Arrow Electronics extends functional safety capabilities

The programme, run by TÜV SÜD, is based on the IEC 61508 international standard for electrical, electronic and programmable electronic safety related systems. Having passed the TÜV SÜD professional examinations, members of Arrow’s team have been certified Functional Safety Engineer or FS Professional level in accordance with IEC 61508.

With the help of the course curriculum, the teams were able to extend their knowledge and competence around topics including functional safety management, hazard and risk analysis, planning safety systems, and hardware reliability modelling, as well as hardware and software design in accordance with IEC 61508.

Margit Tischler, Vice President engineering EMEA, Arrow Electronics, said: “The increasing use of electronic devices across almost all sectors presents great opportunities to enhance the performance, efficiency and safety of systems. However, a stringent design methodology and expertise is required to help ensure the safe operation of systems. Adding this functional safety competence to our teams will assist our customers in reaching their safety goals.”

The need for consistent practices to maximise safety by minimizing risks has increased as the use of complex electronic devices, such as multicore processors with integrated AI accelerators and systems, has spread across many industries. The most prominent examples of this are automotive and industrial robotics. IEC 61508 provides functional safety standards for the lifecycle of electronic products, addressing the parts of a product or system that perform automated safety functions.