System dependability is the ability of the system to deliver the expected functionality, fulfilling the functional and performance requirements, during its operational lifetime.

This course provides a methodological approach to system dependability by introducing the basic concepts in terms of dependability attributes, fault/failure models, methods to design and analyze this class of systems, also presenting practical solutions for their realization.   

1. Dependability basics

1.1. Fault/Error/Failure models

1.2. Dependability attributes: Reliability, Availability 

2. Dependability Analysis (quantitative and qualitative) 

2.1 Models (Failure rate, Probability distributions)

2.2 Series/Parallel Systems

2.3 Markov Models

2.4 Fault Trees

2.5 FMEA/FMECA

2.6 Fault Injection 

3. Design for dependability

3.1 Fault Detection, Tolerance and Recovery 

3.2 Test

3.3 Diagnosis

3.4 Verification

At the end of the course the student shall be able to take into account dependability aspects in the design and implementation of a system, by investigating dependability requirements in relation to the applicable fault model, and to identify suitable solutions to achieve the desired ability to manage the occurrence of faults.

Student evaluation will be carried out either with projects developed during the course, or by a written final exam.