Measurement assurance in reliability assessment

A methodology is proposed for developing measurement assurance programs (MAPs). A MAP is a quality assurance program for a measurement process. It demonstrates that the uncertainty in the measurements on which reliability decisions are based is small enough to meet the needs of the reliability specialist. The essential feature of a MAP is that it focuses on the whole physical measurement process, i.e. the operator, the environment, the procedures, and the instruments. The methodology and supporting techniques are applied to the certification of an electrical component used in a large system. The uncertainties in the measurements of this component are estimated, and it is shown how they are useful to the reliability analyst.<>