Sanath Javagal is Testing the Limits with His Approach to Verification and Validation in Vehicle Systems
In the intricate landscape of automotive development, verification and validation (V&V) stand as indispensable mechanisms, ensuring the dependability, safety, and optimal functionality of vehicle systems. The complexity, integrated technologies, and potential risks associated with vehicular malfunctions underscore the vital role played by V&V.
While often used interchangeably, V&V represents distinct functionalities in the context of vehicle systems. Verification assesses whether the system is developed correctly, ensuring alignment with specified requirements. On the other hand, validation evaluates whether the right system is developed, ensuring the finalized product fulfills its intended purpose and user needs.
Discussing the processes behind V&V with industry expert Sanath Javagal helps us gauge the complexities as well as its definitive impact that forms the vehicles of today. Sanath Javagal is a leading professional in the space of tech applications in the automotive sector.
The Imperative of V&V in Vehicle Systems
V&V emerged as quintessential due to the intricate web of functionalities embedded within modern vehicles. From the basic mechanical components to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving capabilities, each subsystem demands rigorous scrutiny to affirm its reliability and safety. “Especially when considering autonomous vehicles and electric cars, where the margin for error is infinitesimally minute, V&V acts as the safeguard, ensuring every component, from sensors to algorithms, adheres to the highest echelon of operational integrity.” – says Javagal.
The process involves reviewing designs, conducting inspections, and utilizing various testing methodologies to confirm each stage of development aligns cohesively with predefined requirements.
What V&V Looks Like in 2023
Requirements Specification: Accurate and comprehensive detailing of the requirements is the first step in the V&V journey. It sets the framework for the verification process, ensuring every requisite feature and functionality is adequately represented and as agreed.
Sanath owned the development of Requirements Specifications for AV networks during his work with one of the leading American self-driving car companies, and has also worked on Requirement Specifications for vehicle network architecture systems of Honda and Aura vehicles — parts of what formed his expertise on the subject.
Then comes System Verification. This encompasses reviewing designs, conducting inspections, and various testing methodologies like unit, integration, and system testing to confirm that each stage of development aligns cohesively with the predefined requirements.
System Validation involves testing the final product in real-world scenarios to ensure it meets safety standards and intended use. It includes but is not limited to performance, durability, and safety testing under various environmental and operational conditions.
Discussing the validation process, Sanath recalled – “During my tenure at Honda and SOLIZE USA, I have been involved in EMC, Voltage Fluctuation, Test Voltage Reflection, Network harness confirmation, EMS, Static Electricity, and Noise Injection.” Through his experience, he emphasized the significance of reporting the results to project leads and evaluation committee.
Post-Deployment Surveillance: Continuous monitoring and performance analysis of deployed vehicle systems ensure sustained compliance and offer avenues for improvements in subsequent iterations or versions.
Challenges and Strategies in V&V: Achieving holistic and unfaltering V&V in-vehicle systems are riddled with challenges from technological advancements, systemic complexity, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Javagal shared - “A strategic approach involving amalgamating simulation technologies, employing artificial intelligence in testing, and developing standardized protocols for V&V, especially in burgeoning technologies like autonomous driving, can underpin robust V&V frameworks.”
Leveraging Simulation: Given the infeasibility of testing every conceivable real-world scenario, leveraging simulations can aid in creating varied and complex situations to assess the vehicle system's response and functionality effectively.
Data-Driven Approaches: Employing data analytics and AI can enable predictive analysis, identify potential failure points, and streamline the testing processes, thereby enhancing the efficacy and coverage of V&V processes.
Regulatory Compliance: Aligning the V&V process and adhering to regulatory standards is crucial for safety and compliance, as Sanath’s work in the domain has illustrated over the years.
With the incessant evolution of technologies and methodologies, V&V processes must be adaptable and continuously evolving to encapsulate emerging technologies, standards, and consumer expectations.
Verification and validation form the backbone of upholding the structural integrity, safety, and reliability of vehicle systems. As vehicles evolve into a symbiosis of mechanics, electronics, and software, V&V processes will become more intricate. “V&V in vehicle systems is very likely to witness a fusion of advanced technologies, interdisciplinary methodologies, and a fortified emphasis on cybersecurity and user-centric designs”, expressed Sanath Javagal, “that shall pave the way for a future where reliability and safety are epitomized, and humanity is propelled towards advanced and sustainable mobility solutions.”
