Serial System
- Last UpdatedMay 19, 2025
- 3 minute read
Subsystems can be defined within a system. This format makes the breakdown of the system more transparent and corresponds to how systems are subdivided in practice into units and sections for example. Apart from improving transparency, the use of subsystems provides a better view of the functional operation of a system. With a serial system, the system fails whenever one of the parts or subordinate subsystems fails.
Subsystems also allow the user to perform simulations on part of the whole system. Benefits are greatest when systems become large in size and complexity. A system with more than 1000 parts, each with its several components would be easier to handle when a simulation scenario would be based on parts of the system, i.e. by first subdividing the whole system into subsystems. As scenarios can be created on subsystem level, simulation results will be easier to interpret and improve.
Subsystems of the serial system
Systems can be decomposed into subsystems to better handle its complexity, and enable a better resemblance of the real-life situation. The following objects can be created under a Serial System:
Converting into another object
Should the wrong type of object have been chosen, it is possible to Convert into other object the created object into another object. Note that any data created for the original object will remain available in the database, should the user decide to change the type back into the original type.
Tab Serial System - General
Properties of the Serial System - tab General
|
FIELD |
DESCRIPTION |
|
Name |
Users are free to enter any name for the object. The logical option is to enter the actual name of the object |
|
Object type |
Always 'Serial System' for this object |
|
Function |
In this field, users can enter a functional description of the object in question |
|
Tag |
The tag is the number by which the physical object is known within the system; it can contain 50 characters Note: The tag value, when entered, will be displayed together with the Name of the object in the tree. |
|
|
Buffer time is the period measured from the point at which the subsystem fails to the point at which the entire system will be affected by this failure. The results of the simulation show whether or not there is a buffer time. The time unit can be selected from the dropdown menu: Hours, Weeks, Months, or Years. |
|
(DD/MM/YYYY) |
The Begin Date can be used to enter the date on which the system was put into use. Any change in the begin date parameter is apparent from the results of the simulation of the system or subsystem |
Creating a Serial System
To create a Serial System, follow these steps:
-
Open the FMECA screen.
-
Right-click a Model or subsystem in the tree and select New > Serial System.
-
In the Property Grid and Properties Screen , fill in the name of the serial system. For example, e.g. Bicycle
-
Click outside of the name field to save it.
-
Describe the function of the serial system in the Function field.
-
Optionally, fill in the other fields in the Property Grid
-
Click outside of each field to save it.
Tip: Optionally, the user can use the Properties screen (see picture above) to fill in the fields. The screen is opened by double clicking the just created serial system or by right-clicking on the serial system and choosing for Properties.