CINCINNATI, Ohio, July 11, 2006 / -- The Reliability Information Analysis Center (RIAC), formerly the Reliability Analysis Center (RAC), is pleased to announce the release of its 217PlusTM system reliability prediction software tool. The 217PlusTM methodology is the DoD-funded successor to the previous RAC PRISM® program, and represents a more current and accurate methodology for performing reliability predictions than MIL-HDBK-217 (last updated in 1995). The 217PlusTM methodology includes twelve component models that calculate capacitor, connector, diode, inductor, integrated circuit, optoelectronic device, relay, resistor, switch, thyristor, transformer and transistor failure rates. In addition, the 217PlusTM tool includes an extensive failure rate database of non-modeled components and assemblies based on the highly successful RIAC Nonelectronic Parts Reliability Data (NPRD) and Electronic Parts Reliability Data (EPRD) publications. Finally, the methodology addresses the positive or negative impact of system-level non-component processes on the overall system failure rate through the application of Process Grade Factors.

The 217PlusTM software program is available and competitively priced for purchase from the RIAC website (http://theRIAC.org/) as either a full-version download, a full-version CD-ROM, or a special Upgrade to registered users of RAC PRISM® Version 1.5. Included in the purchase of 217PlusTM is the “Handbook of 217PlusTM Reliability Prediction Models.” This handbook contains the previously unpublished 217PlusTM component and Process Grade models in a format familiar to users of MIL-HDBK-217, providing detailed descriptions of all of the equations, factors, and rationale behind the methodology. For customers who have already purchased this handbook, the handbook price is deducted from a subsequent purchase of the 217PlusTM software.

Contact the RIAC toll-free at 877.363.RIAC (7422) or inquiry@theRIAC.org for more information on RIAC products, training, and services.

Reliability Information Analysis Center (RIAC)

The RIAC is a U.S. Department of Defense Information Analysis Center (IAC) sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) and technically administered by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/IFSB) in Rome, NY. The RIAC is operated by a team led by Wyle Laboratories that includes Quanterion Solutions Inc., the University of Maryland Center for Risk and Reliability, the Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory, and the State University of New York Institute of Technology. The RIAC is chartered to serve as a DoD Center of Excellence in reliability, maintainability, quality, supportability and interoperability (RMQSI).

PRISM® is a registered trademark of Alion Science and Technology.