The role of field performance information in building in reliability

The authors point out that analysis of the field performance of VLSI devices and feedback of that information to device designers has been instrumental in improving device reliability. Such a system is required for certification under the military Qualified Manufacturers list program, and is a required element of other certification systems, e.g., ISO-9000. Field performance information can also be used to model the expected reliability of new designs. A working feedback system which provides the information required for both product improvement and reliability prediction is described.<>