Description of BS EN 50128:2011+A2:2020 2020

1.1 This European Standard specifies the process and technical requirements for the development of software for programmable electronic systems for use in railway control and protection applications. It is aimed at use in any area where there are safety implications. These systems can be implemented using dedicated microprocessors, programmable logic controllers, multiprocessor distributed systems, larger scale central processor systems or other architectures.

1.2 This European Standard is applicable exclusively to software and the interaction between software and the system of which it is part.

1.3 This European Standard is not relevant for software that has been identified as having no impact on safety, i.e. software of which failures cannot affect any identified safety-related functions.

1.4 This European Standard applies to all safety related software used in railway control and protection systems, including

• application programming,

• operating systems,

• support tools,

• firmware.

Application programming comprises high level programming, low level programming and special purpose programming (for example: Programmable logic controller ladder logic).

1.5 This European Standard also addresses the use of pre-existing software and tools. Such software may be used, if the specific requirements in 7.3.4.7 and 6.5.4.16 on pre-existing software and for tools in 6.7 are fulfilled.

1.6 Software developed according to any version of this European Standard will be considered as compliant and not subject to the requirements on pre-existing software.

1.7 This European Standard considers that modern application design often makes use of generic software that is suitable as a basis for various applications. Such generic software is then configured by data, algorithms, or both, for producing the executable software for the application. The general Clauses 1 to 6 and 9 of this European Standard apply to generic software as well as for application data or algorithms. The specific Clause 7 applies only for generic software while Clause 8 provides the specific requirements for application data or algorithms.

1.8 This European Standard is not intended to address commercial issues. These should be addressed as an essential part of any contractual agreement. All the clauses of this European Standard will need careful consideration in any commercial situation.

1.9 This European Standard is not intended to be retrospective. It therefore applies primarily to new developments and only applies in its entirety to existing systems if these are subjected to major modifications. For minor changes, only 9.2 applies. The assessor has to analyse the evidences provided in the software documentation to confirm whether the determination of the nature and scope of software changes is adequate. However, application of this European Standard during upgrades and maintenance of existing software is highly recommended.

1.10 For the development of User Programmable Integrated Circuits (e.g. FPGA and CPLD) guidance is provided in EN 50129:2018, Annex F.

About BSI

BSI Group, also known as the British Standards Institution is the national standards body of the United Kingdom. BSI produces technical standards on a wide range of products and services and also supplies certification and standards-related services to businesses.