In this study, the issue of reliability prediction of electronic systems and the various existing databases for part failure rate is addressed first. Then the importance of using high quality parts for the design of reliable electric and electronic systems is stressed. Various parts used in system design are discussed in detail and the way their quality is quantified in reliability studies is thoroughly presented. Reliability modeling is performed and the results of the reliability analysis of the main computer of an electronic navigation and guidance system using parts of various qualities is discussed. The results presented in this study show that the use of high quality parts could be employed as a means of reliability improvement in electronic systems where other viable alternatives for reliability improvement are more difficult or more expensive. These results may also be applied to the reliable design of other high-reliability consumer or military products.

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