1. Basic concepts

1.1 Introduction

In recent years, the use of electronics and information technology and their integration into systems of varying complexity has accelerated. This development affects both everyday products (household appliances, automobiles, etc.) and industrial products (industrial control, medical devices, financial transactions, etc.). Within these products, there are systems whose malfunction can have a direct or indirect impact on the integrity (injury) and/or lives of users, or on the functioning of an organization. Computerization has led to ever greater automation of industrial processes. These systems are subject to operating safety requirements.