installation, service and decommissioning
• Provides information on how to assess the safety implications of projects, and determine the measures necessary to meet safety needs
• Gives a thorough grounding in the techniques available to investigate the safety aspects of computer-based systems and the methods that may be used to enhance their dependability
• Uses case studies and worked examples from a variety of industrial sectors including the nuclear, aircraft, automotive, and consumer products industries

Audience

This text is intended for both engineering and computer science students, and for practising engineers within computer-related industries. The approach taken is equally suited to engineers who consider computers from a hardware, software or systems viewpoint.

About the Author

Dr Neil Storey is a member of the Department of Engineering at the University of Warwick, where he has many years¡ experience in teaching electronics to a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional engineers.

Product Details

• Textbook Binding: 453 pages
• Publisher: Addison Wesley; 1st edition (August 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201427877
• ISBN-13: 978-0201427875
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,132,666 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should Be Required Reading in CS curriculum, July 3, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Safety Critical Computer Systems (Textbook Binding)

This is an excellent text on the topic of safety critical computer systems. I found the chapters on Hazard Analysis, Risk Analysis, Developing Safety Critical Computer Systems, Foult Tolerance and Safety-Critical Software to be particularly enlightening as well as the chapter on Verification, Validation and Testing. Each chapter comes with a excellent list of refences and problems to work. I believe that a course in safety-critical computer systems and safety-critical software development should be required in every CS curriculum along with courses in real-time software development. I recommend that anyone who is about to enter the world of developing commercial or DoD safety-critical systems with no prior exposure to the material should read this text. If you are interested in learning more about safety-critical systems, this text is worth your time.

George Chastain
Software Consultant/Systems Engineer
Huntsville, Alabama

0 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars critical system, June 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Safety Critical Computer Systems (Textbook Binding)

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