Thermotron sold six XSE-600-15-15 humidity chambers to a semiconductor manufacturer to test microprocessors to be integrated into PCs, tablets, cell phones, etc.
The customer is automating testing practices by using one central server to control which products are loaded into the humidity chambers along with which profile (environmental and/or electrical) is performed. The data output from each test is analyzed by the central server to determine if the products meet specification. This automation is implemented on our TestTools™ Multi-Voltage Biased Rack (MVBR).
This humidity chamber is unique for a few reasons.
1. The products under test must stay warmer than the dewpoint in order to avoid condensation. In order to do this, Thermotron invented Product Dewpoint Control (PDC).
The PDC feature uses algorithms programmed into the 8800 programmer controller to automatically maintain the product to be warmer than the humidity chamber dewpoint. This allows the 8800 to implement the best possible ramp rate to the desired temperature/relative humidity conditions while preventing condensation on the products under test. In the simplest configuration, the product temperature control sensor becomes the PDC sensor when in dewpoint mode. In these humidity chambers, a second control module was added so that 7 additional thermocouples could be distributed inside the chamber. The 8800 algorithm then uses a minimum of eight thermocouple readings (PDC thermocouple + 7 extras) to maintain the correct offset between product temperature and test chamber air temperature. The PDC option will be available to customers like other options we provide such as humidity, low humidity, purge, etc. PDC can be retrofitted to existing chambers if the software is updated.
2. The humidity chambers were engineered to 50Hz and 60Hz for worldwide performance. The customer wanted the same test results if the test was conducted in the United States, Europe, or the Far East. A variable speed drive assures consistent airflow regardless of the customer’s operating voltage.
3. Two versa ports were included in the design to accommodate custom connections for powering products and recording thermocouple data. The versa port is similar to our patented universal port because it offers access into the humidity chamber via a removable port. It differs in that the versa port is of a custom nature, or non-standard because it has different dimensions, special connections, unique port sizes, etc.
4. The steam generator is sized to handle significant live loads across a wide temperature/humidity range.
Companies testing products sensitive to condensation in industries such as space, defense, electronics, aerospace, automotive telecommunications, etc., would require an SE environmental test chamber with the optional PDC feature. Also, companies with multiple test lab locations worldwide would benefit from the dual power feature.