Q: Software against hardware failures

[Ulrich Windl]

Hi!

I think Bertrand once stated that the Airbus software was proven to have no null pointer references. No recently I read that the Airbus A320 has a hardware problem, and it's recommended to install a software update against that (German: https://www.heise.de/news/Airbus-Update-nach-Zwischenfall-Airlines-reagieren-rasch-11097561.html).
That makes me wonder: If an external influence on the hardware can make the existing software unreliable, how can that be fixed in software?
Agreed, I lack knowledge of the details, but if the computer itself reacts incorrectly, how can software fix it?
However if the external influence only makes a sensor reporting unexpected values that could be handled, given that valid sensor data isn't essential for correct operation.

Any insights on that?
Kind regards,
Ulrich

[Alejandro Garcia]

I'm also confused,

They said that solar flares uncover the defect. For me that would  imply hardware failure.

But then they also say that the fix is to "downgrade" the software to a previous version that would imply a software error.

I guess we will have to wait for more information. 

Alejandro García F. (elviejo)

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