Criteria for determining optimum redundancy

Abstract

Redundant circuits whose components may suffer either an open-circuit or a short-circuit type of failure are considered. A probabilistic model for such circuits is proposed. Two criteria for determining optimum redundancy are studied. A formula for obtaining the number of components which maximize reliability is derived for general failure distributions. A table for obtaining the number of components which maximize the expected life of the circuit is presented for the case of exponential failure. Copyright © 1960—THE INSTITUTE OF RADIO ENGINEERS, INC.