About reliability testing

This page introduces some aspects of reliability testing for AC adapters and switching power supplies. At Unifive, we leverage our extensive experience as a switching power supply manufacturer to conduct various reliability tests. We accommodate our customers' testing conditions and respond to a wide range of additional testing items.

Reliability test

There are two main categories of electrical reliability testing: "Electrical reliability testing" and "Mechanical reliability testing".

Electrical reliability testing

Electrical reliability testing is used to check whether electronic devices and electrical products will continue to function normally. This testing, which you as professionals are involved in, is carried out to ensure that products operate as designed and can be used safely. The main testing content includes the following.

Test ItemDescription
Electrical Reliability Tests
Voltage Fluctuation Evaluates tolerance to voltage variations
Energized High-Temperature Storage Tests durability under high temperature while powered
Noise Terminal Voltage Measures voltage fluctuation due to noise
Unwanted Radiation Measures unnecessary electromagnetic emissions
Static Electricity Evaluates tolerance to static discharge
Impulse Noise Tests resistance to instantaneous high voltage noise
Lightning Protection Tests resistance to lightning surges
Power Interruption Evaluates tolerance to momentary power interruptions
Radiated Electromagnetic Field Tolerance Tests resistance to external electromagnetic fields
AM/FM Radio Interference Evaluates interference with AM/FM radio
Leakage Current Measures leakage current from the product
Insulation Withstand Voltage Tests insulation voltage endurance
Insulation Resistance Measures insulation resistance
Residual Current Measures residual current post-operation
Primary Electrolytic Capacitor Evaluates performance of electrolytic capacitors
Overvoltage Tests resistance to overvoltage
Terminal Short Circuit Evaluates tolerance to terminal short circuits
Out-of-Spec Voltage Tests Tests resistance to non-standard voltages
Low/High-Temperature Operation Evaluates performance under low/high temperatures
Low/High-Temperature Storage Tests durability under prolonged low/high temperatures
Temperature Shock Tests tolerance to rapid temperature changes
Condensation Evaluates resistance to condensation
Temperature Storage Tests durability under specific temperature storage
Continuous Operation Durability Evaluates long-term operational durability
Noise Measures operational noise levels
Temperature Rise Measures temperature rise during operation
Abnormal Temperature Rise Measures temperature rise under abnormal conditions
100°C, 96H Storage Tests durability under 100°C for 96 hours
Liquid Drip Evaluates resistance to liquid exposure
Open/Short Circuit Tests Evaluates tolerance to open or short circuits
Intermediate State Destruction Tests for destruction in intermediate states

Mechanical reliability testing

Mechanical reliability testing, another key area of your professional involvement, is essential in evaluating whether a product can withstand physical stress and environmental conditions. This testing is a significant factor in ensuring that the product will not break or malfunction during use. The main tests include the following.

ComponentTest ItemDescription
Enclosure Drop Test Evaluates damage resistance from drops
Vibration Test Assesses tolerance to vibrations
Rotational Shock Tests resistance to rotational impacts
Enclosure Compression Measures resistance to compression forces
Single Blade Insertion of AC Plug Tests insertion strength of single blade
Step Strength Assesses resistance to stepping forces
Sand and Dust Resistance Evaluates tolerance to sand and dust
AC Plug Insertion/Removal Test Tests durability of plug insertion/removal
Flame Retardancy Measures resistance to flames
Other Additional tests as required

DC cable test item

Test Item

Description

Bending Strength

Evaluates cable flexibility and durability

Low-Temperature Bending

Assesses performance in low temperatures

Tensile Strength

Measures resistance to pulling forces

Twisting Test

Evaluates resistance to twisting forces

Transition Test

Assesses durability at transition points

Internal Plug Processing

Tests internal strength of plug

Other

Additional tests as required

Plug section test item

Test Item

Description

Insertion/Removal Durability

Tests durability of repeated insertions/removals

Locking Strength

Measures locking mechanism strength

Twisting Test

Evaluates resistance to twisting forces

Mis-insertion Strength

Assesses resistance to damage from incorrect insertions

Other

Additional tests as required

Our laboratory is equipped to conduct tests for conduction, ESD (Electrostatic Discharge), EFT (Electrical Fast Transient), surge, and EMI (Electromagnetic Interference). Additionally, we can perform customized tests based on customer requirements and specific test conditions.
These capabilities ensure that our products consistently meet and exceed high standards of reliability and durability under a wide range of conditions, providing our clients with the assurance of quality they need.

You can get the product catalog in PDF.

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