Use of Modern Processors in Safety-Critical Applications

This paper investigates the implications of using modern superscalar processors in the safety-critical domain. Firstly, a description of current certification practice and devices is given as background. This is followed by an exposition of the certification argument for a processor when used in a safety-critical application. Throughout the presentation of the argument two types of modern processor are considered, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors and purpose-designed bespoke devices. This allows the elaboration of positive and negative features of processors that can be used as part of the selection (for COTS) or design (for bespoke) process.