What is a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) Calculation?

Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) calculation is an estimate of a product's steady state failure rate based upon the components listed in the bill of material (BOM). It is a calculation based on the theoretical estimate that a product’s reliability is the sum of the reliability of its components. It is recommended that this be used as a first step in testing a product as an established baseline reliability marker to learn which components may or may not improve the overall product.

How do you use the value of MTBF for improving a product?

Mean Time Between Failure provides an understanding of the reliability versus cost tradeoff’s for the design team. By properly allocating spending on components, designers can choose which components justify a higher cost to get better reliability and which do not. This understanding leads to the design of competitive products, and ultimately, the prediction can even support the calculation of warranty period.       Call today for your           FREE Consultation!                 303.444.7480                                                           Back to                               Theoretical                  Failure Rate

MTBF, MTTR, & MTTF – What’s the Difference?

• Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) is typically applied to a system that can be repaired.
• Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) represents the average time required to repair a failed component or device.
• Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) measures the average time to failures with the assumption that the failed system cannot be repaired.

Percept offers Mean Time Between Failure prediction as part our reliability engineering and testing services. We understand how to interpret the result of an MTBF calculation and apply it. Percept will integrate the results into a broader product reliability plan. The result of an MTBF is a better product at a lower cost.