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Teaching Reliability Concepts to Undergraduate Students – An NSF CCLI A&I Grant Prof. S. Manian Ramkumar1, Prof. Scott J. Anson, Prof. Charles Swain and Arun Varanasi2 Center for Electronics Manufacturing and Assembly Rochester Institute of Technology 78 Lomb Memorial Drive Rochester, NY. Abstract

To be successful in the global marketplace, U.S. electronics industries must adopt a systems approach to product and process design. Reliability is an integral part of this systems approach. Undergraduate engineering and engineering technology programs across the country, including those at RIT, do not provide the hands-on reliability training students need in today’s manufacturing environment. Using the University of Maryland’s program in Electronic Packaging and Reliability as a model, RIT is in the process of creating the Reliability Education and Analysis Laboratory [REAL], a cutting-edge program that will integrate reliability concepts and laboratory experience into its undergraduate courses in electronics packaging. REAL is being developed by applying the multidisciplinary principles of failure analysis and reliability to enhance traditional engineering and engineering technology courses. Undergraduate students and working engineers will understand reliability theory, gain experience and be able to apply it in today’s complex workplace to qualify new products and processes. RIT has included an industry- input mechanism in every phase of development and implementation to ensure its applicability to today’s engineering workplace. REAL will enable the development of a highly skilled workforce that will increase industry competitiveness while reducing training costs.

Introduction

The electronics industry has experienced major technological innovations in the past decade. The result is the proliferation of electronics in products, increased miniaturization, high power requirements, increased functionality and lower prices. New materials and processes are constantly being introduced and the demand for innovation continues.

To be successful in the competitive global marketplace, U.S. electronics industries must adopt a systems approach to product and process design. A systems approach requires a versatile workforce with a comprehensive understanding of product design, material selection, manufacturability, cost, environmental impact, safety and reliability. In this new work environment, engineers have more diverse responsibilities than ever before in implementing new processes, using new materials and analyzing product/process reliability. They must perform sophisticated life cycle testing and product reliability studies in a short amount of time in order to understand processes and the yield for new products.

1 Corresponding Author – Phone:585-475-6081, Fax:585-475-7167, Email: smrmet@rit.edu 2 Graduate Research Assistant

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Ramkumar, S. M., & Anson, S., & Swain, C. (2006, June), Teaching Reliability Concepts To Undergraduate Students – An Nsf Ccli A&I Grant Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--605