Software Reliability and Safety in Nuclear Reactor Protection Systems (NUREG/CR–6101, UCRL–ID–114839)

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Publication Information

Manuscript Completed: June 11, 1993

Prepared by:
J. Dennis Lawrence

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
7000 East Avenue
Livermore, CA 94550

Prepared for:
Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Washington, DC 20555-0001

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Abstract

Planning the development, use and regulation of computer systems in nuclear reactor protection systems in such a way as to enhance reliability and safety is a complex issue. This report is one of a series of reports from the Computer Safety and Reliability Group, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, that investigates different aspects of computer software in reactor protection systems. There are two central themes in the report. First, software considerations cannot be fully understood in isolation from computer hardware and application considerations. Second, the process of engineering reliability and safety into a computer system requires activities to be carried out throughout the software life cycle. The report discusses the many activities that can be carried out during the software life cycle to improve the safety and reliability of the resulting product. The viewpoint is primarily that of the assessor, or auditor.