LabCompanion C-Series Temperature Cycling Chamber
| Brand | LabCompanion |
|---|---|
| Model | C-Series |
| Temperature Range | -70 °C to +150 °C |
| Temperature Uniformity | ±2 °C |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ±0.5 °C |
| Heating Rate | -70 °C to +100 °C in ~90 min |
| Cooling Rate | +20 °C to -70 °C in ~90 min (at 20 °C ambient, empty chamber) |
| Interior Dimensions (W×H×D mm) | 400×500×400 (C-80) to 1000×1000×800 (C-800) |
| Exterior Construction | Cold-rolled steel with electrostatic powder coating |
| Interior Material | SUS304 stainless steel |
| Insulation | Polyurethane foam or fiberglass |
| Refrigeration System | Hermetic or semi-hermetic compressors (Tecumseh France or Embraco Germany) |
| Controller | Imported intelligent temperature/humidity controller with dual-PID algorithm |
| Standard Ports | One φ50 mm test port with cover, two adjustable shelves, four shelf supports, fluorescent lighting |
Overview
The LabCompanion C-Series Temperature Cycling Chamber is an engineered environmental test system designed for precise, repeatable thermal stress evaluation of electronic components, aerospace hardware, optical instruments, and material specimens under controlled low-temperature, high-temperature, and rapid transition conditions. Based on forced-air convection and dual-stage refrigeration architecture, the chamber implements a closed-loop thermal control strategy using high-stability platinum resistance temperature sensors (PT100) and adaptive dual-PID regulation. Its operational envelope spans from -70 °C to +150 °C, enabling compliance-driven qualification testing per MIL-STD-810F Method 502.5 (Cold), Method 501.6 (High Temperature), and Method 503.5 (Temperature Shock), as well as IEC 60068-2-1 (Test A: Cold), IEC 60068-2-2 (Test B: Dry Heat), and ISO 16750-4 (Road vehicles — Environmental conditions and testing for electrical and electronic equipment). The chamber’s structural integrity, thermal inertia management, and airflow homogenization are optimized to meet the stringent spatial uniformity requirements of ASTM E145–22 (Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens) and JIS Z 8770 (Environmental testing — General rules).
Key Features
- Robust dual-PID temperature control algorithm with auto-tuning capability, ensuring stable setpoint maintenance and minimizing overshoot during ramp transitions.
- Optimized air distribution system featuring rear-mounted centrifugal blower and multi-directional baffle-guided circulation, achieving ≤±2 °C spatial uniformity across the full working volume (per IEC 60068-3-5).
- Refrigeration subsystems configured with either Tecumseh (France) hermetic compressors or Embraco (Germany) semi-hermetic units, paired with copper-alloy condensers and capillary expansion devices for long-term reliability.
- Vacuum-sealed double-glazed observation window with integrated anti-frost heating element, enabling uninterrupted visual monitoring without condensation interference.
- Modular interior design with SUS304 stainless steel walls, floor, and ceiling; polyurethane or fiberglass insulation layers providing thermal resistance ≥0.8 m²·K/W.
- Comprehensive safety architecture including over-temperature cut-off, compressor high-pressure shutdown, sensor failure alarm, and heater open-circuit detection.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The C-Series accommodates a broad range of sample geometries—from PCB assemblies and semiconductor packages to automotive ECUs and polymer test coupons—via five standard internal volume configurations (80 L to 800 L). All models comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1 and safety standards per IEC 61010-1. The chamber supports GLP/GMP-aligned validation protocols, including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation templates and traceable calibration records aligned with ISO/IEC 17025. It meets critical regulatory references such as MIL-STD-810F, GB/T 2423.1–2023 (Cold Test), GB/T 2423.2–2023 (Dry Heat Test), and GJB 150.3A–2009 / GJB 150.4A–2009 (Military Environmental Test Methods). Optional data logging modules support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when integrated with validated software platforms.
Software & Data Management
The standard imported controller provides real-time display of chamber status, setpoint tracking, ramp/soak profiles, and event logs. Optional RS485/RS232 communication interfaces enable integration with LabVIEW™, MATLAB®, or custom SCADA systems for automated test sequencing and remote supervision. An optional LCD touchscreen program controller supports up to 99 segments, 999 cycles, and user-defined hold/ramp rates with password-protected parameter access. All data—including timestamps, temperature readings, alarm states, and controller diagnostics—is exportable in CSV format. When paired with certified third-party software, the system supports electronic signatures, change control, and versioned protocol execution required for FDA-regulated environments.
Applications
- Qualification testing of avionics modules per DO-160G Section 4 (Operating Temperature) and Section 5 (Temperature Variation).
- Reliability screening of consumer electronics (e.g., smartphones, wearables) under accelerated thermal cycling per JEDEC JESD22-A104E.
- Material property assessment—including coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), glass transition (Tg), and embrittlement onset—in polymers, composites, and adhesives.
- Pre-conditioning of sensors, optical lenses, and MEMS devices prior to functional performance verification.
- Storage stability evaluation of pharmaceutical packaging components under ICH Q1A(R2)-defined long-term and accelerated conditions.
FAQ
What cooling methods are supported?
Air-cooled and water-cooled configurations are available depending on model size and ambient installation constraints. Water-cooled variants are recommended for high-power-density applications or installations where ambient heat rejection is limited.
Is the chamber suitable for humidity-controlled testing?
The base C-Series is a temperature-only chamber. For combined temperature/humidity testing, refer to the LabCompanion TH-Series Environmental Chambers, which integrate steam-based humidification and dehumidification subsystems compliant with IEC 60068-2-78.
Can the controller be upgraded to support programmable thermal profiles?
Yes—the optional LCD touchscreen controller supports multi-step ramp-and-soak sequences, loop repetition, and user-defined dwell times, with full data logging and export functionality.
What validation documentation is provided?
Factory-installed calibration certificates (traceable to NIST or CNAS-accredited labs), IQ/OQ templates, and mechanical/electrical schematics are supplied with each unit. On-site PQ support is available upon request.
Are spare parts and service support available globally?
LabCompanion maintains regional technical service centers in North America, Europe, and APAC. Critical spares—including compressors, controllers, and sensor assemblies—are stocked for 48-hour dispatch under standard warranty terms.
