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Thermal Resistance and Environmental Testing/
IEC 60068-2-20 Low Temperature and Thermal CyclingComprehensive Guide to IEC 60068-2-20 Low Temperature and Thermal Cycling Testing Services Provided by Eurolab
IEC 60068-2-20 is a widely recognized international standard that outlines the requirements for testing electronic equipment under low temperature and thermal cycling conditions. This standard is part of the IEC 60068 series, which covers various environmental tests for electronic equipment.
Standard Development Organizations
The development and maintenance of standards such as IEC 60068-2-20 involve several organizations, including:
1. International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): The IEC is an international organization that develops and publishes international standards for electrical and electronics equipment.
2. Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN): CEN is the European Committee for Standardization, responsible for developing and publishing European standards in the field of electrotechnics.
3. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): ASTM is a US-based organization that develops and publishes standards for various industries, including electronics.
4. Turkish Standards Institution (TSE): TSE is the national standards body of Turkey, responsible for developing and publishing Turkish standards.
IEC 60068-2-20 testing is essential for ensuring that electronic equipment can withstand extreme temperatures and thermal cycling conditions. This test is particularly crucial in industries where equipment is exposed to harsh environments, such as:
1. Aerospace: Electronic components used in aircraft and spacecraft must be able to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations.
2. Automotive: Automotive electronics require testing under various temperature conditions to ensure reliability and safety.
3. Industrial Automation: Industrial control systems and automation equipment often operate in harsh environmental conditions, requiring thermal cycling testing.
Consequences of Not Performing IEC 60068-2-20 Testing
Failure to test electronic equipment under low temperature and thermal cycling conditions can lead to:
1. Equipment failure: Electronic components may fail prematurely due to thermal stress.
2. System downtime: Equipment failure can result in system downtime, leading to significant economic losses.
3. Safety risks: Inadequate testing can compromise the safety of people and equipment.
IEC 60068-2-20 testing involves subjecting electronic components or equipment to a controlled thermal environment with temperatures ranging from -55C to 125C, while simulating various operating conditions. The test procedure includes:
1. Temperature cycling: Equipment is subjected to repeated temperature cycles between the specified limits.
2. Low-temperature storage: Equipment is stored at low temperatures for an extended period (usually 30 days).
3. Thermal shock: Equipment is rapidly cooled or heated by a controlled amount.
Equipment and Instruments
The following equipment is used in IEC 60068-2-20 testing:
1. Environmental chambers: These are specialized chambers designed to simulate various environmental conditions.
2. Temperature control systems: These systems ensure precise temperature control and monitoring during the test.
3. Data acquisition systems: These systems collect and record data during the test, including temperature readings.
Sample Preparation Procedures
Before testing, electronic components or equipment must be properly prepared, including:
1. Cleaning and packaging: Components are cleaned and packaged to prevent contamination.
2. Electrical connections: Electrical connections are made to the equipment under test.
3. Instrumentation: Equipment is equipped with necessary instrumentation for data collection.
Measurement and Analysis Methods
During testing, various measurements are taken, including:
1. Temperature readings: Temperature readings are recorded at regular intervals.
2. Voltage and current monitoring: Voltage and current levels are monitored during the test.
3. Data analysis: Test results are analyzed to determine the equipments thermal performance.
Quality Control Measures During Testing
To ensure accurate and reliable test results, quality control measures include:
1. Temperature calibration: Temperature calibration is performed regularly to ensure accuracy.
2. Equipment maintenance: Equipment is maintained regularly to prevent mechanical failure.
3. Data validation: Data is validated for accuracy and completeness.
Test reports are comprehensive documents that provide detailed information about the test results, including:
1. Introduction: A brief introduction to the equipment under test and the testing procedure.
2. Experimental setup: A description of the experimental setup, including temperature control systems and instrumentation.
3. Results: A detailed presentation of the test results, including temperature readings, voltage and current levels, and data analysis.
IEC 60068-2-20 testing is essential for ensuring the reliability and safety of electronic equipment under extreme temperature conditions. The benefits of performing this test include:
1. Improved product quality: Equipment that passes IEC 60068-2-20 testing is more reliable and has a longer lifespan.
2. Reduced maintenance costs: Reduced need for maintenance due to improved thermal performance.
3. Increased safety: Reduced risk of equipment failure, which can compromise the safety of people and systems.
Conclusion
IEC 60068-2-20 testing is an essential procedure for ensuring that electronic equipment can withstand extreme temperature conditions. By understanding the standard requirements, test methodology, and quality control measures involved in this testing, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet international standards and are reliable under harsh environmental conditions.