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This blog covers numerous topics on industrial automation such as operations & management, continuous & batch processing, connectivity, manufacturing & machine control, and Industry 4.0.

The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. ISA blog posts may be authored by ISA staff and guest authors from the automation community. Views and opinions expressed by a guest author are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent those of ISA. Posts made by guest authors have been subject to peer review.

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AutoQuiz: What Is the Standard for Embedded Software for a SIL 3 Certified Safety System?

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

Today's automation industry quiz question comes from the ISA Certified Automation Professional 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. The following question comes from the CAP study guide, Performance Domain III, System Design.

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

a) ANSI/ISA S84
b) IEC 61511
c) IEC 61508
d) 21 CFR Part 11
e) none of the above

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

SIL is Safety Integrity Level. ANSI is American National Standards Institute. IEC is International Electrotechnical Commission, and CFR is Code of Federal Regulations.

The correct answer is C, IEC G1508.

Reference: IEC 61511, IEC, 2003

 

Joel Don
Joel Don
Joel Don 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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