Cost optimization of accelerated burn‐in

The reliability of a product is generally concerned with failures during its operating life. Accelerated (stress) burn‐in before shipment will reject poor quality products and avoid a high initial mortality rate in residual life. It is justified when the expected proportion of a product being defective is high in the infant stage and where early removal of defects will improve reliability in service. Studies economic designs of stress screening plans where every finished product is subject to burn‐in. Examines the optimal burn‐in time in minimizing total testing, manufacturing, quality and reliability costs. Discusses the effect of burn‐in stress level.