Experience Report: A Safety Engineering Tool Supporting Error Model Creation and Visualization

In this paper, we present a novel software tool called AVL Safety Extensions which is part of a tool framework for model-based automotive safety engineering. The tool framework supports a tool dependent methodology (TDM) which covers the left-hand V-model phases of ISO 26262-3 and ISO 26262-4 and requires the use of the language SSML (System Safety Modeling Language). The AVL Safety Extensions support safety engineers applying the TDM by creating consistent and complete work products and by simplifying and automating workflow steps. We present the AVL Safety Extensions in the context of the tool framework, the language SSML and the TDM focusing on the AVL Safety Extensions´ capabilities for error model creation and visualization supporting safety analysis techniques such as FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) and FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis). Moreover, we illustrate the applicability of the presented approach using an industrial case study of hybrid electric vehicle development.