Exploiting a Graphical Programming Paradigm to Facilitate Rigorous Verification of Embedded Software

A computing architecture enabling economical safety licensing of software embedded in safety-critical technical systems is defined. The architecture relies on mature methods and technology only. In particular, it includes a highly ergonomic but rigorous validation method, called diverse back translation. For safety-related program controlled electronic systems, safety licensing of software is extremely critical, since it is far from being as dependable as hardware. The presented approach deviates from classical construction and validation techniques by enforcing the re-use of pre-engineered and verified off-the-shelf application-oriented standard software function modules and by employing a graphical programming paradigm.