Life Performance History of Minuteman Design Dipped Mica Capacitors

This paper describes the early reliability investigation program conducted on regular production El-Menco dipped mica capacitors and covers a report containing an analysis of the raw data resulting from this reliability study. Discussed are the results of a reliability verification program performed on initial production Minuteman design dipped mica capacitors, and the unit-hours accumulated as a consequence of subsequent life testing additional production lots of these high reliability parts. The investigation of the voltage acceleration factor by R.C.A., the El-Menco method of reliability calculation, the predictions made of time to failure by employing the voltage acceleration factor, and the actual outcome of the investigation, are all described in detail. The meaning of all the unit-hours generated as a result of the R.C.A. Minuteman program, and the benefits derived from having participated in this high reliability program, are reviewed.