Block

A drawing with blocks for each element of a system and connecting lines representing the series, parallel, and more complex relationships between elements. Statistically, an RBD contains the probability of success (reliability) information for each block. For a single point in time (e.g., the warranty period), the probability may be a single number. The probability of success could also be a reliability function based on distributions or nonparametric models. RBDs provides a structure to perform reliability allocation and are also useful to gather reliability measurements to estimate system reliability or to identify elements for improvement priority.

A diagram that shows the operation, interrelationships and interdependencies of components in a system. Boxes, or blocks (hence the name), represent the components; connecting lines between the blocks represent interfaces. There are two types of block diagrams: a functional block diagram, which shows a system’s subsystems and lower level products and their interrelationships and which interfaces with other systems; and a reliability block diagram, which is similar to the functional block diagram but is modified to emphasize those aspects influencing reliability.

A electronics test, debugging, or diagnostics method designed into the IC or circuit. The method observes the I/O buffers of a circuit or functional block and are controlled by scan cells.

The area of a window that is not covered by the window assembly frame or other structure that would block incident light rays.

A bundle or collection of items used as the primary sampling unit often selected based on proximity, such as a city block for interview subjects, or carton of metal tubes from a shipment of cartons.