OVE EN 61709

This document gives guidance on the use of failure rate data for reliability prediction of electric components used in equipment. The method presented in this document uses the concept of reference conditions which are the typical values of stresses that are observed by components in the majority of applications. Reference conditions are useful since they provide a known standard basis from which failure rates can be modified to account for differences in environment from the environments taken as reference conditions. Each user can use the reference conditions defined in this document or use their own. When failure rates stated at reference conditions are used it allows realistic reliability predictions to be made in the early design phase. The stress models described herein are generic and can be used as a basis for conversion of failure rate data given at these reference conditions to actual operating conditions when needed and this simplifies the prediction approach. Conversion of failure rate data is only possible within the specified functional limits of the components.