Redundancy verification analysis-an alternative to FMEA for low cost missions

Redundancy verification analysis (RVA) is a promising technique for verifying internal redundancy within electronic assemblies, as well as “cross-strap” redundancy between them, in cost or schedule constrained spacecraft development projects. RVA tracks a signal from its source to the end of the signal path, through all the subsystems along the way, including software. When performed in conjunction with a worst case analysis (WCA), RVA may obviate the need for a system-level failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), providing a detailed examination of the actual workings of system hardware, software, and interfaces. Demonstrated by JPL on the Mars Global Surveyor project, use of RVA is consistent with NASA´s emphasis on “faster-better-cheaper” spacecraft design and development