Nonlinear Systems and Tolerances

Abstract

Not all systems respond in a linear way. Actually, the transfer function for given variables is not only nonlinear but can also cause a stepwise response. This requires additional mathematical calculation resulting in obtaining more information through the corresponding SNR indices. The first SNR index is applied to focus on the highest response reliability , the second for slope adjustment, while the third and those remaining are used to minimize higher order terms. Experimental data can be lost. If missing data cannot be retrieved and experiments not repeated, data interpretation in the strictly mathematical sense becomes impossible. Nevertheless, an SNR index can be calculated and used for iteration according to the applied orthogonal array . Thus, a small percentage in error needs to be sacrificed for data recovering to execute interpretation. Due to the pressure of tight specifications, the issue remains to achieve the highest precision despite existing sources of noise. At that moment, investment must be considered to lower the impact of noise factors as the relation of deviation off-target and monetary loss becomes apparent. This is of the utmost importance as the outcome will be decisive on who stays competitive or goes out of the market.