Tech

TotalTemp the New Leader in Microwave & RF Thermal Testing

Similar to RF systems, Thermal Testing has its basic standards and theory. Likewise there are developments in the industry that make a clear distinction between the new modern testing methods available.

By SanDiegoRed Editorial2018-11-30T23:10:00+00:00

RF and Microwave electronics have had a lot of progress and recent new developments, yet the basics and standards remain.

Similar to RF systems, Thermal Testing has its basic standards and theory. Likewise there are developments in the industry that make a clear distinction between the new modern testing methods available. Convection and Conduction heat transfer basics do not change but we can do a lot to manage the processes better with smarter controllers and multiple sensors. Many devices that need to be thermally tested have sections that are either more thermally isolated, or have varying heat capacities and even active loads. These variables can be quickly monitored and managed using modern temperature control methods.

Temperature controllers that can read and control from two or more points have been around for decades. However, automating the process with multiple sensors has become a lot easier with newer temperature controllers. Additionally, convenient new automation features such as status/alarm reporting can save time and prevent damaged products. Email or text alert can quickly save an automated production test from going into the weeds wasting time and money.
Temperature chambers have been standard faire since environmental testing standards such as MIL-STD-810 were first written. Applications for thermal platforms have found wide and growing usage in the RF & Microwave industry for several reasons.

1) Fast and easily programmable transitions to temperature.
2) Large heating and heat removal capability.
3) Easy benchtop accessibility to the device while under test.
4) Small footprint in the lab where space is so valuable.
5) Reliable wide temperature range with ultra cold temperature capability.
6) Many microwave electronic parts and packages simply have a flat thermally conductive surface that is well suited to heat transfer by conduction.

Using LN2 for cooling is very effective and has beauty in the simplicity of only requiring one moving part. Systems using LN2 are cheaper to buy and operate than complex compressor based systems, especially when counting in the maintenance and electricity costs. TotalTemp is currently working on modern designs to greatly improve the capacity, efficiency and reliability of standard refrigeration based systems using latest technologies for cases where LN2 is not practical.

TotalTemp has a notable unique offering that delivers the benefits of thermal testing with both conduction and convection together. This advantage, along with the advanced control algorithms has customers reporting that they can cut test time in half. The combined effects of conduction and convection results in both speed plus reduced thermal gradients.