Environmental Stress Testing 1

[apollo101]

I am looking to find if any documented standard procedures exist for testing electronic devices in order to certify them as durable for field use. I have read over MIL-HDBK-2461A and MIL-HDBK-781A. These are close, but I am looking for a documented step-by-step procedure, including:
1.Temperature Cycling
2.Power Cyclicng
3.Duration

 

[Madcow]

I have not found a profile that works for every thing.
These links should help.

http://www.bmpcoe.org/library/books/teooo-ab-gtp-020a/index.html

http://www.tdipower.com/engineering/tech_book_pdfs/NAVSO_P_3641A.pdf

page 48 I think has thermal cycling profile.

Some people suggest running the unit until failure and then
backing off 10 to 20 degrees C .

 

[pennpoint]

Google: "HALT" or "HAST" Testing

Good Luck

pennpoint

 

[IRstuff]

Then you're barking up the WRONG tree.

Presumably, you meant MIL-HDBK-2164A, and not 2461A. THAT is the definitive specification for ESS, and includes descriptions of temp cycle, power and durations.

BUT, ESS is a workmanship and latent defect screening, NOT a product durability test.

MIL-STD-810F is the military specification for environmental testing. A military qualification to MIL-STD-810 is usually mandatory prior to fielding military equipment.

TTFN

 

[Bira]

Have you had a look at the below link....

http://www.weibull.com/AccelTestWeb/acceltestweb.htm

Look into the specific examples. This gives a fair understanding of the procedures & how to collect, utilize the data. What to monitor/note during the test which is very important aspect of these tests.

 

[IRstuff]

HAST and HALT are designed for reliability growth efforts and make no claims about durability in the field.

TTFN

 

[apollo101]

Thanks
MIL-STD-810 is definately applicable to what I am looking for. I also had a look at AR70-38 which is the Army Regulation for testing extreme environmental conditions.

My question now is: Most of these documents mention that certain sequences for testing various condition work better than others, yet they make little or no mention as to the preferable order. What is the best or most accepted sequence for evaluation?

 

[IRstuff]

Exactly where, I don't remember, there is a discussion about the overall sequencing of different tests to minimize refurbishment, etc. It's really dependent on what you or your customer intend to do with the environmental qual. As a general rule temperature and vibration are the big hitters. Most others tend to get by with verification by analysis.

AR 70-38 is actually more of a weather conditions document and has really been superceded with MIL-HDBK-310, although, AR 70-38 does contain some extra material. Moreover, MIL-STD-810 does contain most of the testing-related pertinent information with respect to temperature, solar load, etc.

If your program requires it, you might also need to consult MIL-STD-461, -462, -464, which relate to EMI/EMC testing. Army programs tend to want ADS-37A, which references the other specs in most cases.

TTFN