CSA and Safety

Since its inception, Control Systems Analysis (CSA, Inc.) has been recognized for excellence in the evaluation and demonstration of critical systems safety control processing. To provide cost-efficient and effective analysis, CSA developed a unique system decomposition methodology called INTERLOCKS. This methodology focuses on the critical sequence of events that must occur to ensure a control system reacts in a safe and deliberate manner. As the methodology became widely accepted throughout the safety community, CSA automated the process and created the INTERLOCKS modeling and simulation tool that uses discrete event simulation to prototype system design and operation for analysis and demonstration. CSA has used INTERLOCKS in all of its safety analysis projects to date- from simple remote control panels to complex nuclear weapons launch console systems.

CSA and Proficiency Training

In 1991, as an outgrowth of its safety effort, CSA was requested to enhance its INTERLOCKS modeling and simulation tool to produce electronic training material to give system operators in depth knowledge of their system. Traditional trainers were focusing on “knobology”, showing the results of an operator action on a display panel, but did not provide the cause and effect understanding needed to operate the system effectively. CSA added to its INTERLOCKS application the capability to emulate equipment panels based on sequences of events that control system reaction. These training products are still in use today and can stand alone as a reference tool, be customized for course objectives, or be incorporated into other e-Learning programs.

CSA and Performance Support

With the in depth system understanding that INTERLOCKS provides, it was a simple progression to developing Performance Support Systems (PSS) for the system operator and maintainer. With its fault isolation algorithms established for safety analysis, it became obvious to end users that their training models could be used to automatically troubleshoot the system. By modeling the system to the Lowest Replaceable Unit (LRU), INTERLOCKS becomes the "system expert in a box" readily assisting in all troubleshooting and fault isolation needs. CSA has created PSS for both highly complex electronic systems and low level mechanical systems.