Prognostics for Electronic Systems

DRS-TEM has manufactured and deployed embedded diagnostic (ED) solutions for nearly 1000 of the Army's Abrams and Bradley platforms. We have taken steps to provide prognostics for these same platforms through the use of our ED data collection hardware. The current state of the art seems to be addressing and making progress for mechanical equipment and the prediction (prognostics) of associated failure. Data collection and mathematical analysis techniques are documented and seminars being offered to disseminate the body of knowledge in the mechanical prognostics area. In many circles, the lack of prognostics for electronic equipment is discussed, but no apparent progress is noted commensurate with that of mechanical-based equipment. This paper discusses some of the reasons for that situation and offers some avenues of investigation and approaches to achieve prognostics for electronic equipment. In this paper, data gathering and sensors are classified into two types and the application of those types to prognostics is discussed. The specific lack of one type of sensor for electronic equipment is noted and suggestions are made for the use of the remaining sensor type. The intent of this paper is not to report on results in the area of electronic prognostics, but to outline a direction for continued work that has promise of providing electronics prognostics in the future.