A system was designed with 3 capacitors. When the system is first activated all capacitors are operating. The system continues to operate as long as…

The scenario describes a system with multiple, identical components (capacitors) where the system's function is maintained as long as at least one component is operational. This configuration is the definition of a parallel system. Because the question states that "all capacitors are operating" when the system is first activated, it specifies an active parallel system, where all redundant components are energized and share the load simultaneously. This design uses redundancy to enhance the overall system reliability.

A. Redundancy: While the system does use redundancy, this is a general term. "Active parallel system" is the specific and more precise technical classification for this exact configuration.

B. A series system: This is incorrect. In a series system, all components must function for the system to operate; the failure of any single component would cause total system failure.

D. A standby parallel system: This is incorrect. In a standby system, backup components are kept inactive and are only activated upon the failure of the primary component.

1. Ebeling

C. E. (2019). An Introduction to Reliability and Maintainability Engineering (3rd ed.). Waveland Press

Inc.

Section 4.3

"Parallel Systems

" p. 75: "A parallel system is one that is successful if at least one of its components is successful... In an active parallel system

it is assumed that all components are active at the same time." This directly supports the definition used to identify option C as correct.

2. O'Connor

P.

& Kleyner

A. (2012). Practical Reliability Engineering (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons

Ltd.

Chapter 7

"Reliability of Systems

" Section 7.3.2

"Parallel Systems

" p. 148: Discusses active parallel redundancy where components operate simultaneously

and the system functions if at least one component survives. This contrasts with standby systems where backups are switched in.

3. Montgomery

D. C. (2013). Introduction to Statistical Quality Control (7th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Chapter 16

"Introduction to Reliability

" Section 16-2.2

"Series and Parallel Systems

" p. 739: "In a parallel system

the components are arranged so that the system will function if at least one of the components functions... This is an example of a redundant system." This confirms that an active parallel system is a specific type of redundant design.