Mirror Blocks to Simulate Bi-Directional Paths

While multi blocks allow the analyst to represent multiple items with a single block in the RBD, mirror blocks can be used to represent a single item with more than one block placed in multiple locations within the diagram. Mirror blocks can be used to simulate bi-directional paths within a diagram. For example, in a reliability block diagram for a communications system where the lines can operate in two directions, the use of mirror blocks will facilitate realistic simulations for the system maintainability and availability. It may also be appropriate to use this type of block if the component performs more than one function and the failure to perform each function has a different reliability-wise impact on the system.