LabCompanion TH-608-5 Rapid Temperature Change Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion TH-608-5 Rapid Temperature Change Test Chamber is an engineered environmental stress screening (ESS) system designed for accelerated thermal cycling validation of electronic components, automotive modules, aerospace subsystems, and high-reliability materials. It operates on a dual-refrigeration cascade architecture with independent high- and low-temperature circuits, enabling precise, repeatable transitions across the full operational range of −70 °C to +150 °C. Unlike conventional thermal chambers relying solely on single-stage compression, this unit integrates a French Tecumseh twin-cascade refrigeration system—optimized for rapid thermal ramping without condensation-induced thermal shock or chamber wall frosting. The chamber’s thermal inertia is minimized through 100 mm-thick fire-retardant PU insulation combined with vacuum-deposited glass wool lining, ensuring stable thermal gradients during dynamic profile execution. All control logic complies with IEC 60068-2-14 (Test N: Change of Temperature) and supports both linear and non-linear temperature profiles per MIL-STD-810H Method 503.5.

Key Features

• High-fidelity temperature control via Japanese Uyecon (Uyecon) PID+PWM+SSR digital controller with real-time adaptive tuning and 0.1 °C resolution setpoint accuracy
• Dual independent refrigeration circuits (high-temp R404A / low-temp R23) with cascaded evaporator staging for seamless sub-zero operation down to −70 °C
• Thermal ramp rates programmable from 1 to 25 °C/min in either heating or cooling direction—verified under no-load conditions per ASTM E1545-16 Annex A1
• Chamber interior constructed from mirror-finish SUS#304 stainless steel; exterior housing uses electro-galvanized steel with epoxy-polyester powder coating for corrosion resistance
• Comprehensive safety architecture including compressor overpressure/overcurrent/overheat protection, phase sequence monitoring, motor thermal cutouts, and dual-stage temperature limit safeguards
• Standard configuration includes two 304 stainless steel perforated shelves, two 50 mm diameter cable ports with silicone gaskets, and balanced P.I.D. temperature/humidity regulation (optional humidity module)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TH-608-5 accommodates samples up to 608 L volume (800×950×800 mm internal dimensions), supporting standard test fixtures for PCB assemblies, ECUs, battery packs, optical sensors, and polymer-based enclosures. Its thermal uniformity (≤2.0 °C) and stability (±0.5 °C fluctuation) meet ISO 16750-4 (Road vehicles – Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment) requirements for climatic stress testing. The chamber is compatible with GLP/GMP-aligned validation protocols, including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation support and optional 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trail logging when integrated with LabCompanion’s TraceLink™ software suite. Humidity extension (20–98% RH, optional 5–98% RH) enables combined temperature-humidity stress testing per IEC 60068-2-30 (Test Db: Damp Heat, cyclic).

Software & Data Management

Control and data acquisition are managed through the LabCompanion Uyecon HMI interface with embedded Ethernet and RS-485 connectivity. Optional PC-based LabView-compatible drivers and Modbus TCP integration allow for centralized lab automation in multi-chamber test farms. Raw temperature/time datasets are exportable in CSV or Excel format with timestamped metadata. For regulated environments, the optional TraceLink™ software provides electronic signatures, user-level access control, change history tracking, and automated report generation compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 Annex 11 requirements. All firmware updates are digitally signed and version-locked to ensure traceability during qualification audits.

Applications

• Thermal cycling qualification of semiconductor packages (JEDEC JESD22-A104E)
• Automotive electronics validation per AEC-Q200 and ISO 16750-4
• Aerospace component screening per RTCA DO-160 Section 4 (Temperature Variation)
• Material coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) characterization under controlled ramp profiles
• Reliability growth testing of lithium-ion battery modules under extreme thermal transients
• Calibration verification of infrared thermometers and thermal imagers across wide ambient ranges

FAQ

What is the minimum achievable ramp rate, and how is it verified?
The chamber supports programmable ramp rates from 1 °C/min upward. Verification is performed using calibrated NIST-traceable PT100 probes placed at nine standardized locations (center + eight corners) per IEC 60068-3-5.
Can the TH-608-5 be integrated into an existing MES or LIMS platform?
Yes—via native Modbus TCP or optional OPC UA gateway, enabling bidirectional communication with major manufacturing execution systems (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, Rockwell FactoryTalk) and laboratory information management systems (e.g., LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager).
Is humidity control available as a factory-installed option?
Yes—humidification (20–98% RH) and dehumidification (5–98% RH) modules can be pre-integrated with dedicated steam generator, ultrasonic humidifier, and desiccant wheel assembly. Humidity accuracy is ±3% RH (25–85% RH range) at steady state.
What calibration documentation is supplied with delivery?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate covering temperature uniformity, fluctuation, deviation, and ramp rate—performed per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures. On-site IQ/OQ protocol templates and validation support services are available upon request.
Are custom chamber dimensions or non-standard temperature ranges supported?
Yes—LabCompanion offers engineering-led customization including extended low-temperature capability (−80 °C), larger internal volumes (up to 2000 L), and specialized internal configurations (e.g., forced convection ducting, EMI-shielded variants, inert gas purge ports).