Storage reliability

Abstract

Reviews the methods and models of US Air Force publication RADC-TR-85-91 (Impact of nonoperating periods on equipment reliability). Example calculations are presented, and statistical techniques are used to compare the data from the literature with the RADC-calculated storage failure rates for simple components, systems, and an exotic component. Areas for improvement are noted, including the refinement of the environmental factors, addition to methods to deal with surface-mount components, and (for completeness) a section on nonelectronic components. It is noted that components with a known shelf life should be clearly identified, so that analysts do not attempt to predict a storage failure rate beyond the end of life for those components.<>