15th May 2018 - NetSpeed Systems, Inc. today announced that its interconnect IP portfolio is now certified for the IEC 61508 functional safety standard. SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH, an independent accredited assessor, certified the IP in accordance with IEC 61508 Safety Integrity Level 3 (SIL3), the highest level possible for an IP-only component. NetSpeed’s pre-certified functional safety interconnect IP helps customers save time in developing and certifying their safety-critical applications.

Functional safety (FuSa) is increasingly important in industrial, factory automation and safety-critical flight systems with a focus on fail-operational SoC modes. IEC 61508 certification is regarded as the gold standard for electrical/electronic/programmable safety-related systems.

"The IEC 61508 standard is the cornerstone for developing safe solutions for industrial and other safety-critical markets," said Wolfgang Ruf, head of Functional Safety Semiconductor at SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH. "NetSpeed IP has undergone a rigorous process and has successfully demonstrated that its products meet the stringent requirements for certification.”

An off-shoot of IEC 61508, the ISO 26262 automotive functional safety standard has been widely adopted for the automotive segment. NetSpeed previously announced ISO 26262, ASIL D-Ready certification for its cache coherent interconnect solution. The company is one of the first IP suppliers to achieve compliance with both ISO 26262 and IEC 61508.

“At NetSpeed, we are committed to providing our customers with the most advanced solutions for safety-critical applications,” said Sundari Mitra, CEO of NetSpeed. “This certification validates our process, technology and commitment.”