Articles tagged Derating

Designing the use of or selecting an item in such a way that applied stresses are below rated values. Derating supplies a means to create a system that is robust over a range of applied stress values. Thus minimizing failures.

by Fred Schenkelberg Leave a Comment

Plot Your Derating Guidelines

The concept of derating is similar to the mechanical engineering concept of a stress–strength analysis.

The intent is to ensure that the selected component or the mechanical design has sufficient strength to withstand the expected applied stresses.

Components operating at or near their rated values have short lives. Consequently, the general practice is to use components for materials well below their rated values to extend the operating life of the items.

This is where derating comes into play. [Read more…]

by Fred Schenkelberg Leave a Comment

Introduction to Derating

Derating is the selection of components and materials according to a set of standardized safety-margin definitions.

It is used by design engineers to ensure the selected elements of the design do not experience performance problems due to overstress conditions.

Derating, like stress-strength analysis, assists the designer when selecting elements for the product or system.

The outcome is a robust design able to withstand the expected, and some of the unexpected, stress applied. [Read more…]

by Fred Schenkelberg 10 Comments

The Basics of Derating Electronic Components

As with strength-strength analysis, derating is a means to design robust systems.

Derating is an intentional process applied to every component of a product to reduce the opportunity of a component witnessing more stress than it is capable of withstanding.

The additional robustness also reduces the amount of damage the stress may impart, thus prolonging the life of the component. [Read more…]

by Fred Schenkelberg 4 Comments

A Different Way to Consider Derating Guidelines

The component choice an electrical engineer starts with the functional requirements of the circuit. Another consideration is the rated values of the specific component selected.

Derating guidelines provide information to compare the component rated values to select stresses or conditions. The intent is to assist the engineering team to select robust enough components for the application.

Robust here implying the component within the circuit will operate for a suitable length of time. [Read more…]

by Fred Schenkelberg 2 Comments

The Derating & Safety Margin Manual

Do you have one in your organization? Is it used regularly?

If not, your organization’s products are likely not as reliable as they should be. You are shipping products that are not as robust nor reliable as your customers deserve.

Derating and Safety Factors, defined earlier, provide a means to select components or create design features that have sufficient margin to accommodate variation in use and strength over time.

So why are these tools routinely ignored or given only fleeting attention? [Read more…]

by Fred Schenkelberg 3 Comments

Derating Value

This example is based on a real situation. After a class on design for reliability, a senior manager declared that every component would be fully derated in every product (electronic test & measurement devices). Within a year the design team redesigned all new and existing products, with strict adherence to the derating guidelines provided in the class. A year after the class the product line enjoyed a 50% reduction in warranty claims. They learned about derating and a manager saw the potential value. [Read more…]