Accelerated life tests are used to test consumer goods such as electronics, consisting of five phases: cold, hot, rapid temperature cycling, stepped vibration, and combined environmental stress. The test determines a device’s structural integrity, functionality, and durability under extreme conditions. The test is repeated until all components pass, and it can be used to determine warranty agreements and ensure product consistency.
An accelerated life test is a method of testing consumer goods such as electronics. The test usually consists of five independent phases: cold phase, hot phase, rapid temperature cycling, stepped vibration and combined environmental stress. While an object may never experience the extremes produced by the accelerated life test, studies have shown that if an object is susceptible to a certain extreme stress in the short term, it will be susceptible to that same stress at lower levels in the long term.
Cold switching typically determines a device’s lowest operating temperature, as well as determining a device’s structural integrity at its lower extremes. The warm-up phase tests the functionality of a device at high temperatures. This step is often combined with a humidity test to see if atmospheric water affects the device.
The rapid temperature cycling stage usually tests the life of a product when exposed to extreme temperatures. These accelerated life test systems create changes of at least 113°F (45°C) per minute. The temperature fluctuates rapidly between the two extremes to see if this has any effect on the device.
Step vibration subjects a device to vibrations at random frequencies between 20Hz and 2KHz. This test aims to show how well a device will hold up during shipping, as well as during heavy work. The combined environmental stress stage brings it all together and tests the device with vibration at extreme temperatures.
Before starting any test, the parameters for the device are usually calculated. For example, if a team determines that a particular device does not need to receive a high score against extreme cold, they will typically note that a cold failure does not necessarily mean a failure for the device. The same can also be true for extreme heat conditions.
Typically, devices are subjected to the accelerated durability test numerous times before being released to the market. Individual components usually go through the test cycle until they all make the cut. Then, the assembled device usually undergoes testing. If parts don’t fit, they’re typically sent back to the design team who could then rework the weak component.
The accelerated durability test can also be used by companies to determine their warranty agreement. It is also used when manufacturing a device to make sure the product is consistent. If there’s an influx of complaints about inferior products, the company can order an intensive accelerated durability test to find the device’s weak point as quickly as possible.
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