DRETOP THL-C100-II High-Low Temperature Cycling Test Chamber

Overview

The DRETOP THL-C100-II High-Low Temperature Cycling Test Chamber is an engineered environmental simulation system designed for precise and repeatable thermal stress testing under controlled, programmable temperature profiles. It operates on a dual-stage refrigeration principle—utilizing a cascade compressor system where the evaporator of the high-temperature stage serves as the condenser for the low-temperature stage—enabling stable operation across an extended range from –60 °C to +150 °C. This architecture ensures thermodynamic efficiency and long-term reliability during prolonged cycling tests required in product qualification, design validation, and accelerated life testing. The chamber complies with fundamental thermal test requirements outlined in IEC 60068-2-1 (Cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (Dry Heat), and IEC 60068-2-14 (Change of Temperature), serving as a core tool for laboratories conducting environmental stress screening (ESS), HALT/HASS pre-screening, and conformance verification per MIL-STD-810G Method 502.5.

Key Features

• Full-color 7-inch capacitive touchscreen HMI with intuitive icon-based navigation, supporting up to 1000 user-defined test programs—each containing up to 100 segments with independent ramp/soak parameters.
• Multi-language interface (English/Chinese) with hierarchical password protection (operator, engineer, administrator levels) to prevent unauthorized parameter modification and ensure data integrity.
• Advanced PID auto-tuning algorithm dynamically adjusts control parameters in real time to maintain thermal stability within ±0.5 °C fluctuation and ≤2 °C uniformity across the 100 L working volume (500 × 400 × 500 mm).
• Optimized forced-air circulation system featuring a high-efficiency centrifugal blower and asymmetric air duct geometry—minimizing thermal gradients and reducing chamber recovery time after door opening.
• Double-glazed, heated observation window with anti-frost heating element and integrated LED lighting, enabling non-intrusive visual monitoring without compromising thermal integrity.
• Robust construction: stainless steel 304 inner chamber; cold-rolled steel outer shell with epoxy-powder coating; silicone rubber door gasket rated for continuous operation from –70 °C to +180 °C.
• Comprehensive safety architecture including over-temperature cut-off, compressor overcurrent protection, fan failure detection, ground fault interruption, and automatic power recovery after grid interruption.
• Standard 50 mm diameter test port (with removable plug and silicone seal) for routing power, signal, or pneumatic lines into the chamber during live testing.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The THL-C100-II accommodates electronic assemblies, PCBs, automotive ECUs, polymer components, battery cells, optical sensors, and small mechanical subassemblies. Its internal dimensions and airflow design meet ASTM E145 Class II (forced-air) specifications for thermal uniformity. The chamber supports GLP-compliant workflows through optional RS485/USB interfaces, enabling integration with LIMS or SCADA systems for audit-trail-capable data logging. While not intrinsically explosion-proof, it meets CE marking requirements (2014/30/EU EMC Directive, 2014/35/EU LVD Directive) and conforms to RoHS 2011/65/EU material restrictions. Optional calibration certificates traceable to NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) are available upon request.

Software & Data Management

The embedded controller logs timestamped temperature data at user-selectable intervals (1–60 seconds) and stores up to 30 days of continuous records internally. Data export is supported via USB flash drive in CSV format compatible with Excel, MATLAB, or statistical process control (SPC) software. For networked environments, optional PC-based software provides remote monitoring, real-time graphing, alarm history review, and PDF report generation—including test ID, operator name, start/end timestamps, and deviation alerts. All logged events—including program start/stop, setpoint changes, and fault triggers—are recorded with ISO 8601 timestamps, satisfying basic FDA 21 CFR Part 11 record-keeping expectations for non-GxP research applications.

Applications

• Thermal cycling qualification of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and solder joints per IPC-9701.
• Reliability assessment of lithium-ion battery modules under extreme thermal transients.
• Material property evaluation: coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), dimensional stability, and embrittlement onset in polymers and composites.
• Pre-conditioning of optical components prior to laser damage threshold testing.
• Environmental stress screening (ESS) of avionics hardware prior to vibration or shock testing.
• Accelerated aging studies for automotive lighting systems, infotainment units, and ADAS sensors.
• Validation of packaging integrity for pharmaceutical primary containers under ICH Q1A(R2) temperature mapping protocols.

FAQ

What is the standard warranty period for the THL-C100-II?
DRETOP provides a 24-month limited warranty covering parts and labor for defects in materials and workmanship under normal laboratory use.
Can the chamber be integrated into an existing building management system (BMS)?
Yes—via optional Modbus RTU (RS485) or BACnet/IP communication modules, enabling status reporting and setpoint adjustment through third-party SCADA platforms.
Is external calibration support available internationally?
DRETOP partners with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration laboratories in North America, EU, and APAC regions; onsite calibration services can be scheduled upon request.
Does the unit comply with energy efficiency standards such as ENERGY STAR or EU Ecodesign?
While not ENERGY STAR certified (as no category exists for environmental chambers), the THL-C100-II uses R404A/R23 cascade refrigerants and variable-speed compressors to minimize power consumption—typical input power is 3.5 kW (220 V) or 4.5 kW (380 V) during steady-state operation.
Can custom shelving or mounting fixtures be supplied?
Yes—DRETOP offers OEM-compatible perforated stainless steel shelves, adjustable rack rails, and vibration-isolated sample trays tailored to specific DUT geometries and mass distributions.