Risk Factors in Automotive Electronics Compared to Other Electronic Industries

James McLeish
General Motors Corporation
Warren, MI

Sanjay Tiku and Michael Pecht
CALCE EPSC
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742

Abstract:

The continuing process of making automobiles smarter is dependent upon increasing the use of electronic systems in them. In the automotive electronics sector, the development and operating life cycle of the electronics systems used are considerably longer and more stringent than those for mass-produced electronic components commonly available. Electronic systems are required to function reliably at all times throughout the entire life of an automobile. This gives rise to special requirements for the electronics used in this industry from the manufacturers^?point of view. Unique operational conditions for guaranteed reliability over longer and harsher life cycle profiles in hostile environments necessitates the use of special qualification and testing techniques and quality controls. All these factors create considerable risks for the suppliers. This paper presents a study of these risk factors, which manufacturers and suppliers have to deal with while developing products for use in automobiles. A comparison with other similar industries is also provided.

Complete article is available to CALCE Consortium Members

 



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