Electrical stress accelerated tests

Accelerated tests usually require the application of a higher electrical stress (voltage) coupled sometimes with an increase in temperature as a second accelerating factor. As in all accelerated testing, care must be taken to ensure that this does not introduce ageing mechanisms different to those that occur in service. The most common relation used to predict insulation life in the presence of partial discharges is the power law ... 

Thus, components that are surface mounted with adhesives must maintain their strength and electrical properties during and after these combined environments and after repeated stresses. To assure reliabiUty, numerous accelerated tests have been developed and incorporated in military and industry specifications. Among specifications governing the mechanical, electrical, and quaUfication requirements for electronic components, modules, subsystems, and systems, most of which could not be met without using qualified and reliable adhesives, are MIL-STD-883, MIL-STD-810, MlL-STD-202, and MIL-PRF-38534. ... 

After obtaining the prototypes, tests must be made to determine the utility. Generally these include a short time destructive test to determine the strength and to check out the basic design. Another test that is done is to use the product in the projected environment with stress levels increased in a rational manner to make for an accelerated life test. Other tests may include consumer acceptance tests to determine what instructions in proper use are required, tests for potential safety hazards, electrical tests, self-extinguishing tests, and any others that the product requires. In the case of high risk products, the test program is continued even after the product enters service. 

Figure 6 shows the performance of encapsulated devices under the highly accelerated stress test which utilizes the following conditions 145°C, 85% relative humidity, 37 psig, and electrical bias. The bias on this test is cycled specifically, the bias is initially off to allow for full moisture penetration and then turned on. These cycles are repeated throughout the test. The stable bromine CEN compound took 2500 hours to reach 50% failure rate, compared to the standard resin compound at 1900 hours. 

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