This is just an Excerpt from a larger document, click here to view the entire document.ESS Process
ESS is a process in which environmental stimuli, such as rapid thermal cycling and random vibration, are applied to electronic items in order to precipitate latent defects to early failure. An equally important and inseparable aspect of the screening process is the items electrical testing that is done as part of the screen, so as to detect and properly identify the defects that have been precipitated to failure.
Contrary to popular belief ESS does not increase the inherent reliability of a product. The inherent reliability of a product is driven primarily by the design. ESS is not a substitute for but an integral part of a sound reliability program conducted during the design and development phases.
There are three phases in the development of an ESS Program:
ESS Planning Identify the equipment to be screened, develop quantitative goals for the ESS Program, and describe initial screens.
ESS Implementation Identify the organizational elements that will be responsible for conducting the screening activity, and the Failure Reporting And Corrective Action System (FRACAS) to be used for documenting failures.
ESS Monitoring Continuously monitor the screening process to ensure that is both technically and cost effective.
