Welcome to ITEM Software

The MIL-HDBK-217 Module of ITEM ToolKit is a powerful reliability prediction program based on the internationally recognized method of calculating electronic equipment reliability defined in MIL- HDBK-217 (published by the US Department of Defense). This standard uses a series of models for various categories of electronic, electrical and electro-mechanical components to predict failure rates that are affected by environmental conditions, quality levels, stress conditions and various other parameters. These models are fully detailed within MIL-HDBK-217. [More Details]

The Telcordia Software Module of ITEM ToolKit calculates the reliability prediction of electronic equipment based on the Telcordia (Bellcore) TR-332 and SR-332 standards. These standards use a series of models for various categories of electronic, electrical and electro-mechanical components to predict steady-state failure rates which environmental conditions, quality levels, electrical stress conditions and various other parameters affect. It provides predictions at the component level, system level or project level for COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf Parts). [More Details]

The NSWC module of ITEM ToolKit uses a series of models for various categories of mechanical components to predict failure rates based on temperature, stresses, flow rates and various other parameters. Standard procedures for predicting the reliability of mechanical components, sub-systems and systems are defined in the Naval Surface Warfare Center Handbook of Reliability Prediction Procedures for Mechanical Equipment (NSWC 06/LE1). [More Details]

The IEC 62380 module supports reliability prediction methods based on the latest European Reliability Prediction Standard. Originally, a French Standard published by the Union Technique de L'Electricite (UTE, July 2000 - RDF). The standard has evolved and become the European Standard for Reliability Prediction (IEC 62380). Its unique approach and methodology has gained worldwide recognition. IEC 62380 is a significant step forward in reliability prediction when compared to older reliability standards. [More Details]

The IEC-61709 module supports the reliability prediction methods based on the European Prediction Standard IEC-61709. This module is predominantly based on the Siemens Prediction Standard SN-29500, as well as conforming to section 19 for PCBs and section 20 for the Hybrid Circuits within the European Prediction Standard IEC-62380 (RDF 2000/UTE C 80-810). [More Details]

The China 299B Module of ITEM ToolKit is a powerful reliability prediction program based on the internationally recognized method of calculating electronic equipment reliability provided in the Chinese Military Standard. This standard uses a series of models for various categories of electronic, electrical and electro-mechanical components to predict failure rates that are affected by environmental conditions, quality levels, stress conditions and various other parameters. [More Details]

The Reliability Software modules of ITEM ToolKit provide a user-friendly interface that allows you to construct, analyze, and display system models using the interactive facilities. Building a hierarchies and adding new components could not be easier. ITEM ToolKit calculates the failure rates, including mean time between failure (MTBF), associated with new components as they are added to the system, along with the overall system failure rate. Project data may be viewed both via grid view or dialog view simultaneously, allowing predictions to be performed with a minimum of effort.

Each reliability prediction module is designed to analyze and calculate component, sub system and system failure rates in accordance with the appropriate standard. After the analysis is complete, ITEM ToolKit's integrated environment comes into its own with powerful conversion facilities to transfer data to other reliability software modules of the program. For example, transfer your MIL-217 project data to FMECA or your Bellcore project to RBD. These powerful facilities transfer as much of the available information as possible, saving you valuable time and effort.

Users can interactively construct hierarchy diagrams that represent the structure of a system at various hierarchical levels. As new components are added to the system, each module automatically calculates and updates all dependent and overall failure rates.

When adding components to your system, ITEM ToolKit automatically employs the applicable default values (Parts Count). The Parts Count generally requires less information such as part quantities, quality levels and the application environment. It is most applicable early in the design phase and proposal formulation.

You have the option of modifying these values to meet specific system or project requirements (Parts Stress). The Part Stress Analysis requires more detailed information and is usually applicable later in the design phase.

MTBF and Failure rates are automatically computed and displayed for all levels of systems and projects.

Each reliability software module of ITEM ToolKit includes redundancy and repairable options for calculations of availability and failure rates at block and system levels.

A Linked Block is a graphical representation of an existing block that assumes the exact characteristics of another block in your System. Linked Blocks enable you to reduce repetitive data entry. Changes made to the source block will automatically update in the Linked Block.

Each module calculates and makes visible the various Pi Factors used to calculate the Failure Rates for the Component categories per the applicable standard being used.

"What-if" studies allow you to preview and evaluate the feasibility and quality of your design and the selection of your components. This allows you model the system, change components, and see the effects without having to construct an actual system.

For some designs you use a component which cannot be modeled using a Component Category known to the standard, or you have a failure rate from a manufacturer of a subassembly. By using the External component and the Arrhenius temperature model, you can introduce a non-standard component into you analysis, and vary the failure rate with temperature via the Arrhenius temperature formula.

Allocation models logically apportion the product design reliability into lower level design criteria, such that the cumulative reliability still meets the requirements. ITEM ToolKit performs allocation analysis at two levels, project and system level.

ITEM ToolKit contains the following five allocation models:

- Equal Allocation
- AGREE Allocation
- Feasibility of Objective Allocation
- ARINC Apportionment Technique
- Repairable Systems Allocation

Derating is the selection and application of parts and materials so that the applied stress is less than rated for a specific application. For example, derating is the negative slope of a power-versus-temperature graph. It shows that as the operating ambient temperature increases, the output power of a particular component drops to ensure reliable system operation. Derating curves provide a quick way to estimate the maximum output power of a device at a given temperature.

Following are the commonly used derating standards that are included within ITEM ToolKit :

- NAVSEA TE000-AB-GTP-010
- MIL-HDBK-1547
- MIL-STD-975M (NASA)
- NAVAIR-AS-4613 Class A
- NAVAIR-AS-4613 Class B
- NAVAIR-AS-4613 Class C
- User Defined Derating Files