Safety of computerized I&C systems: projects of IEC standards with emphasis on power plant sector

Abstract

The paper discusses standards under development at international level, concerning safety aspects of computerized instrumentation and control (I&C) systems. An overview of the surveyed standards projects is provided, followed by a brief discussion on typical matters dealt with, and a comparison with other standards also under development on these topics. Our purpose is to highlight typical matters which are discussed in standardization bodies, because they can be deemed as representative of a certain evolution of the state of the art/practices in the area of safety critical software.