Abstract
Switching-algebraic techniques are utilized in a simple and instructive derivation of the O(kn) recursive relation for a circular consecutive-k-out-of-n:F system with non-identical components. In addition, the boundary conditions associated with this recursive relation are developed. Consequently, an exact closed-form expression for system unreliability is obtained for the special case {
n≤2
k}. Finally, simple formulas are given for the Birnbaum importance of system components.