Ask Dr. Adam – Discovering Reliability Series, An Introduction
This kickoff episode of the Discovering Reliability Series with Dr. Adam explains why reliability in electronics manufacturing must be proven with data, not assumed or claimed.
The series defines reliability as the probability that a product performs its intended function under specified conditions and time, and contrasts this with common misconceptions like “it passed final test” or “we haven’t seen returns yet.”
Dr. Adam introduces the concept of objective evidence required by IPC J-STD-001 Section 8 for cleaning and residue control, emphasizing that there is no universal cleanliness limit and that bulk extraction tests such as ROSE alone are not sufficient to qualify a process.
Viewers learn how well-designed DOEs, surface insulation resistance testing, field performance data, and end use electrical testing prove that real production hardware will function reliably in its service environment. These methods provide the objective data needed for confident, defensible decisions about product reliability.