CODE COVERAGE TOOLS QKIT

Which code coverage tool are you using to comply with the requirements (see below) from ISO 26262?

Structural Coverage Metrics

Do you know that open-source tools can measure MC/DC code coverage? Recent versions of gcov and clang support MCDC coverage, see the links below.

[PATCH v10 1/2] Add condition coverage (MC/DC)

⚙ D138849 MC/DC in LLVM Source-Based Code Coverage: clang

But can you completely trust these tools to compute the coverage correctly? By applying the Validas Qualification Kit, you cannot only trust these tools, but you will also have the required standard compliance. Of course, Validas also provides you with a tool safety manual to handle the known issues of these tools. The aim of the Code Coverage Tools QKit (see flyer) is the qualification of code coverage tools in your production environment. It’s owned, regularly extended and maintained by Validas AG. It covers the majority of the functionality of code coverage tools and is designed to be easily adapted or extended to fit your configuration. Based on the qualification, it can generate standard-compliant safety documentation to prove code coverage tools works as intended and is fit to be used in your safety-critical environment.

Code Coverage Diagram

In the qualification process, Validas offers to assist you with the extension of the Qkit, the test analysis as well as producing the correct documentation according to the safety standards ISO 26262, IEC 61508 and DO-330 (Level 5). This enables you to focus on development and your business goals.

Depending on the usage of code coverage tools in your project and your company, Validas offers two options for qualifying the tools.

  • One Time Qualification (at Validas side with your environment)
  • Qualification Kit (Qualification flat rate, in your environment)

Both qualifications offer the following advantages:

  • Enables you to use open-source tools for reliable code coverage measurement
  • No need to pay for commercial tool licenses
  • Compliance with safety standards: ISO 26262, IEC 61508, DO-330
  • Creates confidence into the tools by qualifying them
  • Validas guarantees you successful assessments and certification
  • No need for strenuous mitigations resulting from a TCL1 argumentation
  • Known code coverage tools issues are analyzed and mitigated in the provided tool safety manual

If you are interested in qualification of open-source coverage tools by Validas there are two options:

  1. You specify your use case (tool version, code coverage metrics, target) and Validas creates you an offer for the qualification or the qualification kit.
  2. You want to learn more about the open-source code coverage capabilities: Validas will provide you a cost-free demonstration of the tools within a short tool demonstration.

In both cases, please contact us