How does an electronics manufacturer know if their products can handle harsh environments? How long should a device be able to handle extreme heat? To answer these questions, the international standard IEC 60068 provides clear and universal guidelines.
What is IEC 60068?
IEC 60068 is the globally recognized standard implemented by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The IEC exists to provide standards and guidelines for electronic devices that nations around the world agree to. In other words, the IEC ensures that electronics manufactured in the U.S. function more or less the same as those made in China, France, India, and the rest of its member nations.
Similar to how IEC 60601 provides standards for medical electronic devices on parameters like power surge protection and electromagnetic interference, IEC 60068 provides standards for electronics that must operate in harsh environmental conditions.
Structure of IEC 60068
IEC 60068 is divided into three primary sections:
- IEC 60068-1: Covers the general terminology and guidance for testing. It includes what must be tested, how they must be tested, and the objective for testing devices in these conditions.
- IEC 60068-2: Covers the individual tests and the degrees of severity for those tests. For example, IEC 60068-2-1 tests for cold temperature exposure.
- IEC 60068-3: Includes supporting documentation and background information on test families.
Which Electronics Need IEC 60068 Testing?
In theory, any electronic device could be submitted for IEC 60068 testing. However, most products, such as consumer-grade computers and smartphones, are not intended to be used in harsh environments and don’t warrant testing. Most devices tested under IEC 60068 are purpose-built for rough working conditions, such as rugged industrial tablets.
What Does IEC 60068 Test For?
IEC 60068 is meant to be as comprehensive as possible in covering environmental threats to electronics. While covering every single one is outside the scope of this article, IEC 60068’s tests can be grouped into three general categories.
Extreme Temperatures
Extreme heat and extreme cold both pose a threat to electronic devices, potentially damaging circuits and causing performance issues. IEC 60068-2-1, 60068-2-2, 60068-2-30, and others cover temperature extremes, as well as situations such as damp heat and sudden changes between temperature extremes.
Shock and Vibration
Sudden impacts or constant rattling can literally shake a computer’s internal components apart, dislodging memory sticks or even cracking the motherboard. To see if their devices are prepared against this threat, manufacturers will subject their products to tests such as IEC 60068-2-7, 60068-2-31, and 60068-2-80. These tests simulate both constant vibrations, sudden and unexpected shocks, hammer strikes, and everything in between. Meeting these tests ensures that a computer won’t break apart from a single drop or from sitting in the back of a bouncing truck.
Hostile Environments
While most computers will never be used outside of a home or office, some will be exposed to salt mist, extremes in air pressure such as those in the upper atmosphere, and the threat of water entering the casing. For these problems, tests such as IEC 60068-2-11, 60068-2-13, and 60068-2-18 are used to verify if the device’s design can withstand them.
How Are IEC 60068 Tests Performed?
Obviously, IEC 60068 testing methods differ based on what parameter is being tested for. Within each parameter, there are also varying levels of severity, representing the degrees to which a threat might affect the device.
Testing Methods
The most common methods for IEC 60068 testing include:
- Extreme Temperatures: The device is sealed inside an atmospheric chamber that can alter the temperature within, exposing it to extreme heat and cold.
- Shock and Vibration: The device is attached to a machine that shakes and rattles the device to the specifications of the IEC 60068 test. Testers can adjust the strength and duration of the vibrations to meet different severities.
- Hostile Environments: For testing different conditions, specialized chambers can be used to expose the device to simulated conditions. For example, salt fog chambers are used to simulate the same conditions found in marine environments.
Testing Degrees
Within each IEC 60068-2 test, there are different testing methods for different degrees of severity. For example, IEC 60068-2-52 tests devices against salt fog exposure and their ability to withstand corrosion. In IEC 60068-2-52 Test Method #1, a device is sealed inside an enclosed chamber sprayed with a salt solution at 35° Celsius for two hours. It is then exposed to a humid atmosphere at 40° Celsius for six days and 22 hours. This cycle is repeated four times, for a total of 28 days.
For contrast, Test Method #7 involves eight-hour-long cycles of salt spray followed by wet and dry conditions that can last as long as one day (3 cycles) to as much as 60 days (180 cycles). Test Method #8 is the same as #7, but uses an acidified salt solution!
Benefits of IEC 60068
Using IEC 60068 to guide product development isn’t just a bragging point. It’s often a necessity for devices used in high-stakes environments. A device without IEC 60068 certification is not suitable for use in these places.
Reliability
The most obvious benefit of IEC 60068 certification is that it ensures the reliability of the device in question. For example, an industrial panel PC that’s been tested for shock and vibration resistance can handle being mounted next to a manufacturing machine without rattling apart. This helps bring computer support to applications that would otherwise go without it.
End-User Safety
In certain work environments, computer support isn’t just a luxury, but a necessity to keep equipment functioning properly and monitor workers during their shift. A CNC machine that loses connection to its controlling computer might behave erratically, endangering workers and any other nearby equipment. Without a computer to control the rate of crude oil flowing through a pump, an entire rig might be put in jeopardy. An IEC 60068 certification ensures more reliable equipment, and more reliable equipment ensures safety.
Mark of Quality
Any design boasting IEC certifications has been exhaustively tested and certified by independent third parties to ensure its reliability. This makes IEC 60068 certifications an excellent way for companies to prove the skills of their design and manufacturing departments.
IEC 60068-Tested Computers From Cybernet Manufacturing
IEC 60068 is more than just another piece of bureaucratic paperwork; it’s a key step in ensuring the ruggedness and reliability of an electronic device, and should be considered mandatory for any computer used in harsh conditions.
If you’re looking for computers and tablets with IEC 600068 certification, contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. Our range of panel PCs, mini PCs, and computer tablets is extensively tested and certified to IEC 60068 standards, ensuring a failure rate below 0.5%.