The reliability of failure rates
Abstract Failure rates of components play an important role in the design of large systems, some of which may have useful lifes of 25–40 yr. Studies over prolonged periods, closely observing and evaluating the failures in a number of systems, resulted in very favourable failure rates. These were obtained by a tight discipline of type approval, quality control and derating. Overstress testing is one way of examining failure mechanisms. Some of these mechanisms are mentioned, of which electromigration is highlighted.