During the failure analysis step, which action is primarily performed?

During the failure analysis step, the primary action is to identify failed parts and their causes. This process is crucial as it involves a systematic approach to determine not just what component has failed, but also to understand the underlying reasons for that failure. This could include examining how the failure occurred, what environmental factors may have contributed to the failure, and if there are any design flaws or operational errors that need to be addressed.

By focusing on identifying both the failed parts and the root causes, engineers can implement corrective measures that not only resolve the current issue but also prevent similar failures from occurring in the future. This thorough understanding is essential for improving overall reliability and performance in the design and operation of systems.

The other actions, while relevant in the context of maintenance or troubleshooting, do not capture the core objective of the failure analysis phase. For instance, visual inspection of components and testing output voltages can help in diagnostics, but they do not suffice for a comprehensive analysis that encompasses understanding the failure mechanisms. Replacing suspect components addresses immediate issues but doesn’t contribute to learning from the failure to enhance long-term stability and reliability.