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Robustness validation

Robustness validation is the final phase and assures that the qualified technology and the qualified design really satisfy the reliability requirements defined in the product mission profile. This is part of the ST customer's know-how, and is essential in building an effective partnership..

Background:

Zero Defect strategy and product qualification using Robustness Validation are mandatory for automotive market. The objective is to extend this new approach to the actual product quality assurance and qualification procedures.

RV is a further step in Automotive Grade procedure where we have introduced a zero defect policy based on best Automotive qualification practices (PAT, SBL at EWS and Screening stress tests matrix at Final Test…) .

RV requires a deep involvement of customer for mission profile knowledge, qualification plan and failure criteria agreement.

Purpose:

to define a new reliability method for automotive industry requirements for product qualification, focused on robustness validation.

Goals:

To maintain continuity with the standard and already consolidated approach, in line with the automotive grade program (Q100).

To evaluate product robustness through long-term tests and new tests planned by a dedicated stress test matrix.

Robustness Validation Focused Steps:

Deep mission profile evaluation

Field failure analysis

Test to wear-out (when applicable)

Dedicated tests to failure mechanism

Failure criteria assessment versus mission profile

These tests are in a development phase inside ST, according to some recent recommendations of the International Automotive Electronic Systems Reliability Standards Committee (SAE), to which ST actively participated (Robustness Validation Guidelines for Automotive Products).