This website provides information about reliability block diagrams (RBD), and how they relate to reliability and maintainability (RAM) software and analyses.

A reliability block diagram (RBD) is a drawing and calculation tool used to model complex systems. The goal of an RBD is to produce a series of images representing portions of a system that is to be analyzed. Once the images are configured properly, and data for these images is provided, calculations can be performed in order to calculate the failure rate, MTBF, reliability, and availability of the system. As the configuration of the diagram changes, the calculation results also change. A reliability block diagram provides a simple way to compare various configurations in an attempt to find the best overall system design.

RBD simulations enable you to symbolize the different components of a system as individual graphic elements. You can easily name them, assign their properties, and connect them in the same fashion the actual components are connected.  Refer to the example screen shown below:

Reliability block diagrams enable you to easily improve the reliability and/or availability of a system design. You can modify your system design in an RBD simulation and introduce parallel redundancy, standby redundancy, or spare components. You can use Monte Carlo simulations to quickly determine the improvements in reliability, availability, and overall performance of the system, without ever changing the system itself. RBD and Monte Carlo simulations enable you to consider numerous options and configurations to find the ideal design for your system.

Relex Software Corporation produces software that enables users to easily create and analyze reliability block diagrams for complex products or systems. Relex Software is a leader in R&M (Reliability and Maintainability) software analysis tools. We specialize in software, training courses, and seminars covering all aspects of reliability engineering. Our products are used by thousands of engineers worldwide in a variety of businesses.

Please visit the Links page for more online information about the Relex Software visual reliability software modules, and about RBD in general.

If you are a Relex user, thank you for your support. If you are evaluating our software for future use, we hope to welcome you soon to RELiability EXcellence with Relex.

Phone: 724.836.8800
Fax: 724.836.8844
E-Mail: info@relexsoftware.com
Web: www.relexsoftware.com