Abstract
Compound orthogonal arrays (COAs) and single arrays are alternatives to the inner–outer arrays advocated by Taguchi for robust parameter design experiments. A criterion based on the word type pattern and strength of COAs is proposed to select optimal COAs. Single arrays are classified into prodigal single arrays (PSAs) and economical single arrays (ESAs) according to their relative estimation capacities, and various optimality criteria, again based on the word type pattern, are proposed for selecting optimal single arrays. Useful optimal COAs, PSAs, and ESAs are constructed and tabulated as convenient references for experimenters in practice.