While performing a Software Safety Analysis for a Radio-Frequency-Initiated Detonator, we analyzed the hardware/software interface. We decided to go “outside the box” and analyze the circuitry which insured the microprocessor would come out of power-up reset correctly … turns out– it didn’t reset properly! The processor could therefore operate erratically, which could initiate an unexpected detonation!

By using our system scope and understanding of electronics hardware we uncovered a serious hazard.

Going “outside the box” really paid off for the client – they stated they would never have investigated this possibility, thus missing the critical defect!