ABSTRACT
Reliability is the ability of a product to properly function, within specified performance limits, for a specified period of time, under the life cycle application conditions. Achieving product reliability over the complete life cycle demands an approach that consists of a set of tasks, each requiring total engineering and management commitment and enforcement. These tasks impact electronic hardware reliability through
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the selection of materials, structural geometries and design tolerances, manufacturing processes and tolerances, assembly techniques, shipping and handling methods, operational conditions, and maintenance and maintainability guidelines. The tasks are as follows:
• Define realistic product requirements and constraints determined by factors such as required operating and storage life, the life cycle application profile, performance requirements, environmental regulations, disposal requirements, size, weight, and cost. The product requirements should be defined based on both the customer’s needs and the manufacturer’s capability to meet those needs.
