Jeff --
Burn-in tests are most effective when conducted at elevated temperatures
since elevated temperatures tend to accelerate component failures.
Studies of component failures reveal that devices tend to fail according to
a "bathtub" curve with the steep end of the bathtub representing failures
during the initial life of a device (the so called "infantile" failure
events). During the initial life of the device the failure rate falls
rapidly to a more or less uniform failure rate during the normal lifetime of
the device (the "bottom" of the bathtub). As the device enters its
end-of-life era the failure rate slowly increases (the end of the bathtub
with the gentle slope) until the device eventually expires.
The purpose of "burn-in" is to put enough initial stress on the device to
precipitate pending infantile failures before shipment to the customer.
Burn-in testing should be performed at the maximum rated operating
temperature of the device with the device fully powered up and operational.
It is normally done for a period of one to several days.
Testing at temperatures above the maximum rated operating temperature is
likely to be counter-productive as it may overstress critical components.
I burn-in all of my microcontroller products for 48 hours before
shipment/delivery.
Happy testing, Bob Smith
--- Avoid computer viruses, Practice safe hex ---
-- Specializing in small, cost effective
embedded control systems --
Robert L. (Bob) Smith
Smith Machine Works, Inc.
9900 Lumlay Road
Richmond, VA 23236 804/745-1065
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
----- Original Message -----
To: "Multiple recipients of list CHIPDIR-L" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 04, 2002 5:23 PM
> Does anybody have any info or sources on initial burn-in
> testing of electronic products. For example, I have a
> prototype product consisting of an embedded MCU and some
> digital and analog I/O. I would like to develop a burn
> in procedure. Should it be done at room temp. or at an
> elevated temp ? If anyone has any expertise in this area
> I would really appreciate some advice on where I could find this type of
> information.
>
> A Google search turned up many contract manufacturing services, but no
> specific procedural information.
>
> Thanks,
> Jeff
>
> --
> Author: Jeff McKnight
> INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>
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--
Author: Robert Smith
INET: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Fat City Network Services -- (858) 538-5051 FAX: (858) 538-5051
San Diego, California -- Public Internet access / Mailing Lists
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