ITEM ToolKit

ITEM ToolKit contains 5 modules for performing reliability prediction (MTBF) analysis. These modules conform to MIL-HDBK-217F, Bellcore/Telcordia, IEC 62380, China 299B (electronics) and NSWC 98 (mechanical) and share many common features and capabilities.

Each reliability prediction module is designed to analyze and calculate component, sub system and system failure rates in accordance with the appropriate standard. After the analysis is complete, ITEM ToolKit's integrated environment has powerful conversion facilities for transferring data to other modules of the program. For example, transfer your MIL-217 system data to FMECA or your Bellcore system to RBD. These powerful facilities transfer as much of the available information as possible, saving you valuable time and effort.

Multi-Document Interface (MDI)

ITEM ToolKit's Multi Document Interface allows several projects or libraries to be open at the same time. This valuable feature comes in especially handy when it is necessary to transfer data from one project (or library) to another.

Hierarchy Diagrams And Failure Rates

Users can construct hierarchical breakdowns of systems with no restrictions on block numbers or levels of indenture. As new sub blocks and components are added, ToolKit automatically recalculates all dependent failure rates to account for new information.

“What If” Studies

Powerful global editing facilities are available for performing "what if" evaluations. These facilities enable you to experiment with temperature, environmental and stress settings to see how your system performance may vary. The results of these "what if" studies can either be displayed graphically or formally reported.

Redundancy Calculations

Each prediction module includes redundancy parameters for calculating availability at sub system and system levels.

Failure Rate Linking and Linked Blocks

Any component, block, or system can be linked to provide failure rate data to any element within other ToolKit modules. For example, a MIL-217 system can be linked to a block in a RBD diagram or an event in a Fault Tree, providing a failure rate model for that element. This intra-module linking ability ensures data consistancy and greatly reduces data reentry.

The prediction modules also enable common blocks to be repeated as "linked" blocks. A linked block assumes the exact characteristics and parameters of another specified block in the current project and is automatically updated as the "source" block is changed.

Import/Export Wizard

ITEM supports the import of information from most any other application via our Import Wizard. Data such as stress ratios, applied voltages, current, etc. from applications such as OrCAD®, Pspice® , or other EDA or ECAD application, can be imported into ITEM ToolKit. Any application that can export its data into Text, Excel, or Access formats can have its data imported into ToolKit. Depending on your needs, ToolKit can import entire system structures or simply a few pieces of data. For example: system hierarchy, list of components, or structured Bills of Materials (BOM). Part numbers in the import source can be automatically cross-referenced to ToolKit libraries during the import process, saving valuable time.

ITEM ToolKit quickly exports user entered or ToolKit calculated information to Text, Excel, or Access file formats. This open approach ensures that you can use the information within ToolKit for other purposes, such as further analysis, reporting, or simply sharing with others who do not have ToolKit. The results of the Export Wizard are clearly organized, and can easily be used as templates for importing back into ToolKit.

Libraries - included and user definable

ITEM ToolKit comes with a long list of component libraries that you can use as a beginning of your own library archive. Click here for more information about our libraries.

Pi Factors

Each prediction module uses Pi factors and other parameters to calculate component, sub system and system failure rates, based exactly on the prediction standard being used. These can easily be extracted and displayed for reference.

Default Parameters

When adding components to your system, ITEM ToolKit automatically inserts applicable default values for blocks and components. These default values can be changed to suit your specific situation.

Arrhenius Temperature Model

User defined component failure rates can be used and adjusted using the Arrhenius temperature model. This allows you to extend your analysis to those components or sub assemblies which may not be covered under a particular standard. Failure Rates from manufacturers, testing, or field experience can be used as needed.

Derating

The electronic prediction modules within ToolKit also include common military and commercial Derating standards. Derating is the selection and application of parts and materials so that the applied stress is less than rated for a specific application. For example: derating is the negative slope of a power-versus-temperature graph. It shows that as the operating ambient temperature increases, the output power of a particular component drops to ensure reliable system operation. Derating curves provide a quick way to estimate the maximum output power of a device at a given temperature.

Following are the commonly used derating standards that are included within ITEM ToolKit:

NAVSEA TE000-AB-GTP-010
MIL-HDBK-1547
MIL-STD-975M (NASA)
AS-4613 Class A
AS-4613 Class B
AS-4613 Class C
User Defined Derating Files

Reliability Allocation

Allocation models logically apportion the product design reliability into lower level design criteria such that the cumulative reliability still meets the requirements. ITEM ToolKit performs allocation analysis at two levels: project and system.

ITEM ToolKit contains the following five allocation models:

Equal Allocation
AGREE Allocation
Feasibility of Objective Allocation
ARINC Apportionment Technique
Repairable Systems Allocation

Find And Replace

The Find and Replace options allow blocks and/or components to be quickly located and, if required, changed. Part numbers, descriptions, circuit references etc, can be globally modified as required. These features are particularly valuable when working on large projects.

Contact us to schedule a private web session to see the ease of creating accurate and comprehensive reliability predictions with ITEM ToolKit.

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