Everything you need to know about temperature tests in the automotive industry
Temperature tests play a crucial role in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to the durability and reliability of electronic components. Vehicles are exposed to extreme temperatures – from freezing cold to scorching heat. In this article, you will learn why temperature testing is essential for manufacturers of vehicle electronics, how these tests help to ensure the quality and safety of automobiles, and what specific challenges need to be considered.
Importance of temperature tests
Temperature tests are test procedures in which electronic components are examined under controlled temperature conditions in order to evaluate their reaction to extreme heat and cold. These tests are essential to ensure that electronic components installed in vehicles can withstand real-life operating conditions.
Why is this so important? Modern vehicles are complex systems in which a large number of electronic components interact with each other. These components must function reliably even under extreme temperatures in order to ensure the safety and functionality of the vehicle. From drivetrain control to assistance systems and air conditioning – every component must work reliably even under the harshest conditions.
Essential temperature tests to ensure the reliability of the electronics
Various test methods are used to test the resilience of the electronics. These are designed to simulate the conditions as realistically as possible and to detect possible weak points at an early stage. The most important temperature tests include
- Temperature storage: In this test, components are stored at extremely high or low temperatures for long periods of time. This simulates, for example, the conditions to which a vehicle is exposed if it is left in a hot desert or a cold climate for a long period of time. The test aims to ensure the long-term durability of the components.
- Temperature cycling test: Here, the components are repeatedly exposed to rapid temperature changes, going from hot to cold and vice versa within a few minutes. These tests are particularly important to check the mechanical stability of the components. Rapidly changing temperatures can lead to material stresses that could cause cracks or other damage.
- Step temperature test: This test examines the function of the electronics at different temperature levels. By gradually increasing or decreasing the temperature, it is possible to determine if and when components begin to malfunction. This is particularly useful for identifying fault mechanisms such as drifting resistors or thermally induced instabilities.
Additional challenges for temperature tests
Temperature tests are essential, but they also bring with them some challenges that engineers need to be aware of:
- Thermal ageing: Repeated exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to accelerated ageing of materials. This particularly affects plastics and sealing materials, which are used in many electronic components. The tests must therefore evaluate not only the functionality but also the long-term durability of the materials.
- Humidity and temperature: In many real-life scenarios, extreme temperatures are accompanied by high or low humidity. This combination can significantly affect the behavior of electronic components, as humidity can change the electrical properties of materials. It is therefore often useful to combine temperature tests with humidity tests.
- Testing of interfaces: At extreme temperatures, the materials of different components can expand or contract differently. This can lead to problems at the interfaces, e.g. with connectors or solder joints. Precise testing of mechanical integrity is essential here.
Why are temperature tests so important?
Temperature testing is crucial to ensure that electronics function reliably in different climatic conditions and that there are no failures or safety risks. This is particularly important in the automotive industry, as vehicles are often exposed to extreme temperatures for years, whether in arctic winters or hot desert regions. Without sufficient temperature testing, components could fail, which could not only lead to costly recalls, but also jeopardize the safety of vehicle occupants.
A concrete example: Imagine if a vehicle’s control unit stopped working properly in extreme cold. This could lead to a failure of the entire engine control unit, which could result in a dangerous situation. Similar risks exist in extreme temperatures, for example if sensors provide incorrect data or displays are no longer readable.
Findings from temperature tests
Valuable insights for the further development and optimization of electronic components can be gained from the temperature tests carried out. The tests not only show whether a component works under extreme conditions, but also where potential weak points lie that can be improved. This enables manufacturers to continuously increase the reliability and safety of their products and thus gain a competitive advantage.
Our services
At Enveon, we specialize in the testing of control units and electronic components. With an extensive range of climatic and temperature chambers, we can perform all the temperature tests required to meet the demands of the automotive industry. Our state-of-the-art testing procedures enable us to simulate even complex scenarios and achieve realistic results.
Our flexible resources allow us to respond quickly to customer requirements, whether adapting existing test protocols or developing new, customized test procedures. We understand that time is a critical factor in the development and testing of automotive components, which is why we offer fast and efficient solutions without compromising on quality.
Get in touch with us
If you have any questions about temperature testing or need assistance with your tests, leave a message in the comments or contact us anytime at +498935647938 . Our team will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the right tests.
Let’s work together to ensure that your electronics function reliably even under extreme conditions and meet the highest safety standards.
