IPC Launches Joint Firmware Reliability Effort with PSMA
Key Summary
• IPC and PSMA launched a joint effort to develop a new specification for firmware design and test requirements for power conversion devices and systems
• The project builds on PSMA’s 2019 firmware reliability report and aims to fill a gap in standardization for power-supply-specific firmware
• Planned scope areas include firmware design rules, testing and qualification processes, security requirements, and program management for updates
• Industry co-chairs from IBM and ABB emphasized reducing hardware defects caused by firmware and improving system integration
• The working group will continue development at IPC APEX EXPO, where a full-day drafting session is scheduled
Twelve industry members gathered for a kick-off meeting on November 18 for a planned new “Specification for Firmware Design and Test Requirements for Power Conversion Devices and Systems.” This joint effort between PSMA (the Power Sources Manufacturers Association) will expand on the PSMA Power Supply Software/Firmware Reliability Improvement Report (2019).
Project co-chair Eric Swenson of IBM provided an overview of the planned scope of the document which includes firmware design requirements, firmware test/qualification requirements and firmware security, both digital and physical. Eric expounded on the goals of the project to fill a gap in standardization specific to the unique requirements of power conversion devices and improve awareness and understanding of the importance of security on a power supply, reduce hardware defects driven by firmware, and improve system integration issues. Eric also listed and discussed topics under the scope areas such as design rules, communications protocols, upgrade capability, and RFQ requirements under the Design Requirements scope. Project co-chair, Jerry Strunk, of ABB also noted the importance of covering program management to assure impacts of software updates.
Additionally, Jerry led a discussion on how the project group would coordinate going forward. The group will meet for a working meeting to further develop the draft at IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego, Monday, January 24 from 8 am–5 pm.
For an overview of the goals of the project as well as a brief explanation of the standards development process by IPC group liaison, Patrick Crawford, check out the excerpt (video) of the meeting above.
The project aims to create a formal specification that defines firmware design, testing, qualification, and security requirements for power conversion devices, addressing a gap in current industry standards.
IPC and the Power Sources Manufacturers Association (PSMA) are collaborating, with project leadership from IBM’s Eric Swenson and ABB’s Jerry Strunk.
Scope areas include firmware design rules, communication protocols, testing and qualification methods, upgrade processes, RFQ considerations, and both digital and physical firmware security.
Firmware errors can cause system integration problems, hardware defects, and security vulnerabilities. Standardizing requirements helps improve reliability and reduce risks across power conversion systems.
The working group will continue drafting the specification during IPC APEX EXPO in San Diego, with a full-day working session scheduled for January 2