Improved Reliability Prediction and Field Reliability Data Analysis For Field Replaceable Units

This apeper presents a method for analyzing FRU field data to obtain accurate field reliability estimates. The estimates are used to improve reliability prediction and prioritize the FRUs that potentially need design improvement. (1) Computation of the failure rates without assuming constant field reliability. Appropriate measures for failure rates are defined that show the instantaneous values of the rates as tracked over the age of the FRU code. (2) Development of an improved FRU reliability prediction model. Unlike existing models the improved reliability model includes the effect of special causes, in addition to component wear out, on the FRU reliability. (3) Comparison of field reliability estimates with predicted reliability.