What Is a High Temperature Test?
A high temperature test is an environmental durability test that evaluates whether a product maintains its structural integrity and functional performance under high ambient temperatures, while also assessing the product’s long-term life in an accelerated manner. The product is held in a controlled climatic chamber at a defined temperature for a specified period. The aim is to simulate, in the laboratory, the hot-environment conditions the product may face in real use.
Over time, high temperature can cause thermal softening of materials, parameter drift in electronic components, creep in solder joints, and accelerated thermal aging effects. For this reason, high temperature testing is critical especially for electronics located near automotive engine compartments, defense and aerospace systems, devices containing power electronics, and industrial equipment operating outdoors.
High temperature tests are performed under two different conditions: Operational and Storage. Operational high temperature tests are carried out while the product is operating, with functional testing applied. Storage high temperature tests focus solely on structural durability.