Process based cost modeling

Presents a method of performing the cost analysis by taking into account the process yield at each step of the process sequence and how the yield at different steps impacts the overall cost of the module. A statistical model of the material process flow is used to estimate assembly costs. The stochastic process models are represented by finite state automata. The material flow modeled represents the hierarchy of material classes (leads, components, and modules). Formal methods to represent the likelihood of a process step and the conversions between the hierarchy of classes are defined. The model is illustrated by examples.<>