ISO 16750-3 is a central standard that ensures that electronic components in vehicles can withstand the mechanical stresses that occur during daily operation. Vibrations, shocks and other mechanical influences can cause severe damage to vehicle electronics. In this article, you will find out why this standard is essential for manufacturers of vehicle electronics and which tests it covers.
Significance of ISO 16750-3
ISO 16750-3 focuses on the mechanical resilience of individual components in vehicles. It describes the various tests that ensure that control units, sensors and other electronic components can withstand the conditions in the vehicle.
Why is this so important? Vehicles are exposed to a variety of stresses throughout their service life. Just think of the constant vibrations of the engine, the shocks caused by potholes or the jolts that can occur during sudden braking or collisions. Without the right tests, these stresses would lead to failure – with potentially serious consequences for the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
The ISO 16750 series of standards
The ISO 16750 series of standards comprises five parts that cover all important aspects of stress testing for vehicle electronics:
- Part 1: General requirements and tests
- Part 2: Electrical stresses
- Part 3: Mechanical stresses
- Part 4: Climatic stresses
- Part 5: Chemical stresses
Relevance of the tests for the automotive industry
The ISO 16750-3 tests are crucial to ensure that the electronics in the vehicle can withstand the daily conditions of everyday use. From the vibrations caused by the engine to the shocks of driving over potholes – all these influences have an impact on the sensitive electronics. However, a common mistake in practice is that engineers tend to select the harshest vibration profile to ensure that the electronics can withstand all stresses.
Why is this problematic? In many cases, this leads to unnecessary testing and possibly even destruction of the components, as they are not designed for such extreme conditions. It is therefore important to choose the right profile for the specific application. A customised selection of test profiles can not only save costs and time, but also increase the longevity and reliability of the products.
Structure and test methods of ISO 16750-3
ISO 16750-3 comprises various tests that cover all important mechanical loads to which vehicle electronics are exposed:
- Vibration tests: these tests simulate the vibrations caused by driving on different road surfaces. Both low frequencies caused by slow driving manoeuvres and high frequencies caused by fast movements and vibrations in the engine compartment are taken into account.
- Shock tests: These tests simulate sudden mechanical impacts, such as those that can occur in an accident or when driving over obstacles. This tests whether the electronics remain functional even in the event of extreme impacts.
- Free-fall tests: This tests how the electronics react to falls and other mechanical stresses during transport and storage. This test is particularly important to ensure that the components continue to function properly even after a fall.
- Gravel Bombardment Test: This special test simulates the drop of heavy objects, such as a falling spanner, onto sensitive electronics in the vehicle. This test is crucial to ensure that the electronics are not damaged even in the event of unforeseen mechanical impacts.
Other practical tests and methods
In addition to the classic tests, ISO 16750-3 also includes test methods that cover more specific scenarios. One example of this is the Sand impact test, which simulates how components react to the impact of small, abrasive particles, such as those that can be whirled up by tyre abrasion. Such tests are particularly relevant in off-road vehicles or agricultural machinery, which are often used in harsh environments.
Another important test procedure is the continuous vibration test, in which components are exposed to continuous vibrations over a longer period of time. This simulates the stress that a component could experience over the lifetime of a vehicle and is crucial to ensure the longevity of the electronics.
The wealth of experience of ISO 16750-3
ISO 16750-3 is an essential standard for anyone developing electronic components for vehicles. It ensures that products can withstand mechanical stress and function reliably in practice. The correct application of this standard helps to avoid failures and increase customer satisfaction.
However, the standard is more than just a set of rules – it is a guide for engineers who want to ensure that their products not only stand up to the test bench, but also to the real world. By precisely adapting the test profiles to the actual operating conditions, ISO 16750-3 can help to avoid unnecessary failures and significantly extend the service life of components.
Why Enveon is the right partner for your tests
At Enveon, we specialise in the compliance and implementation of standards such as ISO 16750. Our extensive equipment and in-depth expertise enable us to perform your testing accurately and reliably. We understand the challenges associated with the mechanical stresses of vehicle operation and offer customised solutions to ensure your products meet the highest standards.
Our flexible resources and rapid response service, the Test Fire Brigade, enable us to respond to last-minute requirements and support your projects on time. Our experts will work closely with you to ensure the right testing strategies are developed, tailored to your specific requirements.
Get in touch with us
If you would like to find out more about ISO 16750-3 and the corresponding test methods or need support in carrying out your tests, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you develop the right testing strategies for your products.
