High reliability electronics engineering is one of the key driving forces for economic recovery. This book offers a focused study of the history and uses of high reliability solid state electronics, military standards, and space systems that support national security and defense. Unique in combining the interdependent evolution of and interrelationships among military standards, solid state electronics, and very highreliability space systems, it offers essential knowledge for those in the fields of aerospace, engineering, instrumentation, measurement, testing, and quality control.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I. Activation energy (1931-1968): Washington...we have a problem -- The quantum leap -- Preparation -- The final frontiers -- Minuteman means reliability -- Skinning cats -- Part II. Startup transient (1969-1980): Changing the sea state -- Space parts: from A to S -- There's S, and then there's S -- A little revolution now and then is good -- Quality on the horizon -- Part III. Switching transient (1980-1989): Crossing the operational divide -- Stocking the shelves -- Hammered -- Battlegrounds: reorganization and reform -- Implementing change in a changing world -- Part IV. Shorting to ground (1989-2002): Leap first, look later -- Hardlly standing PAT -- Part V. Resetting the circuit breakers: Brewing the perfect storm -- Summing the parts.