AutoQuiz is edited by Joel Don, ISA's social media community manager.

This automation industry quiz question comes from the ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) certification program. ISA CAP certification provides a non-biased, third-party, objective assessment and confirmation of an automation professional's skills. The CAP exam is focused on direction, definition, design, development/application, deployment, documentation, and support of systems, software, and equipment used in control systems, manufacturing information systems, systems integration, and operational consulting. Click this link for more information about the CAP program.

Which of the following standard applies to the development of embedded software for a SIL 3 certified safety system?

a) ANSI/ISA84
b) EC 61511
c) IEC 61508
d) 21 CFR Part 11
e) answers a) and d)

According to IEC 61511-1, embedded software, which is part of the safety device/controller, should follow software guidelines in IEC 61508-3. IEC 61511 and ANSI/ISA84 are system standards and not product standards. 21 CFR Part 11 is not relevant as it deals with electronic signature.

The standards bodies in acronyms are the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International Society of Automation (ISA) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which refers to the U.S. federal government. Reference: IEC 61511, IEC, 2003.

The correct answer is C, IEC 61508.

About the Editor
Joel Don is the community manager for ISA and is an independent content marketing, social media and public relations consultant. Prior to his work in marketing and PR, Joel served as an editor for regional newspapers and national magazines throughout the U.S. He earned a master's degree from the Medill School at Northwestern University with a focus on science, engineering and biomedical marketing communications, and a bachelor of science degree from UC San Diego.

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