What is HALT Testing?
Highly Accelerated Life Testing, or HALT testing, is an effective and reasonably priced method of testing the strength and condition of an electrical component, such as cables or receptacles. HALT testing services subject a product to gradually higher stress levels to determine its weaknesses and design flaws. This process is completed during the design phase over a certain amount of time until the desired results are achieved. Read on to learn more about HALT test methods and its benefits from Gateway Cable Company!
What are the HALT Test Methods?
HALT test methods are test-to-fail procedures, meaning they involve testing a product until it fails. During these tests, components are subjected to stress they would likely never be subjected to during regular use. This makes it easier for organizations to make improvements to a product as necessary throughout the course of its life. Here are a few of the environmental stresses applied during HALT vibration testing:
- Extreme hot and cold temperatures
- Temperature cycles
- Power cycling
- Vibration
- Power margining
When performing these tests, the following HALT testing guidelines should be followed for accurate data collection:
- A minimum vibration level of 50 gRMS
- A minimum temperature range of -80°C to 170°C
- A thermal change rate of 40 °C per minute
The performance of a component during a HALT can help manufacturers make decisions about its technological limits, susceptibility to vibration, and the function of its circuitry or connections.
Where Can I Find HALT Testing Services?
Due to the extreme conditions that must be present for productive results, HALT testing services must be conducted in a certified HALT lab. Specific HALT chambers have been developed to account for extreme warping, melting, and other destructive actions. The chambers follow strict HALT testing guidelines as products are put to their limits as far as thermal exposure, vibration settings, and shock cycle settings.
What are the Benefits of HALT Testing?
HALT testing services can’t predict the life of a product, however, HALT test methods are low-cost and help identify design flaws and weaknesses more quickly than traditional techniques. With HALT testing, it’s possible to lower manufacturing costs, get a product to market more quickly, and reduce warranty costs. When a product fails during HALT, it’s a chance to improve it further, so if it is subjected to environmental stresses, it’ll perform ruggedly.
Once HALT has been completed, HASS testing can begin. HASS applies the stresses used during HALT simultaneously, based on the limits of the product. This helps reveal any defects and helps monitor the quality during manufacturing.
Learn More About HALT Testing Services With Gateway Cable Company!
If you’re searching for reliable electrical components, look no further than Gateway Cable Company. Not only is our facility ISO 9001:2015 certified, but we also offer a wide range of MIL-SPEC electrical components tested under extreme conditions. Request a quote online or contact us with any questions!