FIDES Predictions

This chapter focuses on the software features that apply specifically to using the FIDES reliability prediction standard. For general information about using the prediction folio for any type of analysis (e.g., how to create folios, build system configurations, etc.), see Prediction Folios.

The FIDES Guide was produced in 2004 (UTE-C 80811) and updated in 2009 by the FIDES group — a consortium of leading French international aeronautical and defense companies, under the supervision of the DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement - French Ministry of Defense). It provides a reliability prediction methodology based on physics of failure, and provides failure rate models for electrical, electronic and electromagnetic components, as well as for commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) board assemblies.

The following topics are discussed:

Selecting which phases will be considered for a particular system or assembly (defining the life profile).
Using saved pi factor assessments to set properties in a particular FIDES analysis.
Updating the pi factors in a particular prediction folio that were set based on saved pi factor assessments.
Viewing or modifying the process contributions (weights) that are in effect for calculating Pi Process factors in a particular prediction folio.
Managing the predefined FIDES settings that are saved in the current database for use in any FIDES analysis.