Advanced Reliability Modeling of Fault-Tolerant Computer-Based Systems

Digital fault-tolerant computer-based systems are on the verge of becoming commonplace in military and commercial avionics. These systems hold the promise of increased availability, reliability, and maintainability over conventional analog-based systems through the application of replicated digital computers arranged in fault-tolerant configurations. Three tightly coupled factors of paramount importance, ultimately determining the viability of these systems, are reliability, safety, and profitability. Reliability, the major driver, involves virtually every aspect of design, packaging, and field operations with regard to safety, maintainability, and invariably profit for commercial applications or to national security for military uses.