Eight Tests for PCBA Reliability

An overview of thermal shock, vibration, humidity, salt spray and other tests used to evaluate electronics in demanding environments.

Beyond initial functionality

A working prototype does not by itself demonstrate long-term reliability. Electronics may face changing temperatures, movement and environmental exposure during transport and operation. Reliability testing looks for weaknesses that an initial functional check may not reveal.

Thermal and mechanical stress

JIEJIA’s reliability overview describes thermal-shock testing to examine the effects of rapid temperature changes. Repeated expansion and contraction can stress solder joints, board materials and component packages. Vibration testing evaluates assemblies under dynamic loading and can reveal weaknesses in joints, component attachments and connectors.

Relating tests to the application

The article also discusses environmental testing, including humidity and salt exposure. The useful starting point is the intended operating environment: test planning should connect the stresses being applied with the conditions the product is expected to encounter.

Adapted from JIEJIA’s original Chinese article.