Setting use conditions for reliability modeling

Use conditions (UCs) are necessary inputs for knowledge-based qualification reliability modeling calculations, and are implied by standard-based qualification stress conditions. We describe a method for setting CPU UCs. A sampled distribution of field data is analyzed, accounting for the reliability model Weibull shape factor. That is combined with other information to determine a reference value for modeling, with appropriate conservatism. We present application to notebook PCs for both silicon and thermo-mechanical CPU wearout mechanisms.