ASSURE: automated design for dependability

Describes ASSURE, an automated design-for-dependability advisor, which is a part of the MICON system for rapid prototyping of small computer systems. A design-for-dependability methodology and a formal interface between synthesis and dependability analysis are presented. ASSURE's operation includes dependability analysis, evaluation of dependability enhancement techniques using predictive estimation, and selection of a technique. Different kinds of knowledge used in designing for dependability are identified, including an algorithmic approach for dependability analysis and a knowledge-based approach for suggesting dependability enhancement techniques. Examples of designs produced using ASSURE as a dependability advisor are provided and show an order of magnitude dependability improvement.>