Interdependencies between reliability and standby

The framework directive for ecodesign of Energy using Products (EuP) has been in force in Europe since 2005. The main focus of the EuP is put on energy conservation over the whole life cycle besides several other aspects which will be covered by this directive. With the horizontal aspect of standby, which is covered by the so-called Lot 6 for standby and off-mode losses, the EuP counters an ongoing trend in reducing the standby power consumption and avoiding off-mode losses of products as far as possible. Currently unclear are the technological consequences for product reliability forced by more and by highly efficient standby. New requirements for standby and off-mode losses could in principle lead to reliability improvement as well to degradation of product reliability. The paper outlines the technological consequences of reliability for some exemplary products based on the various standby modes from the Lot 6 preparatory study.