What is functional safety?

Functional safety refers to the part of a system that ensures it operates correctly and safely in response to its inputs, even when there are faults or failures. It is crucial in industries like automotive, manufacturing, and energy, where malfunctioning systems could lead to hazards. Functional safety involves risk assessment, implementing safety mechanisms, and following standards such as ISO 26262. Professionals in this field work on designing, verifying, and validating safety-related systems to ensure compliance and protect people and equipment.