C-MAC MicroTechnology has enhanced its independent test house facility in Great Yarmouth, UK. The test house allows the rigorous testing of printed circuit board assemblies, hybrid modules and other electronic components employed in harsh environments, such as satellites, automotive applications and military aircraft. It is one of the few UK facilities used by C-MAC and other companies to ensure that components manufactured in Europe meet the stringent requirements of IEC 68, EIA-364, MIL-STD 883 and MIL-STD 202 test methods.

The enhancement of the facility comprises significant investment in a new, more capable vibration test system that will be of particular value to the oil and gas industry, and extended its cold storage capability to meet the growing demand from the new UK space agency. The new cold storage facility, which facilitates the testing of whole instruments down to -85°C, will enable manufacturers to test their electronics in space-like conditions for a prolonged period of time.

The internal volume of the chamber is 800 by 650 by 950 mm and this extends the test steady state hot and cold storage capability from -85° to +300°C. As part of the general expansion of test house capability, its accreditation has been extended to include EIA-364, particularly important for companies providing electrical connectors for applications in space and other harsh environments.

The new vibration system extends the static load capacity to 500 kg. This six times capacity increase allows electrical, electro-mechanical and mechanical components and products to be tested. This new 20 kN system features a shaker with a 51 mm travel providing sine, random, and sine-on-random waveforms. Bump and shock test capability has also been expanded to 50 g, 6 mS.

Paul Hill, General Manager, C-MAC, commented, “These improvements to our testing facility significantly enhance our offering in both the oil and gas and space industries. With the launch of the UK Space Agency we anticipate a growing need for UK-based testing facilities, so I’m very pleased that we can offer world leading facilities right here in Great Yarmouth.”