Overview of the Reliability Block Diagram Platform

The Reliability Block Diagram platform enables you to diagram a system and its related components to show how component reliability affects the success of the whole system. Each block in a Reliability Block Diagram represents a component in the system and is connected to other components in the system.

A Reliability Block Diagram can include components connected either in series or in parallel. A failure in any series component causes the entire system to fail. In a parallel-connected (or redundant) system, all parallel components must fail for the entire system to fail. In addition, the diagram can include K out of N components where k-out-of-n components must function for the system to function.

The Reliability Block Diagram template places a Start block on the left side and an End block on the right side of the diagram. Using the Shape tools, you diagram the system to be analyzed beginning at the Start block and connecting components to reach the End block.