LabCompanion PS-80 Benchtop High-Low Temperature Environmental Test Chamber

Overview

The LabCompanion PS-80 is a compact, benchtop high-low temperature environmental test chamber engineered for precision thermal stress evaluation of electronic components, materials, and small-scale assemblies in R&D labs, QC environments, and pilot production lines. Operating on the principle of forced-air convection with dual-stage compressor-based refrigeration and PID-regulated resistive heating, the PS-80 delivers stable, repeatable thermal profiles across a wide operational range of −70 °C to +150 °C. Its 80 L internal volume (400 × 500 × 400 mm) accommodates standard test specimens, PCBs, sensors, medical device subassemblies, and semiconductor packages—making it functionally equivalent to industry-reference chambers such as the TestEquity 105A, 107, 115F, and 115B. Designed for compliance-driven workflows, the chamber supports test execution per MIL-STD-810H (Temperature Shock, Storage, Operational), IEC 60068-2-1/-2/-14, JEDEC JESD22-A104E, and GB/T 2423 series standards.

Key Features

• Intelligent bidirectional control architecture: Advanced slope-based PID algorithm with SSR/SCR synchronized forward/reverse output ensures minimal overshoot and high thermal reproducibility (±0.5 °C fluctuation, ±2.0 °C deviation, ±2.0 °C uniformity).
• Flexible programmability: Up to 10 independent test programs, each supporting 100 user-defined segments; segment duration configurable from 0 to 99 hours 59 minutes; seamless program linking and dynamic segment splitting for complex thermal cycling protocols.
• Operational safety redundancy: Dual-layer thermal protection—including system-level overtemperature cutoff and user-configurable specimen temperature limit—prevents hardware damage and sample degradation.
• Real-time diagnostics & fault logging: Embedded controller continuously monitors refrigeration status, heater integrity, fan operation, and sensor feedback; faults are displayed with descriptive codes and logged with timestamps for GLP/GMP traceability.
• Benchtop-optimized mechanical design: 1.2 mm cold-rolled steel exterior with electrostatic powder coating; SUS #304 stainless steel interior (fully welded seams); front-access door with silicone gasket and optional tempered glass viewing window with glove port.
• Standard industrial connectivity: Integrated RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces support SCPI-compliant remote command sets for integration into automated test systems and LIMS platforms.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PS-80 is validated for use with non-hazardous solid and semi-rigid samples up to 15 kg total mass. Its airflow distribution system maintains uniform thermal exposure across the full working volume—verified per IEC 60068-3-5 for temperature uniformity assessment. The chamber meets structural and performance requirements of MIL-STD-810H Method 501.7 (High Temperature), Method 502.7 (Low Temperature), and Method 503.7 (Temperature Shock). It supports validation documentation packages compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 and ASTM E2582-21 (Standard Practice for Calibration of Environmental Chambers). While not intrinsically explosion-proof, optional modifications (e.g., purged enclosures or ATEX-compatible controllers) may be implemented upon request for specific process environments.

Software & Data Management

The embedded touchscreen controller provides intuitive, menu-driven configuration via touch-enabled dialog boxes—eliminating reliance on manual parameter entry or external software for routine operation. Optional LabVIEW-compatible drivers enable direct VI integration for custom automation sequences. All test logs—including setpoint history, actual chamber temperature, segment transitions, and alarm events—are timestamped and exportable in CSV format. When paired with the optional data logger module, continuous temperature recording meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, including audit trail generation, user access controls, and data integrity verification. Controller firmware supports firmware updates via USB and retains calibration constants during power cycles.

Applications

• Thermal cycling qualification of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and surface-mount devices (SMDs) per IPC-9701 and JEDEC JESD22-A104E.
• Material coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) screening for polymers, composites, and adhesives.
• Stability testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug product intermediates under ICH Q1A(R3) storage condition simulations.
• Pre-conditioning of optical components prior to laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) measurement.
• Reliability screening of automotive ECUs and sensors per AEC-Q200 stress profiles.
• Calibration verification of thermocouples, RTDs, and infrared thermometers using NIST-traceable reference sources.

FAQ

What is the maximum sample weight the PS-80 can accommodate without compromising thermal performance?
The chamber is rated for continuous operation with up to 15 kg of thermally inert mass distributed evenly within the workspace. Exceeding this load may extend stabilization time and affect uniformity—validation per IEC 60068-3-5 is recommended for application-specific loads.
Does the PS-80 support ramp-soak-ramp (RSR) profiles with variable rates?
Yes—the controller allows independent definition of heating rate (1.0–3.0 °C/min), cooling rate (1.2 °C/min), and soak dwell times for each segment, enabling precise implementation of RSR sequences per MIL-STD-810H Figure 510.5C-1.
Can the chamber be integrated into a centralized lab monitoring network?
With optional RS-485 Modbus RTU or Ethernet-to-serial gateway modules, the PS-80 supports multi-chamber polling, centralized alarm aggregation, and historical data archiving via third-party SCADA or MES platforms.
Is factory calibration certificate included with shipment?
Each unit ships with a NIST-traceable calibration report covering temperature sensors at three points (−40 °C, 25 °C, +100 °C) per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A. On-site IQ/OQ documentation support is available upon request.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for compressor-based refrigeration systems?
Compressor oil and filter replacement is advised every 24 months under continuous operation; condenser coil cleaning every 6 months in dust-prone environments; annual verification of refrigerant charge and pressure relief valve function per ASHRAE 15 guidelines.