IEC 60068-2-64: Environmental Testing – Part 2-64: Tests – Test Fh: Vibration, Broadband Random and Guidance

Overview and Purpose

IEC 60068-2-64 is part of the IEC 60068 environmental testing series, specifically addressing the testing of electronic equipment under broadband random vibration. This standard outlines the procedure for exposing specimens to random vibrations across a wide frequency range to assess their ability to withstand such conditions during their operational life. The test simulates the random vibrations that products might encounter due to transportation, machinery, or environmental factors, assessing their impact on the specimen’s structural integrity and operational functionality.

How the Test is Conducted

1. Preparation: The specimen is mounted on a vibration table in a manner that simulates its installation or use in real-life applications. This setup is crucial for ensuring that the test results accurately reflect the product’s performance under actual operating conditions.
2. Vibration Profile: The test subjects the specimen to controlled random vibrations across a specified frequency range. The standard provides guidelines on the amplitude (displacement or acceleration) and frequency parameters for the test, which are selected based on the product’s intended use and the environments it will encounter.
3. Frequency Range and Duration: The random vibration is applied over a broad frequency range, typically from a few hertz up to several thousand hertz, for a defined duration. This exposure simulates a variety of vibrational impacts that the product may face.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: The specimen’s response to the vibrations is monitored throughout the test. After the exposure, it is evaluated for any signs of mechanical or functional damage, including loosening of parts, cracking, or failure of electronic components. The evaluation may include visual inspections, functional testing, and, if necessary, further analysis to assess any degradation in performance.

Purpose of the Standard

• Durability Under Random Vibrations: Ensures the durability of electronic components and equipment when exposed to random vibrations, verifying that they can withstand real-world conditions.
• Design Verification: Identifies potential vulnerabilities in the product’s design that could lead to failure under vibrational stress, allowing for necessary design improvements.
• Quality Assurance: Acts as a critical component of quality assurance processes, ensuring products meet international standards for vibration resistance.
• Consumer Confidence: Provides assurance to consumers and industries that the products will perform reliably in environments subject to random vibrations.