Logic Solver Complexity vs System Reliability
Segregate safety-critical logic from operational complexity to satisfy IEC 61508 validation requirements while preserving maintainability.
CyberTRIZ analysis · Seveso contradiction FS016 · one of 8,235 worked contradictions published by CyberTRIZ.AI
Regulations
Business Context
Modern Safety Instrumented Systems can execute increasingly
sophisticated logic to manage complex process hazards. As control logic
becomes more advanced, however, software validation, troubleshooting,
and lifecycle management become more demanding.
The Contradiction
More sophisticated logic improves protection capability.
More complex logic reduces maintainability and increases the possibility
of engineering errors.
Why It Exists
Additional logic functions introduce more software, configuration,
testing, and validation activities throughout the system lifecycle.
Direction
Keep safety logic as simple as reasonably practicable while separating
complex operational functions from safety-critical logic.