Function

Decision Type:

Method Category:

Categories: Terms

The normal or characteristic actions of an item, sometimes defined in terms of performance capabilities.

Automatic test equipment
Equipment that is designed to automatically conduct analysis of functional or static parameters and to evaluate the degree of UUT (Unit Under Test) performance degradation; and may be used to perform fault isolation of UUT malfunctions. The decision making, control, or evaluative functions are conducted with minimum reliance on human intervention and usually done under computer control.
Hidden-function item
Any item whose functions include a hidden function.
Dependability
A measure of the degree to which an item is operable and capable of performing its required function at any (random) time during a specified mission profile, given item availability at the start of the mission. See Availability.
Layer of protection analysis
A technique used to determine the effectiveness of safeguards and safety-instrumented functions for providing risk reduction as protection from hazards identified for a given process. The identified hazards can be as a result of an earlier HAZOP.
In-process tests and In-Circuit Tests
Nondestructive ways to verify the operation and functions of a circuit one time during the history of a circuit.