In many application cases of automation and the robotization of mobile systems, various hardware components are exposed to unfavorable conditions like high temperatures, water, dirt, permanent vibrations or shocks. In these extreme situations the components also need to work flawlessly to ensure the functionality of the whole system. To guarantee the reliability in such conditions the components are tested in different domains. In the previous two weeks we have dealed with the topics “Resistance of vibration and shock“ and “Protection classes and degrees of protection“. Accordingly, today’s article is about the temperature spectrum of electrical components as a further criterion of hardware components.
Normally, hardware components have to work smooth not only at room temperature. It is very important to inform yourself about the working temperature of your electronic devices before purchase. This is essential to guarantee the devices to keep on working even at very high or low temperature.
Heating and cooling can lead to a loss of electronic components
In case hardware components have to work outside of heated rooms they eventually must withstand temperatures far below freezing without any defects or disturbances. The electronic components can e.g. have a defect or breakage when the working temperature or the storage is too cold. Likewise it is possible that the liquid in components like LCD screens (Liquid Crystal Displays) can freeze.
When the storage or the operating temperature of the electronic components is to warm/hot the devices can be damaged, too. Winding goods like coils and transformers can be damaged at the isolation and therefore a loss of the hardware components can occur. Film capacitors could have damages at the isolation. Electrolytic capacitors could vaporize.
In practice, manufacturers test their products independently. Afterwards they insert the information into the data sheet of the hardware. We are talking about an “extended temperature range” when the electronic components surpass the standard temperature range of -20°C to +50°C. There is no definition that specifies the exact boundaries when talking about an extended temperature range. For this reason, the temperature spectrum is listed in the data sheet additionally with absolute numbers. An extended temperature range of more than +125°C is rarely guaranteed.
Conclusion
Generally it is always positive to feature an extended temperature range. Especially electronic components who are located nearby motors, ovens or other warming or cooling devices, should be tested before purchase. If this information is given, the accordingly robust electronic components can be bought. For example the GCB Ruggedized of our product range can be used in the context of mobile applications or Industry 4.0 scenarios and bears up temperatures of -40°C to +70°C without any problems.
In addition it is very important to prove the margin of the extended temperature range because there are no special norms to be followed.
