Embedded Systems Engineering Standards Column vol 15.4 June/July 2008 A Standard Individual: MISRA-C++, Corporate Manslaughter and two weeks in the summer…. By Chris Hills

These are my own personal views and not those of my company Phaedrus Systems see www.phaedsys.com which is where the full version of this column, with links etc, resides under the Documents tab.

 

It’s been a busy couple of months.  MISRA-C++ was launched to much anticipation, a lot of it from the aerospace industry.  The MISRA languages teams are now mainly non automotive based with input from a wide range on disciplines including nuclear and aerospace.  Also looking in the list of acknowledgements I note it is far more international than the previous MISRA standards. Indicating that MISRA is used world wide and not just the UK or automotive industries. Links to the launch presentation, MISRA forum etc from the Phaedrus web site (we launched a completely new web site in June).

 

The MISRA-C++ standard is some what thicker than MISRA-C, 208 pages verses 112 pages, reflecting the higher complexity of C++.  Also MISRA-C++ is based on the same structure as the ISO C++ standard. The rules equate the paragraphs numbering in the C++ standard so it will be easier to use. Also each rule has the rule, rational and an example.  I assume that these examples will become the basis of the MISRA-C++ exemplar suite similar to the MISRA-C Exemplar Suite.

 

Due to the history and similarities of C and C++ many of the MISRA-C++ rules emanate from MISRA-C.  A new MISRA team is currently being formed to monitor the C, C++ and Autocode teams to ensure that there are as few discrepancies between them as possible.

 

MISRA-C++ was launched at the Safety Critical Systems Club tools event. The Club made up of most of the UK’s Safety Engineers working on systems with embedded software, launched it’s on line tools directory www.safety-club.org.uk  Tools specifically for all phases of safety critical development. It’s not for the faint hearted as it was suggested that any tools not up to the mark would have their entry changed to “Withdrawn” as a way of discouraging and tools not really designed for safety critical use.

 

Whilst on critical systems the Corporate Manslaughter bill I have been going on about since 2003 is now an ACT and it came in to force in April 2008 …. I am not legally qualified and can not give advice on it… that said I don’t need to edit any of my previous comments on the bill.  Directors can now face prison apart from companies being fined. The rule has changed from “controlling mind” to “duty of care” by the directors and managers. Are they running things properly?   It only affects deaths from April but if it is you system that is in place now when did you design it? 

 

Time to tighten up the procedures in embedded systems development.  Several places I know have research to show that developing embedded systems as though they were safety critical systems, without all the certification, just the processes tools and well trained people is actually the most cost effective, not to mention legally safer, way of doing things.  Though I always said that: Embedded Engineering would improve because of the Insurance companies and the lawyers, rather than any other cause.   I suggest you down load the act and have a look at it.

 

Quite by chance a couple of weeks ago I went to a UKITA (UK IT Assn.) meeting at which a qualified solicitor went though some of (we only had a couple of hours) the new laws relating to Computer, IT and technology….  You really need to see the presentation also they came to some interesting conclusions on the new “Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007”   Dated 2007 but came into force 6th April 2008   

 

The Solicitor was Stuart Mcintosh  of Brindly, Twist, Taft and James Solicitors.   Ask him for his presentation to UKITA on the 18th June on Computer and IT law.

 

The Guardian of all places noted that computers are slowing down or at least the chase for performance is slowing down … ( http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/jun/26/computing.apple )that is because most people are staying with XP, until Windows 7 comes out. Windows 7 is reputed to be “lighter” than Vista. Apart from serious games users and photo/video editors most people don’t need more powerful machines than they have now. They are not filling up the Terabyte drives. They don’t need more than the 2-4 Gb ram.  They might want Blue-Ray drives for home but not business use, and that is about it.  We seem to be reaching a plateau. The Machines from the last year or three are still OK and don’t need changing. Perhaps the cycle has broken.   

 

At this time of year I usually run the line “two weeks in the summer” everyone needs a break, a holiday, a change of pace to put things into perspective: A chance to refresh the brain. Incidentally a day out at ESS at NEC in October is good for generating ideas and refreshing the mind.

 

However the international Herald Tribune had an article with far more sinister overtones…. It appears quite a few home working technical people are dying younger 40-60.  The problem seems to be they are almost permenantly wired to emails, blogging, mobile phones etc and seem to be active at work/play for longer periods than office based people. No exercise, poor diet constant starign at a screen. They put weight on, stress goes up etc. Everyone needs a break.   

 

So if you are working form home, exercise, diet, and spend part for the day outside focusing at least more than 3 feet away, lest the working from home paradise become the working from home sweatshop.  Walk the dog, borrow a dog to walk… 

 

Take a break and I hope to see you all fit and well at ESS where we will have healthy de-café coffee and, if I can get it past the health police, the usual doughnuts.

  

 

Author Details and contact

 

Eur Ing Chris Hills BSc CEng MIET MBCS MIEEE  FRGS   FRSA is a Technical Specialist and can be reached at This Contact

 

Copyright Chris A Hills  2003 -2008
The right of Chris A Hills to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988