Froilabo Dragon Thermal Shock Test Chamber
| Brand | Froilabo |
|---|---|
| Model | Dragon |
| Origin | France |
| Temperature Range | -75 °C to +250 °C |
| Temperature Stability | ≤ 0.5 °C |
| Temperature Transition Rate | 0.03 °C/s to 15 °C/s (both heating and cooling) |
| Airflow Rate | 2.2 L/s to 8.4 L/s |
| Transition Time | -55 °C ↔ +125 °C in 7 s (hot-to-cold) / 14 s (cold-to-hot) |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±0.1 °C |
| Operating Modes | Manual, Automatic, Programmable |
| Programmable Steps | Up to 32 per profile |
| Compliance | MIL-STD-883 Method 1010 & 1051, MIL-STD-750 Method 1051, JESD22-A101D |
Overview
The Froilabo Dragon Thermal Shock Test Chamber is an engineered solution for accelerated thermal stress evaluation of electronic components, materials, and assemblies under rapid, repeatable temperature transitions. Based on dual-chamber air-transfer architecture with independent high-temperature (+250 °C) and low-temperature (-75 °C) zones, the Dragon employs precisely controlled pneumatic transfer mechanisms to shuttle test specimens between extreme thermal environments—enabling true thermal shock testing per industry-defined transition criteria. Unlike single-chamber ramp-based systems, this design eliminates thermal inertia limitations, delivering sub-15-second transitions between -55 °C and +125 °C, making it suitable for qualification-level reliability testing in aerospace, defense, automotive electronics, and semiconductor packaging validation.
Key Features
- High-fidelity dual-zone thermal architecture with independently regulated hot and cold chambers
- Programmable transition rates from 0.03 °C/s up to 15 °C/s—fully adjustable to match application-specific thermal stress profiles
- Temperature stability maintained at ≤ 0.5 °C across full operating range, with control accuracy of ±0.1 °C at setpoint
- Adjustable airflow delivery (2.2–8.4 L/s) ensures uniform thermal exposure and minimizes boundary-layer effects on small or densely packed DUTs
- Intuitive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface supporting manual operation, automated cycle execution, and multi-step programmable profiles
- Onboard memory stores up to 20 complete test programs, each configurable with up to 32 discrete temperature/soak/time steps
- Robust mechanical transfer system with fail-safe position verification and thermal isolation seals to prevent cross-contamination between zones
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Dragon accommodates standard test fixtures—including JEDEC trays, component carriers, PCB sleds, and custom mounting plates—within its 120 L effective test volume. Its chamber geometry and airflow management support consistent thermal exposure for heterogeneous samples such as BGA packages, ceramic substrates, power modules, and hermetically sealed sensors. The system meets critical military and industrial qualification standards including MIL-STD-883 Method 1010 (Temperature Cycling) and Method 1051 (Thermal Shock), MIL-STD-750 Method 1051, and JEDEC JESD22-A101D. It is designed to operate within GLP-compliant laboratories and supports audit-ready documentation when integrated with validated data acquisition systems.
Software & Data Management
While the Dragon operates autonomously via its embedded controller, optional Ethernet/IP connectivity enables integration into centralized test management platforms. Real-time temperature logging (hot zone, cold zone, and DUT surface via optional thermocouple inputs) is timestamped and exportable in CSV format. All program executions—including start/stop timestamps, deviation alerts, and chamber status logs—are retained locally for traceability. When deployed in regulated environments (e.g., ISO 17025-accredited labs or FDA-regulated manufacturing), the system can be configured to comply with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through third-party validated software extensions that enforce electronic signatures, audit trails, and role-based access control.
Applications
- Qualification testing of microelectronic packages (QFN, QFP, BGA, CSP) per JEDEC and AEC-Q200
- Failure analysis root-cause investigation of solder joint fatigue, die attach delamination, and intermetallic growth
- Process validation for conformal coating, underfill, and encapsulation materials
- Reliability screening of automotive ECUs, ADAS sensors, and battery management systems
- Thermal endurance assessment of optical components, MEMS devices, and medical-grade PCBAs
- Accelerated aging studies for polymer-based housings, gaskets, and adhesives exposed to cyclic thermal extremes
FAQ
What is the minimum dwell time per temperature zone?
The Dragon supports user-defined soak durations from 1 minute to 999 minutes per step, with no enforced minimum—though industry-standard thermal shock protocols typically specify ≥10 minutes for stabilization.
Can the system accommodate non-standard sample geometries?
Yes—custom fixture adapters and removable shelving allow configuration for irregularly shaped or oversized components, provided total mass and thermal mass remain within specified limits for target transition performance.
Is remote monitoring supported out-of-the-box?
Basic Ethernet connectivity is included for IP address assignment and firmware updates; however, real-time remote supervision requires optional software licensing and integration with Froilabo’s LabLink platform or third-party SCADA systems.
How is calibration traceability maintained?
The Dragon ships with factory calibration certificates traceable to COFRAC-accredited standards. Annual recalibration is recommended using NIST-traceable reference probes; internal sensor diagnostics and drift compensation algorithms are active during all operational modes.
Does the system meet environmental safety regulations for laboratory use?
Yes—the Dragon complies with IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC emissions), IEC 61000-6-2 (immunity), and EN 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment), and uses non-ozone-depleting refrigerants (R-513A/R-134a blend) in accordance with EU F-Gas Regulation No. 517/2014.
