An approach to specifying software frameworks
ACSC '04 Proceedings of the 27th Australasian conference on Computer science - Volume 26
| Hi-index | 0.00 |
When upgrading software in mission-critical orsafety-relate dindustrial control systems, it is imperativeto ensure that system integrity properties are preserved.Comprehensive system testing is one way togain this assurance. This has limitations, however, inthat the hardware may be too expensive to assemble alarge test rig, or where a product upgrade is to be deployedin diversely configured systems. This paperdescribes a method that uses rigorous system analysis tojustify the replacement of system testing with both staticanalysis of the system configuration and dynamic testingof the upgraded system components. The paper reports on industrial experience in applying this method to the OptoNet product, which is anembedded software product used in industrial controlsystems. System analysis techniques are used to develop a detailed understanding of how OptoNet com-ponents (RTUs) interact to realise OptoNet system behaviour. Based on this detailed understanding, recommendations for a revised assurance strategy are made.The lessons learnt in the trial application of this methodto the OptoNet product are discussed, and possible ex-tensions to the method are proposed.