Functional Safety

Safety-relevant vehicle electrical systems connect essential vehicle components and ensure a stable power and data supply at the same time so that safety-critical functions operate correctly at all times.

Reliable assistance systems and autonomous driving functions require an error-free vehicle electrical system to function. Vehicle manufacturers therefore systematically evaluate safety-relevant risks and define clear safety targets.

Nexans autoelectric develops these vehicle electrical systems in accordance with ISO 26262, the highest standard for functional safety. With precise analyses and a clear safety strategy, we guarantee a high level of reliability and support safe integration into modern vehicle architectures.

Our Contribution – Reliable Vehicle Electrical Systems

Driving down a rural road at night – and suddenly the headlights fail. Such a scenario could have serious consequences. To prevent it from happening, all the safety-relevant systems require a reliable power supply and stable signal transmission via the vehicle electrical system. We aim at minimizing the risk of errors or failure of the vehicle electrical system – from the initial development stage to the final quality control. This is our contribution to ensuring that drivers and passengers are safe on the road at all times.

“Our practiced knowledge and competence management, as well as the continuous improvement of our processes and development systems, make a significant contribution to the safety culture within our organization.”
Dietmar Völkl Head of Functional Safety

Safety-oriented Development According to ISO 26262 – the Standard for Functional Safety

Functional safety requires consistent standards. Our vehicle electrical systems are developed and tested according to ISO 26262. This internationally recognized standard ensures that safety-critical functions – from headlights to autonomous driving – work reliably. Our safety managers and engineers ensure that every step of the development process meets the highest safety requirements.

In autonomous driving, all critical systems such as brakes or steering must function reliably at all times. This is why we rely on dual protection that operates independently and does not interfere with each other.

This redundant safety structure ensures that essential functions are maintained at all times – for maximum operational safety.

Redundant Systems for Maximum Reliability

Safety Through Innovation and Teamwork

Functional safety is teamwork. Our safety managers, development teams, and independent assessors work hand in hand to develop vehicle electrical systems that comply with the latest safety standards. Analyses, reviews, and structured testing procedures are essential. We rely on continuous qualification: Regular training and a lived safety culture help to keep our team up to date. Expertise and collaboration are the foundation of safe mobility.

ASIL & More:
Classifying and Reducing Safety Risks

The Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) is the assessment scheme used by vehicle manufacturers to classify safety risks – defined in line with ISO 26262. For us as a vehicle electrical system supplier, ASIL is part of our daily practice.

But functional safety goes beyond mere compliance with standards: We take targeted measures to reduce the risk of errors and failure as far as possible. This begins with solid requirement management in design and continues into production and safety testing – also through high automation and the use of AI-supported camera inspections.

Autonomous Driving – Future Mobility Requires Safe Vehicle Electrical Systems

A self-driving car navigates safely through traffic – if all systems communicate perfectly with each other. From the radar (via the cameras) to the power supply – the vehicle electrical system is the invisible but vital path. At Nexans autoelectric, we work on vehicle electrical systems that make autonomous driving reliable.