What is EN ISO 26262:2018?

EN ISO 26262:2018 is an international standard for the functional safety of road vehicles. It provides guidelines and requirements for the development and production of automotive electrical and electronic systems. This standard aims to minimize risks associated with malfunctions in such systems, ensuring the safety of both passengers and surrounding environments.

The Importance of EN ISO 26262:2018

In recent years, as the complexity and functionality of automotive systems have increased, ensuring their safety has become a critical concern. The wide adoption of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving technologies, and other functionalities requires strict adherence to safety standards. EN ISO 26262:2018 sets clear guidelines for all stages of the system's lifecycle, including concept, design, production, operation, maintenance, modification, and decommissioning.

Main Features and Requirements

EN ISO 26262:2018 emphasizes a risk-based approach to safety by defining Automotive Safety Integrity Levels (ASILs) based on the severity, exposure, and controllability of potential hazards. Different ASILs impose specific requirements, such as hazard analysis and risk assessment, safety goals definition, confirmation measures, and functional safety audits.

Furthermore, this standard outlines key processes and activities that should be performed throughout the development cycle, such as hazard identification, item definition, functional safety concept, technical safety concept, system design, hardware and software development, integration, verification, validation, and production release.

Benefits and Challenges of Implementing EN ISO 26262:2018

Complying with EN ISO 26262:2018 ensures that automotive systems meet the necessary safety levels, thus reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. This not only protects the lives of passengers but also safeguards the reputation of vehicle manufacturers.

However, implementing this standard can be a challenging process. It requires significant resource allocation in terms of time, money, and expertise to perform comprehensive analyses, develop safety cases, and conduct rigorous testing and verification activities. Additionally, keeping up with technological advancements poses ongoing challenges as new risks and vulnerabilities emerge.