Statistical and intelligent reliability analysis of multi-layer ceramic capacitor for ground mobile applications using Taguchi’s approach

PurposeAlthough Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC) are known for its better frequency performance and voltage handling capacity, but under various environmental conditions, its reliability becomes a challenging issue. In modern era of integration, the failure of one component can degrade or shutdown the whole electronic device. The lifetime estimation of MLCC can enhance the reuse capability and furthermore, reduces the e-waste, which is a global issue.Design/methodology/approachThe residual lifetime of MLCC is estimated using empirical method i.e. Military handbook MILHDBK2017F, statistical method i.e. regression analysis using Minitab18.1 as well as intelligent technique i.e. artificial neural networks (ANN) using MATLAB2017b. ANN Feed-Forward Back-Propagation learning with sigmoid transfer function [3–10–1–1] is considered using 73% of available data for training and 27% for testing and validation. The design of experiments is framed using Taguchi’s approach L16 orthogonal array.FindingsAfter exploring the lifetime of MLCC, using empirical, statistical and intelligent techniques, an error analysis is conducted, which shows that regression analysis has 97.05% accuracy and ANN has 94.07% accuracy.Originality/valueAn intelligent method is presented for condition monitoring and health prognostics of MLCC, which warns the user about its residual lifetime so that faulty component can be replaced in time.