Bridging Hardware and Software Diagnosis: Leveraging Fault Signature Matrix and Spectrum-Based Fault Localization Similarities

This paper examines two prominent Fault Detection and Isolation methodologies: the Signature Matrix approach, traditionally used in hardware systems, and the Spectrum-based approach, applied in software fault localization. Despite their distinct operational domains, both methods share the objective of precisely identifying and isolating faults. This study aims to compare these approaches and to highlight their similarities in principle. Through a comparative analysis, we assess how the structured pattern recognition of the Signature Matrix method and the statistical analysis capabilities of the Spectrum-based approach can be synergized to enhance diagnostic processes of cyber-physical systems that are composed of both hardware and software components. The investigation is motivated by the prospect of developing a hybrid Fault Detection and Isolation strategy that incorporates the robust detection mechanisms of hardware diagnostics with the techniques used in software fault localization. The findings are intended to advance the theoretical framework of Fault Detection and Isolation systems and suggest practical implementations across varied technological platforms, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of fault detection and isolation in both hardware and software contexts.