Automotive Functional Safety according to ISO 26262

What is ISO 26262?

ISO 26262 is an international standard for functional safety in the automotive industry. The standard applies to electrical and electronic systems consisting of hardware and software components in vehicles. ISO 26262 defines requirements to be met by the safety relevant function of the system as well as by processes, methods and tools which are used within the development process. The ISO 26262 standard ensures that sufficient levels of safety are being met and maintained throughout the vehicle lifecycle.

Why is ISO 26262 automotive industry safety standard important?

Using ISO 26262 to evaluate the safety of your vehicle’s electrical and electronic components provides multiple benefits to automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers:

• Demonstrate due diligence and ensure overall safety of the respective vehicle and/or the corresponding systems in compliance with ISO 26262
• Maintain your competitive advantage in interpreting and implementing the ISO 26262 requirements correctly
• Minimise the risk of harm to people and non-acceptance of your products by the market
• Avoid costly product recalls and reputational damage due to safety hazards because insufficient safety assurance
• Simplified access to global markets by ensuring compliance with relevant international regulations

TÜV SÜD is your globally trusted functional safety automotive testing partner

TÜV SÜD is one of the world’s leading experts on functional safety for the automotive industry. Our functional safety team was established more than 30 years ago, and has accumulated an unparalleled track record in functional safety testing. We participated in the establishment of the ISO 26262 standard and are an internationally accredited ISO 26262 testing body. Today, we service OEMs and automotive suppliers globally, and are recognised worldwide as a trusted and independent partner to the automotive industry. Our globally recognised TÜV SÜD ISO 26262 certification mark proves your conformity to the ISO 26262 standard.

TÜV SÜD has a global network of automotive functional safety experts who are ready to support your business with in-depth knowledge of ISO 26262 and extensive industry experience wherever you are based. We provide a comprehensive range of functional safety assessment, testing, certification and training services throughout the automotive value chain.

TÜV SÜD’s automotive ISO 26262 standard services

We provide a comprehensive range of ISO 26262 services which gives you a consistent framework for ensuring the functional safety of your vehicles in scope. Talk to us about your requirements today to receive a customised service based on your needs.

Assessment services

Our experts work closely with your team to meet the requirements of ISO 26262. Our services contain:

• Assessment of existing systems for suitability from the perspective of safety engineering
• Assessment of development processes including GAP analysis
• Assessment of suitable safety development processes
• Hazards analysis and risk assessment (HARA)
• System safety assessments (FMEA, FTA, and others)

• Assessment of system safety concepts

• Assessment of hardware development processes and hardware analysis (FMEDA, FTA, and others)
• Assessment of software development processes and software analysis
• Assessment of interface management between automobile manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers

Testing and independent safety assessments

TÜV SÜD provides testing based on your development documentation and on-site assessments. The result is a technical report that evaluates your systems, hardware, software and tools.

    Evaluation of systems, processes, methods and tools

• Hazard analysis and risk assessment – ASIL ratings
• Review of specifications and requirements
• Concept and design analysis

    Evaluation of software

• Analysis of development processes
• Architecture and design analysis
• Qualification and certification of software development tools
• Testing and certification of generic software components

    Evaluation of hardware

• Probabilistic analysis
• Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA)
• Failure mode effect and diagnostic analysis (FMEDA)
• Failure tree analysis (FTA)

Certification

We are accredited to perform IEC 61508 and ISO 26262 certification for development tools, development processes and safety-relevant products or systems.

Training

We provide a complete range of programmes for your development teams. Customised in-house training can be arranged to meet specific company requirements. We also offer the Functional Safety Certified Programme (FSCP) to train and certify engineers as qualified functional safety experts.