Hidden Security Breaches in Automatic Control of Technological Processes

The progressing automation and robotization in the industrial plants as well as the increasing complexity of the control systems of integrated machines make it necessary to constantly improve the functional safety of machines through the correct validation of safety systems. Despite the validation process carried out, the potential software errors may reveal during the usage of the machine as hidden security breaches. The article presents examples of security breaches of real machine tools and attempts to implement solutions of automated mechanisms for detecting security problems. Another aspect of the article is the new approach for detecting hidden security breaches. Using the „digital twin” model of the machine, a program that generates a sequence of events for testing control systems, and the use of a virtual reality (visual verification of the safety programs), it is possible to maximize the functional safety functions of the machine.

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New Conception of Safety Logic Microcontroller

International Journal of Electronics and Telecommunications ◽

10.2478/v10177-012-0057-8 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 58 (4) ◽

pp. 419-424

Author(s):

Marek Sałamaj

Keyword(s):

Control Systems ◽

Systems Development ◽

Critical Systems ◽

New Approach ◽

Decision Control ◽

Hardware Realization ◽

Safety And Reliability ◽

Safety Critical Systems ◽

Safety Systems ◽

Technical Solutions

Abstract In this paper a new conception of safety logic microcontroller (BML) is described, together with its physical hardware realization. The unit has various mechanisms which increase its safety and reliability, so that it can satisfy rigorous requirements of safety-critical systems. Thus, the BML unit uses some untypical and innovative technical solutions. The new approach to safety systems development allowed to propose a new conception. The paper describes also physical realization of small multiprocessor BML unit for management of decision-control systems adopted to critical usage.

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Safety of Machinery: Significant Differences in Two Widely Used International Standards for the Design of Safety-Related Control Systems

Safety ◽

10.3390/safety5040076 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 76 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chinniah ◽

Nix ◽

Jocelyn ◽

Burlet-Vienney ◽

Bourbonnière ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Control Systems ◽

International Standards ◽

Functional Safety ◽

Operation And Maintenance ◽

Hazard Zone ◽

Safety Systems ◽

Different Levels

Industrial machines are known to possess many hazards. There are many laws, regulations, standards and practices that aim at ensuring that machines are safe for different workers performing various tasks including operation and maintenance. Safeguards protect workers by stopping hazardous motion when actuated. Those safeguards are integrated into machinery using two widely used international standards for functional safety. However, these standards have some significant differences although they are both based on similar principles. This paper explores those differences and their potential impacts. Subjectivity in the specification and design of safety systems, based on the differences, can lead to different levels of reliability in the safety systems even when considering the same hazard zone of machinery based on which standard is used.

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