FMECA, the right way

The author was asked to review and evaluate an FMECA (failure modes, effects and criticality analysis) for a radar approach system. He presents deficiencies, shows through the use of simple examples how these requirements should be addressed, and demonstrates how the information may be effectively utilized in the system design and planning of operational and supporting tasks. He points out that the FMECA must be iterative to correspond with the nature of the design process. Therefore, to gain the most benefit, the FMECA should be initiated as soon as preliminary design information is available and progressively developed along with the system design