Reliability Testing Paradigm Shift:

Traditional Approach

• Test to design limits

• If it meets specifications its "good enough!"

• combined environments rarely applied

• testing requirements defined by the customer

Paradigm Shift

• Engineers trained to mathematically model - Much more intellectual satisfaction - confidence in prediction.

• Mathematical models are good for design of electronics and mechanical or chemical wear out processes.
  Limited for predicting most electronic failures
  Most electronic failures are by defect in design or manufacture, not wear out.

  • Experimental Approach more "brute force"
    intellectual satisfaction is found in the investigation of root cause - component and physics of failure.