MIL-STD-810 Temperature Testing for Custom Power Supplies

Viable Power performs MIL-STD-810 temperature testing on its power supplies in accordance with the specific client requirements and needs. These tests are performed at our facilities to ensure the durability and reliability of our power supplies when operating in extremely hot, cold, or rapidly fluctuating temperatures.

When temperature testing under MIL-STD-810 (current version being MIL-STD-8910H), we perform a series of stress tests that help ensure the longevity, reliability, and durability of our ruggedized power supplies.

We look for specific things, such as the ability of the circuit boards, transistors, and other parts of the power supply to stand up to high heat and freezing temperatures while continuing to function normally.

MIL-STD-810 Temperature Testing That We Perform

We perform three separate temperature tests:

  • Test Method (501.7) – High Temperature

  • Test Method (502.7) – Low Temperature

  • Test Method (503.7) – Temperature Shock

Each test has up to three procedures that we perform in all temperature ranges included in the specification (with or without humidity). The temperature/humidity tests can be done at operating or non-operating conditions.

To perform the tests, we utilize a state-of-the-art thermal chamber that has the following features:

  • Temperature range of 65°C to +190°C (-94°F to +375°F)

  • Control & Stability: ±0.5°C (±1°F) at steady-state condition after stabilization

  • An average “supply” air temperature change rate of 8°C/min (14.4°F/min)

  • Live Load Testing Capacity is 3,500 watts at -40°C (-40°F)

  • 2,600 watts at -54°C (-65°F) 1,600 watts at -68°C (-90°F)

  • Interior dimension of 76 cm cube (30” cube)

MIL-STD-810 Temperature Testing_Power Supply

We can program our temperature and temperature/humidity chambers to meet the requirements defined in MIL-STD-810, RTCA-DO-160, MIL-HDBK-2164A, and others. Our equipment is regularly calibrated with results traceable to NIST.

Test Method (501.7) – High Temperature

The High-Temperature test assesses how the power supply performs in high temperatures for included temperature environments and ambient air. The specified basic daytime temperature ranges for induced conditions and ambient are 30-43°C (86-110°F) and 30-63°C (86-145°F). We perform this test at all temperature ranges included in the specification, with or without humidity.

MIL-STD-810 Test Method 501.7- High Temperature consists of three test procedures:

  • Procedure I (Storage)—this test looks at how high temperatures affect the power supply’s integrity, safety, and performance when in storage or not in use.

  • Procedure II (Operation)—this test assesses the effects of high temperatures while the power supply is operating.

  • Procedure III (Tactical-Standby to Operational)—this test determines the power supply’s performance at operating temperatures after being pre-soaked at non-operational temperatures.

Test Method (502.7) – Low Temperature

This test intends to determine and evaluate the effect of low temperatures on the power supply’s integrity, performance, material safety during operation, manipulation, and storage.

502.7 specifies three climatic conditions:

  • Basic cold—The temperature cycle ranges are from -25°C to -33°C (-13°F to -28°F) in induced temperature conditions and -21°C to -32°C (-5°F to -25°F) in ambient air conditions.

  • Cold—This category’s temperature cycle ranges are from -37°C to -46°C (-35°F to -50°F), in included temperature and ambient air conditions.

  • Severe cold—The temperature cycle ranges for severe cold are -51°C (-60°F).

MIL-STD-810 Test Method 502.7 – Low Temperature consists of two test procedures:

  • Procedure I (Storage)—assess how low temperatures affect the power supply’s safety, performance, and integrity when not in use or storage.

  • Procedure II (Operation)—this test determines the effects of low temperatures while the power supply is in operation.

Test Method (503.7) – Temperature Shock

The temperature shock test determines whether the power supply can sustain and withstand sudden temperature changes without experiencing a performance decline or physical damage. “Sudden temperature changes” are defined as changes greater than 10°C (18°F) over the duration of one minute.

There are three different problems that could arise from a temperature shock:

  • Physical—the power supply could receive physical damage such as shattered glass, deformation of components, failure of insulation protection, or a wide range of other conditions.

  • Electrical—electrical problems can arise from changes in components or mechanical/electrical failures that occur due to frost or rapid water formation.

  • Procedure I-C—this test gives multi-cycle shocks from a constant extreme temperature. It includes a minimum of three shocks at each condition (e.g., three transfers from hot to cold and three transfers from cold to hot)

  • Chemical—chemical problems arise from the failure of chemical agent protection or separation of constituents.

MILS-810-STD Test method 503.7 – Temperature Shock consists of one test procedure with four different variations:

  • Procedure I-A—this test gives a one-way shock from each appropriate condition (e.g., high-to-low temperature or low-to-high temperature)

  • Procedure I-B—this test gives a single cycle shock from a constant extreme temperature for each appropriate condition (e.g., high-to-low and low-to-high)

  • Procedure I-C—this test gives multi-cycle shocks from a constant extreme temperature. It includes a minimum of three shocks at each condition (e.g., three transfers from hot to cold and three transfers from cold to hot)

  • Procedure I-D—this test gives a shock from or to a controlled ambient temperature, and it follows the exact duration of the previous procedures. However, all shocks are from or to controlled ambient temperatures.

MIL-STD-810 Temperature Tested Power Supplies

Viable Power is an ​​established Canadian custom power supplier manufacturer that proudly serves the military (aerospace, naval, ground) and civil aviation industries worldwide. The temperature tests that we perform under MIL-STD-810H are qualification tests that are performed before any other tests. Our stringent part selection process helps to ensure that selected parts can withstand the customer’s specified environment.

We also include a verification of the adequacy of the cooling arrangement in the verification process. Functional electrical tests are performed on the power supply before and after the qualification test—if the results are out of specification, we conduct a thorough investigation and analysis of the part failure mode to confirm that the environment caused the part to fail.

You can rely on Viable Power to ensure that our ruggedized power supplies have passed the necessary MIL-STD-810 temperature testing requirements and are ready for service. You can get an overview of our various testing services by visiting our services page.