LabCompanion SP-120U Programmable Temperature and Humidity Environmental Test Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | SP-120U |
| Internal Volume | 120 L |
| Internal Dimensions (W×H×D) | 500 × 600 × 400 mm |
| Temperature Range | −70 °C to +150 °C |
| Humidity Range | 10 %RH to 98 %RH (with optional dehumidification module) |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±0.5 °C |
| Temperature Deviation | ≤ ±2.0 °C |
| Humidity Deviation | ±2.5 %RH |
| Heating Rate | −70 °C → +150 °C in ≤60 min (~3 °C/min) |
| Cooling Rate | +20 °C → −70 °C in ≤90 min (~1.2 °C/min) |
| Control System | ETAC820 Touchscreen PLC-Based Controller (50 programs, 2500 segments) |
| Refrigerant | R507 (HFC-based, ozone-safe) |
| Construction | SUS304 Stainless Steel Interior & Exterior |
| Insulation | High-Density Polyurethane Foam + Glass Fiber |
| Compressor | Imported Sealed Rotary Compressor (EU/US Origin) |
| Humidification | Stainless Steel UL-Type Steam Generator |
| Data Interface | LAN (SCADA/IPC-compatible), USB 2.0 Port |
| Safety Protections | Dry-run protection for humidifier, independent overtemperature cutoff, water shortage detection, compressor overcurrent/overpressure protection, earth leakage circuit breaker, thermal fuse |
Overview
The LabCompanion SP-120U is a precision-engineered programmable temperature and humidity environmental test chamber designed specifically for reliability validation of electronic components and assemblies under controlled climatic stress conditions. Built upon the fundamental principles of thermodynamic equilibrium and vapor pressure control, the chamber employs a balanced temperature-humidity control (BTHC) methodology—decoupling heating, cooling, humidification, and dehumidification subsystems to achieve high-fidelity replication of real-world environmental profiles. Its dual-stage refrigeration architecture (single-stage for standard operation; cascade configuration for extended low-temperature performance down to −70 °C) ensures stable thermal response across wide operational ranges. The chamber meets rigorous engineering requirements for accelerated life testing, qualification per MIL-STD-810 and GJB-150 standards, and process validation in electronics manufacturing environments where thermal cycling, condensation resistance, and hygroscopic stability are critical failure modes.
Key Features
- Robust mechanical construction using full SUS304 stainless steel interior and exterior panels with powder-coated cold-rolled steel option—providing long-term corrosion resistance in high-humidity and saline exposure scenarios.
- Advanced BTHC (Balanced Temperature-Humidity Control) system enabling independent regulation of temperature and relative humidity, eliminating coupling artifacts common in single-loop designs.
- Imported sealed rotary compressors (EU/US origin) paired with R507 refrigerant—meeting Montreal Protocol compliance and offering superior energy efficiency with up to 30% power reduction versus legacy systems.
- ETAC820 touchscreen controller featuring industrial-grade PLC core, 10.4″ color LCD interface, and 50 user-defined programs with up to 2500 total segments—supporting complex multi-step profiles including cross-segment looping, conditional branching, and interruption-resume functionality.
- High-efficiency steam-type humidification via UL-shaped stainless steel heater—ensuring rapid RH response and minimizing mineral deposition risk.
- Integrated safety architecture including dry-heater protection, independent overtemperature cutoff (500 V-rated isolation), refrigerant high-pressure switch, and automatic fault logging with audible/visual alarms.
- LAN-based SCADA-ready communication interface compliant with Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP protocols—enabling centralized fleet monitoring of up to 200+ chambers without physical cabling constraints.
- USB 2.0 data export port supporting real-time trend logging (temperature, humidity, alarm status, setpoint tracking) in CSV format—compatible with GLP/GMP audit trail requirements when used with validated software.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SP-120U accommodates a broad spectrum of electronic test specimens—including PCBAs, lithium-ion battery cells, optical transceivers, LCD modules, RF filters, and hermetically sealed sensors—within its 120 L internal volume and optimized airflow distribution system. Its uniformity performance (±0.5 °C / ±2.5 %RH) satisfies the spatial homogeneity criteria defined in IEC 60068-3-5 and ASTM E145 for laboratory-grade environmental simulation. The chamber is fully certified to national and international standards including GB/T 10586–1989 (damp heat), GB/T 10592–1989 (temperature cycling), MIL-STD-810G Method 507.5 (temperature/humidity combined), and GJB 150.9A–2009 (military wet heat). Optional calibration documentation includes NIST-traceable sensor certificates and uncertainty budgets aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
Software & Data Management
The embedded ETAC820 controller supports both fixed-value and programmable operation modes, with resolution of 0.1 °C and 1 %RH. All operational parameters—including setpoints, actual values, alarm events, and runtime statistics—are stored internally with timestamping. Data export via USB enables offline analysis in Excel or statistical process control (SPC) platforms. For enterprise integration, the LAN interface supports remote configuration, live parameter streaming, and alarm forwarding via SNMP traps or email notifications. When deployed with validated third-party software (e.g., LabVIEW-based DAQ or custom MES interfaces), the system complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic records and signatures—including audit trails, user access controls, and electronic signature workflows.
Applications
- Accelerated aging tests on printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) per IPC-J-STD-020 and JEDEC JESD22-A104.
- Thermal shock and humidity soak validation for automotive ADAS sensors operating at −40 °C to +125 °C.
- Moisture sensitivity level (MSL) pre-conditioning of surface-mount devices prior to reflow soldering.
- Reliability screening of fiber optic connectors and passive components under cyclic humidity exposure (e.g., 85 °C/85 %RH).
- Qualification testing of medical electronics per IEC 60601-1 Clause 11 (environmental requirements).
- Material compatibility studies involving conformal coatings, encapsulants, and dielectric adhesives under prolonged humid heat stress.
FAQ
What is the lowest achievable humidity level with the SP-120U?
With the optional dehumidification module installed, the chamber achieves ≤10 %RH at 25 °C—validated per GB/T 10586–1989 Annex C.
Does the controller support automated compliance reporting?
Yes—the ETAC820 logs all deviations, alarms, and calibration events with timestamps; exported CSV files may be imported into validated report generators meeting ISO 13485 or IATF 16949 documentation requirements.
Can the chamber operate continuously for extended duration tests?
Designed for unattended 24/7 operation, it includes redundant safety interlocks, self-diagnostic routines, and power-loss recovery that resumes interrupted profiles from the exact segment and step.
Is remote firmware update capability available?
Firmware updates require local USB media loading; however, configuration changes, program uploads, and real-time monitoring are fully supported over LAN without physical access.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Compressor oil inspection every 12 months, humidifier descaling every 3 months (depending on water quality), and annual verification of PT100 sensor accuracy against NIST-traceable references.
