Due to technical reasons Instrumentation and Control (I&C) systems have to be replaced to an increasing degree by computer-based I&C systems. For the development and implementation of safety-related computer-based I&C systems Integrated Tool Environments (ITE) are employed. Most of these ITE were not conceived originally for the implementation of nuclear specific applications. The quality of the ITE may be proven and certified for industrial applications but the qualification for the nuclear application has to be demonstrated. This paper proposes an assessment method and activities for the efficient and transparent qualification of ITE for the use in safety-related applications according to nuclear standards and state of the art. The assessment aims at a pre-qualification of ITE detached as far as possible from the safety functions implemented by them. The results of this pre-qualification shall assist and facilitate the safety analysis of the application software.

This paper gives an overview concerning the design as well as the verification and validation of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) in German NPP which are applied to carry out I&C functions. The qualification procedures dealt with are restricted on ASICs without any microcontroller core. Thus these ASICs are implemented on the basis of a hardware configuration, generated by development tools. Presently, just that kind of ASICs are relevant for German NPP. Dependent on the different safety categories, recommendations concerning the qualification level and procedures are elaborated which have to be achieved for ASICs and FPGA. Requirements are also introduced for the implementation of ASICs and FPGA in I&C systems important to safety, which are in accordance with German and international regulations and guidelines as well as additional specific requirements. Additional, important aspects within the framework of the expert judgement for upgrading of safety relevant I&C by ASICs and FPGA are dealt with. These aspects are of general character and are mainly focused on suitability test procedures and robustness requirements of ASICs and FPGA.