Software other programmes

Since software faults have a big Common Cause Failure (CCF) potential, it is sometimes imderstand to be a part of the hardware CCF of Central Processing Unit (CPU) or other programmable device. This approach makes a sense but it expects correlation between hardware and software which is probably very weak and hardly can dominate to the probability of software... 

Software In some programmable electronic systems (PES), errors are much easier to detect and correct than in others. Using the term software, in the wider sense, to cover all procedures, as distinct from hardware or equipment, some software is much friendlier than others. Training and instructions are obvious examples. As another example, if many types of gaskets or nuts and bolts are stocked, sooner or later the wrong type will be installed. It is better, and cheaper in the long run, to keep the number of types stocked to a minimum, even though more expensive types than are strictly necessaiy are used for some applications. 

To minimize the risk of data loss because of power failure or other reasons, the Mossbauer data are copied to a nonvolatile EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) every 9 minutes (software selectable). As the size of the EEPROM is smaller than the SRAM, the EEPROM can accumulate only up to ten Mossbauer spectra as a subset of the data from the SRAM. These spectra are obtained from the SRAM according to a pre-defined summation strategy. 

The computerized systems, both hardware and software, that form part of the GLP study should comply with the requirements of the principles of GLP. This relates to the development, validation, operation and maintenance of the system. Validation means that tests have been carried out to demonstrate that the system is fit for its intended purpose. Like any other validation, this will be the use of objective evidence to confirm that the pre-set requirements for the system have been met. There will be a number of different types of computer system, ranging from personal computers and programmable analytical instruments to a laboratory information management system (LIMS). The extent of validation depends on the impact the system has on product quality, safety and record integrity. A risk-based approach can be used to assess the extent of validation required, focusing effort on critical areas. A computerized analytical system in a QC laboratory requires full validation (equipment qualification) with clear boundaries set on its range of operation because this has a high... 

Thermodynamic modelling of solution phases lies at the core of the CALPHAD method. Only rarely do calculations involve purely stoichiometric compounds. The calculation of a complex system which may have literally 100 different stoichiometric substances usually has a phase such as the gas which is a mixture of many components, and in a complex metallic system with 10 or 11 alloying elements it is not unusual for all of the phases to involve solubility of the various elements. Solution phases will be defined here as any phase in which there is solubility of more than one component and within this chapter are broken down to four types (1) random substitutional, (2) sublattice, (3) ionic and (4) aqueous. Others types of solution phase, such as exist in polymers or complex organic systems, can also be modelled, but these four represent the major types which are currently available in CALPHAD software programmes. 

Warnock<58) has compared the capabilities of the modern programmable controller with other controller hardware (Table 7.7). It is clear from this that the PLC has very attractive software and hardware features which make it a natural choice for a wide range of control strategies. 

Now that data have been stored, we come to analysis, which is the real point of everything we have done so far. Methods for data analysis vary. They vary with the inclinations of the software programmer they also vary with the budget of the cytometer facility. They may be strictly commercial, or they may be homemade. These days, commercial manufacturers of cytometers compete with each other on the basis of their software systems as much as on the basis of their cytometer technology. In addition, independent entrepreneurs, with increasing frequency, have begun to program for analysis of... 

HEEP is expected to be similar to the IAEA software DEEP which is being used to perform economic analysis and feasibility studies related to nuclear desalination in the IAEA and other member states. It is expected that HEEP will have similar architecture to DEEP but with the possibility of easy update and future expansion. Various major processes and technologies are to be incorporated in the HEEP programme as the basis for modelling the performance and cost characteristics of hydrogen production plants. The pre-alpha version of HEEP has been completed and the release of the beta version is expected to be in the first quarter of 2009. 

The effectiveness of Source Code Review is often questioned. Programmers alone should not inspect their own code because it is difficult to be objectively critical of one s own work. The objectivity of others and a willingness to accept criticism are key to any review process. Left to themselves, programmers error detection rates on their own codes can be as low as 5%. Where a reviewer conducts the inspection in partnership with the software author, error detection rates can rise to 30% or more so long as it is not treated as a superficial, cursory activity. The time saved in taking corrective action on exposed errors, particularly the structural ones, in advance of testing usually more than justifies the involvement of a colleague. 

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