Mission Profiles derived from lifetests and field return data using inverse problem theory

Mission Profiles are keys to set reliability requirements. This paper describes a method of Mission Profile deduction from reliability stresses and field return data, using inverse problem theory. This method has been applied to two cases. From the first case (operating-load-case) we can obtain a temperature mission profile and from the second case (environmental-load-case) we have derived temperature and relative humidity mission profiles. The method can be used for more accurate failure rate prediction in the field and lead to more reliable risk assessment.