The importance of reliability in electronics

The electronics industry has prided itself on the reliability of its products over the years and steady improvements have been made over the years. However, in recent times, there has been a slow but noticeable retreat from the long established trend. Unfortunately, such subtle changes in terms of lesser reliability will have far reaching effects on the global electronics industry and the environment. This presentation will examine the some of the history of reliability of electronics and speak to some of the technologies that have advanced the cause over the years. It will also explore how economics have influenced attitudes as to the importance of reliability and how well intended environmental legislation may be having some unintended consequences that are lessening reliability. The presentation will conclude with some thoughts on the current trends and their potential impact and how the electronics industry might renew its thinking relative to the importance of the reliability of its products.