Patterns for control system safety
Jari Rauhamäki, Seppo Kuikka · 2013
The main purpose of a control system is to operate a system under control so that it functions as desired. However, when a control system for a plant, process or device is being designed, safety-related aspects also need to be considered. In this article four design patterns for control system safety are illustrated. The patterns consider software architecture to implement interlock mechanism, design of the system to be safe when de-energized, and to check that operation in software has the desired response in the physical world. The patterns are applicable to safety systems and to control systems with safety-related aspects.