Sensors & Electronics
Electronics & Systems
Environmental Testing of Equipment (26)
Problem: Verify equipment and materials will meet operating requirements by performing operational environmental tests
Project Activity Scope (from Technical Overview Chart): Circuits & Devices through Integrated Systems
PNNL Solution:
- Established environmental test lab [shock, vibration, corrosive sprays, non-ionizing radiation (DC to microwave), ionizing radiation, temperature, humidity, pressure/vacuum]
- Developed and documented application specific test procedures
- Evaluated environmental stress effects on equipment performance
- Analyzed and documented test results
Capabilities Employed to Meet Client Needs:
- Staff determine the environment to which the equipment will be subjected. In some cases, this includes characterizing the environment where the equipment will be used by making field measurements of magnetic field intensity, RF intensity, gamma radiation backgrounds, etc.
- A test plan is then designed around the customer's request, required/desired national and international standards, and the actual field environment. The environmental insults considered are typically temperature, pressure, and humidity extremes; condensing environments; vibration; high intensity magnetic or RF fields (up to the microwave range); and noise or transients on AC power lines.
- The device or material is then subjected to the environment described in the test plan. The device's response to a test signal is recorded during and after the device is subjected to the environmental "insult." The "under test" and post-test responses are compared to the pre-test response to determine if the environment effected the device. All test conditions and environments are monitored using measuring and test equipment with calibrations traceable to NIST or other recognized standards.
- When appropriate, the test procedure & data collection can be automated to provide improved efficiency and record completeness. Tests are frequently video taped to allow off site customers to view the devices or materials while under test.
- Deliverables provided to clients commonly include documented test plans and procedures and test reports describing test results including statistical and failure analysis.
Selected Links to Related Information:
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Contact: Michelle Johnson
