An Analysis of Ordnance Software Using the MALPAS Tools

Abstract

The increasing use of software in systems where a failure endangers human life is creating an awareness of the need for careful verification of the correct functioning of such software. In this light, an analysis was made of the software to control a 'smart' ordnance device, by applying the MALPAS static analysis package. This report presents the results of the analysis, both as they relate to the specific software being analysed and more generally in terms of the experience and insight gained into the application of static analysis techniques to the verification of real-time software. Two significant safety related flaws were detected during the analysis, one in the software itself and the other in the specification of the device. Comparisons are also made between the findings of the analysis and currently proposed standards for writing safety-critical software. (edc)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA220578

Entities

People

  • K. J. Hayman

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Application Software
  • Computer Languages
  • Computer Programming
  • Computers
  • Electronics
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Information Systems
  • Language
  • Liquid Crystal Displays
  • Materials
  • Munitions
  • Software Development
  • Specifications
  • Standards
  • Switches
  • Translations
  • Verification

Fields of Study

  • Computer science
  • Engineering

Readers

  • Software Engineering.
  • Theoretical Analysis.