Failure Mechanism Awareness
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss the many different failure mechanisms and the need for understanding the failure mechanisms and causes of failures.
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SOR 1107 Failure Mechanism Awareness
SOR 1104 Overcoming Product Protections for HALT
SOR 1103 HALT Late in the Program
HALT Late in the Program
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss using HALT for a product that has been in the field and has many documented reliability issues from the initial warranty returns
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SOR 1091 Keep it Simple
Keep it Simple
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss the challenge of using simple models for one finite element to extrapolate damage scalar metrics to very complex systems.
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SOR 1090 Connectors
Thermal HALT
A Tool for the Discovery of Signal Integrity and Software Reliability I
Abstract—Failures in the execution of software can have many different causes. Errors in coding, incorrect sequence of software execution, and other factors result in software “bugs” that, when discovered, must be corrected for reliable system operation. However, this paper focuses on another cause of software failures: those that come from variations in the many tiers of component manufacturing and system assembly. This paper shows how applying thermal HALT on electronic circuits, and systems helps skew parametric performance at the circuit board and system levels and increase the probability of discovering marginal signal quality and integrity, which can lead to software operational failures.ssues
Update as of July 15, 2025: Kirk created a technical paper based on the material originally posted below. It has been updated, includes references, and has been reviewed.
[Read more…]SOR 1076 Research Options
Research Options
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss the new options for doing technical research, including Google Scholar and AI tools like ChatGPT ᐅ Play Episode
SOR 1075 Vendors and Reliability
SOR 1062 Traditional Reliability Methods
SOR 1061 Adhesives
Adhesives
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss the reliability issues around using adhesives to attach mechanical assemblies.
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SOR 1053 A Good Reliability Engineer
A Good Reliability Engineer
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss a simple question of what being a practical and sound reliability engineer means.
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SOR 1052 Confidence Reliability
Confidence Reliability
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss the term “confidence” and its use in reliability engineering
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SOR 1043 Value of Failures
Value of Failures
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss how many companies discard or never get back failed parts or subsystems even though they are high-value gold in the quest to make a more reliable product.
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SOR 1042 Reliability Tradeoffs
Reliability Tradeoffs
Abstract
Kirk and Fred discuss the tradeoffs involved in developing a reliable product.
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