How we put reliability tools in the hands of the designer-the technical issues

Abstract

This paper describes the technical issues encountered during the development of Hughes Aircraft Company computerized methodology for performing failure rate analysis. This methodology consists of several integrated failure rate analysis tools (FRATOOLS) that we used to analyze a radar system design. The FRATOOLS methodology fully complies with the methods contained in MIL-HDBK-217E. The novel elements of FRATOOLS include the use of parts databases for automating failure rate calculations, performance of all phases of the failure rate analysis process by the designer, and integration of the methodology with the design process in such a way as to fully support concurrency in design of radar systems.<>