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TESTING 1, 2

Part 2: Standards: Prepping Your Prototype
by George Novacek

Start • Drainage • Temperature • Humidity • Shocks and Vibrations • Explosions • The Nasties • Sources and PDF

Part 2: Standards—Prepping Your Prototype

In Part 1, I suggested that North America’s edge in the electronics industry will only come through the development of high-quality products. If a product comes back for any reason, we lose. My hypothesis is that the only way around returns is to make products that not only withstand the rigors of laboratory testing, but also stand up in the real world where there are wildly extreme environmental and electrical conditions.

After relating a couple of designer-nightmare stories, I told you about my good friend, the DO-160D, the Environmental Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment. Although many designers gripe about standards such as these, I’ve always considered them to be excellent guides. Following the practices they outline can save you from much redesign and troubleshooting.

This month, I’d like to walk you through some of the DO-160D’s significant sections. It should help you quickly identify where to look when you get going on your next design.

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