Offer SIL Certification and SIL Grading Consultancy Services - Shenzhen Zhongnuo Testing Technology Co., Ltd.
What is the failure rate of SIL certification?
During the SIL certification process, a concept we often refer to is the equipment failure rate, which is a core term in SIL certification. One could say that without determining the failure rate, the SIL certification is incomplete and inadequate. So, what exactly is the concept of the failure rate?
Firstly, to understand failure rate, we need to grasp what failure means. According to GB/T 20438.4, which is also defined by IEC 61508, failure is "the cessation of the ability of a functional unit to perform a required function, or the operation of the functional unit in a non-required manner." A more intuitive way to understand this is: normally, y=f(x), but after failure, it becomes y≠f(x), where f() represents the pre-set function, and y stands for our safety expectations. This also explains why "function" is the same word for both function and function in English.
This statement might be too formal and not easily understood by the general public. So, let's put it in more colloquial terms. Think of it like a lighting system. If the lighting system isn't illuminating or isn't doing so as per our set requirements, then it's considered defective.
So said, you might know that when a product doesn't function according to our specified requirements, we can say it's failed. Then, what's the probability of this failure? That's the failure rate.
Understood what failure is, one can then categorize the types of failure. In the concept of functional safety, failures can be divided into two main categories based on their generation cause: systematic failure and random hardware failure. Among them, random hardware failure is quantifiable. The calculation process of PFDavg is based on probabilistic analysis of random hardware failure.
In the SIL certification process, we analyze the theoretical product model and market sales data to determine the product's failure rate, thereby combining it with other parts of the SIL certification to form a comprehensive system, ensuring the reliable and safe execution of safety functions.

SIL Certification Costs & Timeline
The cost and duration for SIL certification are directly related to the complexity of the product and the SIL level.
SIL Certification Standards
SIL Functional Safety Certification Standards: IEC 61508, IEC 61511, IEC 62061, ISO 26262, ISO 13849, etc.

What two aspects does the SIL certification mainly focus on?
The product itself, as well as the conformity of the hardware and software functions of the intended certified product, to the requirements of IEC 61508 or more detailed functional safety standards within the industry, such as hardware failure rates and failure modes.
Another focal point for our assessment is the quality management system used during the development process, as well as the qualifications of the R&D personnel and the organizational structure, to ensure that the methods employed and the document systems followed throughout the product development align with relevant standards and requirements.
Through these two aspects of examination, we can say that from the entire company to the R&D process and finally to the specific certified products, a complete closed loop has been formed, ensuring that the product's safety features are reliably and safely implemented.

The SIL level assessment covers the following content:
1. System Evaluation
Risk Analysis, categorized by reference to the risk chart (ASIL/SIL/PL)
Review of specifications and safety requirements
Concept and Design Analysis
– Verification and Confirmation
2. Software and Tool Evaluation
- Testing of development tools and other communication protocols
Structural Analysis
3. Hardware Evaluation
Probability Analysis
Failure Analysis
4. SIL Certification
Components and Systems SIL Certification
- Secure Process SIL Certification
- Award of Systems, Semiconductors, Development Tools, and Process Test Mark
5. Additional Services
Risk Appropriateness and Risk Analysis
Test and evaluate secure hardware and software during the development process
Conceptual Evaluation (Initial Inspection)
Functional Safety Management (FSM)
Safety, Reliability, and Availability Analysis
Qualified Assessment Meeting Relevant Safety Standards
These services are aimed at manufacturers of components, subassemblies, and systems for the automotive industry (including electric vehicles), elevators, power plants, machinery, and process sectors. They support the fulfillment of due diligence obligations and ensure the correct application of the standard, contributing to enhanced safety levels and the reduction of residual risks. Standards such as IEC61508 and others can be integrated into existing quality management systems in a beneficial manner. The implementation of regulations and provisions within the standards provides a reliable basis for decision-making, particularly regarding safety structures, testing procedures, and tools. Development outputs can be validated at an early stage, thereby reducing development time and costs. Additionally, certification enhances the image and boosts the company's competitive position in the market.
SIL certification is a third-party assessment, verification, and certification process based on standards such as IEC 61508 (GB/T 20438), IEC 61511 (GB/T 21109), IEC 61513, IEC 13849-1, IEC 62061, and IEC 61800-5-2, which evaluates and confirms the Safety Integrity Level (SIL) or Performance Level (PL) of safety equipment. Functional safety certification primarily involves document management (FSM) assessments for the development process of safety equipment, hardware reliability calculations and evaluations, software assessments, environmental testing, and EMC electromagnetic compatibility testing. SIL certification is divided into four levels: SIL1, SIL2, SIL3, and SIL4, encompassing both product and system levels, with SIL4 being the most stringent.