From HALT results to an accurate field MTBF estimate

Abstract

As HALT takes only a few days to run and to implement its corrective action(s), and even if it takes a bit longer, this time would be far less than waiting for an RDT to be run and to implement its corrective action(s). This paper discusses a mathematical model which can be a huge time and cost saver. By not performing life tests and simply doing an effective HALT, time and money will be saved. This is not to say that life testing isn't important. Life testing should be considered for new technologies and for an existing part/design with a different application but not as a process to accurately estimate AFR. AFR is defined herein as Actual field Failure Rate.