Reliability Services
Design Phase Introduction

Key to a reliable product is the many design decisions, and for each decision, designers balance reliability with cost, time-to-market and performance objectives. Reliability Models and Predictions provide prioritization and feedback for each decision. Analysis of the system reliability or availability connections to key modules or components through Reliability Block Diagramming or Fault Tree Analysis help establish realistic sub-system goals and identify high risk areas in the design. Failure Modes and Effects Analysis provides a structured method to identify potential risks, their impact, and mitigation effectiveness.

A wide range of methods are available to the design engineer to make decisions. Heat is a common accelerant of failure mechanisms; therefore, Thermal Analysis techniques provide feedback to mitigate this problem. Proper Derating Analysis minimizes a wider range of stresses for electronic components. For mechanical components Tolerance or Worst Case Analysis performs a similar function and can help with Material Selection. For complex design issues, statistical methods including Design of Experiments can quickly optimize reliable solutions. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a general tool to develop better designs more quickly and with few physical prototypes. FEA can be combined with Design for Six Sigma techniques and Dynamic Analysis to better understand the effects of key parameters on the overall design. On early designs a Sneak Circuit Analysis provides a check for unintended product behavior (hardware/software design defects). Software also has reliability concerns; therefore, Software Reliability techniques can establish well documented methods to produce nearly bug free code.

As the design evolves, key elements of information provide other parts of the organization critical information. Warranty Prediction assists in key business decisions. The expected product failure rate over time feeds into Maintainability/Preventive Maintenance considerations in the design. Plus, effective Design Reviews and Retrospective Events help the organization identify, remove, and avoid reliability issues.

• Reliability Models and Predictions (MTBF)

• Reliability Block Diagramming (RBD)

• Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)

• Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

• Thermal Analysis

• Derating Analysis / Component Selection

• Tolerance / Worst Case Analysis

• Material Selection

• Design of Experiments (DOE)

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)

• Dynamic Analysis (modal, shock, vibration)

• Sneak Circuit Analysis (hardware or software)

• Software Reliability

• Warranty Predictions

• Maintainability/Preventive Maintenance Analysis

• Design Review and Retrospective Facilitation

Ops A La Carte shall tailor a program to fit your product, market, and organization so that you get the optimal solution. We provide Educational Services for smooth transitions.

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