Environmental Stress Screening Test (ESS) exposes electronic components to controlled environmental conditions to find latent faults. Due to manufacturing uncertainty, electronic devices may have early-life failures, so these tests are key.
What is Environmental Stress Screening (ESS)?
Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) detects latent component flaws before deployment by using thermal cycling, random vibration, and humidity to expose potential early failures. Thermal cycling reveals issues like solder joint stress, while vibration testing uncovers loose connections by simulating operational and transport conditions. ESS can be customized to suit specific products and environments, using multi-axis vibration and extreme temperatures to replicate harsh conditions.
Key Processes in ESS
Thermal Cycling and Thermal Shock
Thermal cycling and thermal shock testing are key to electronic component reliability testing at changing temperatures. Various temperature environment conditions may expose product vulnerability in its life cycle and lead to product damage or failure which, in turn, may hamper product reliability.
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) Testing
Moisture Sensitivity Level Test (MSL Test) is introduced to verify moisture sensitivity level of ICs, for avoiding shortened lifespan or damage resulting from IC delamination in SMT reflow assembly.
Temperature and Humidity Testing
The Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) Test assesses electronic components’ resistance to temperature and humidity, targeting failures caused by moisture infiltration through IC seals or pin gaps that can lead to short circuits or current leaks. The Temperature and Humidity test ensures IC enclosures are moisture-resistant to enhance product reliability.
Mechanical Stress Testing
Products often endure mechanical stress during manufacturing, transportation, and regular use. Mechanical stress testing uncovers structural weaknesses that may go undetected in static tests, ensuring product durability and resilience under real-world conditions.
Test Preparation & Execution
Before starting an Environmental Stress Screening Test, select tests that suit the component’s thermal tolerance, vibration sensitivity, and electrical load capacity. Ensure that the testing chamber can consistently maintain specified temperature and vibration settings, and calibrate it accordingly. Conduct the test under these stress conditions, monitoring components closely for potential failures.
Application
- Automotive and Consumer Electronics
- Aerospace