Understanding The Common Standards For Vibration Testing In The Electronics Industry

There are several common standards for vibration testing in the electronics industry, including:

MIL-STD-810:

This is a military standard that outlines testing procedures for environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests. MIL-STD-810 includes specific procedures for vibration testing of electronic equipment to ensure that they can withstand the vibrations and shocks encountered in various environments.

IEC 60068:

This is a series of international standards that provides guidelines for testing electronic equipment under different environmental conditions, including vibration. IEC 60068 outlines specific procedures for vibration testing, including sine sweep, random vibration, and mechanical shock testing.

ASTM D3580:

This is a standard test method for vibration testing of packaged products. ASTM D3580 outlines specific procedures for testing the ability of packaged products to withstand vibrations during shipping and handling.

ISTA 2A:

This is a standard procedure for simulating the distribution environment by random vibration testing. The ISTA 2A standard is commonly used in the electronics industry to test the ability of products to withstand vibrations during shipping and handling.

EIA-364:

This is a series of test procedures developed by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) for testing the reliability of electronic components and systems. EIA-364 includes specific procedures for vibration testing, including sine sweep, random vibration, and mechanical shock testing.

All the above-mentioned standards for vibration testing are applicable in the United Kingdom. Although some standards may have originated in other countries, they have been widely adopted by many industries and regulatory bodies worldwide, including the United Kingdom.

In the UK, the European Union’s CE marking is also commonly used as a requirement for products to be sold in the European Economic Area (EEA). The CE marking indicates that a product meets the relevant EU regulations, including those related to vibration testing.

Additionally, many industries in the UK have their own standards and regulations for vibration testing, such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which provide guidance on testing procedures and performance requirements for electronic equipment and systems in various industries, including engineering, manufacturing, and electronics. These standards provide practical guidance on test methods, test conditions, and performance requirements, helping to ensure the reliability and safety of electronic equipment and systems.

The BSI is a non-profit organization that develops and publishes standards for various industries, including engineering, manufacturing, and electronics. BSI’s standards related to vibration testing include:

BS EN 60068-2-6: Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)

This standard outlines procedures for vibration testing of electronic equipment and systems under sinusoidal vibrations. It provides guidance on test methods, test conditions, and performance requirements.

BS EN 60068-2-64: Environmental testing – Part 2-64: Tests – Test Fh: Vibration, broadband random and guidance

This standard provides guidance on the testing of electronic equipment and systems under broadband random vibration conditions. It outlines test methods, test conditions, and performance requirements.

BS EN 61373: Railway applications – Rolling stock equipment – Shock and vibration testing

This standard is specific to the railway industry and provides guidance on the testing of rolling stock equipment under shock and vibration conditions. It outlines test methods, test conditions, and performance requirements.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is a professional organization that provides guidance and standards related to various engineering fields, including electronics. IET’s standards related to vibration testing include:

IET Engineering Practice Guide No. 22: Vibration testing of small, low mass, high value electronic equipment

This guide provides practical guidance on the vibration testing of small, low-mass electronic equipment that is highly valuable, such as aerospace or medical devices. It outlines test methods, test conditions, and performance requirements.

IET Code of Practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment

This code of practice is not specific to vibration testing, but it does provide guidance on the inspection and testing of electrical equipment, which can include vibration testing. It outlines best practices for testing procedures, testing intervals, and record-keeping.

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