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Calendar Gore continued from page 11 For portable electronics, consistent positioning of the device in relationship to the showerhead provides the most uniform test results, and moving the showerhead ensures the most rigorous challenge Figure 3. Gore’s Showerhead Protocol of the protective housing. ensures consistent test results. Gore has designed a custom test protocol that includes specific locations, distances, and movement for the showerhead when testing portable electronic devices (Figure 3). This protocol ensures that results will be consistent from one test to the next. Another consistency issue with the IEC standard is its pass/ fail criteria. Once testing is completed, the standard states that a device passes as long as it continues to function. However, it does not define “function,” which can lead to very subjective results in acoustic devices, particularly those with multiple features. Does a device pass as long as it can be turned on and off, or does every feature have to operate successfully? For example, one lab may pass a device as long as the electronics do not short out, yet another lab may fail a device with only a slight reduction of acoustic performance. Before any testing process begins, Gore defines specific, measurable criteria to determine whether a device passes or fails. Conclusion Although IEC Standard 60529 provides testing protocols for electronic housings, these protocols are designed for industrial applications, most of which are in stationary positions outdoors. Calendar of Events The protocols for today’s portable electronics need to address the environmental challenges these devices encounter. One of Gore’s core values is to ensure that its products are engineered to meet or exceed the needs for customers’ specific applications, a concept referred to as “fitness for use.” To align with this core value, Gore has developed testing protocols to ensure consistent results when testing the water and particulate protection of portable electronics (Figure 4). These protocols enable Gore’s engineers to collaborate with customers during the design phase and ensure that the venting materials provide the appropriate protection without compromising sound quality. Gore Test Method Description Particulate Tests materials for real-world particulates less than 50 microns, such as hair and pet dander. Water Spray Evaluates materials during product development, delivering consistent, quantifiable results. Water Immersion Tests portable devices being dropped into shallow water, including contact pressure and quick immersion. Showerhead Spray Tests portable devices for maximum exposure to water spray. Figure 4. Gore’s test methods that evaluate portable electronic devices in real-world conditions. For more information about Gore’s test methods, visit www.gore.com/pevtesting, or call 800-523-4673 and request a copy of the white paper, “Improved Consistency in Testing for Water and Particulate Protection.” IEEE ECTC 2013, May 28th – 31, 2013 Las Vegas, Nev. www.ectc.net 2013 Data Center Brainstorm, March 7th, 2013 Washington DC. www.meritalk.com APEC 2013, March 17-21, 2013 Long Beach, Calif. www.apec-conf.org Advancements in Thermal Management 2013 June 6-7, 2013, Denver, CO. www.thermalnews.com Battery Power 2013, June 6-7, 2013, Denver, CO. www.batterypoweronline.com 19th Annual Semi-Therm Conference, March 17-21, 2013 San Jose, Calif. www.semi-therm.org Data Center World Spring, April 28 – May 2, 2013 Las Vegas, NV. www.datacenterworld.com Interop Las Vegas 2013, May 6-10, 2013 Las Vegas, NV. www.interop.com 2013 IEEE Symposium on EMC, August 5-9, 2013 Denver, Co. www.emc2013.org EOS/ESD Symposium 2012, September 8-13, 2012 Las Vegas, Nev. www.esda.org IMAPS 2013, September 29- Oct. 3rd, 2013 Orlando, Fla. www.imaps.org EASTEC 2013, May 14-16, 2013 W. Springfield, MA. www.easteconline.com Design East, September 30-Oct. 3rd, 2013 Boston, MA. http://east.ubmdesign.com Electronic System Technologies Conference May 20-23, 2013, Las Vegas, Nev. www.estc.ipc.org OSP Expo, October 8-10, 2013 Dallas, Texas www.ospmag.com March/April 2013 www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com 31 http://www.gore.com/pevtesting http://www.ectc.net http://www.meritalk.com http://www.thermalnews.com http://www.apec-conf.org http://www.batterypoweronline.com http://www.semi-therm.org http://www.emc2013.org http://www.datacenterworld.com http://www.esda.org http://www.interop.com http://www.imaps.org http://www.easteconline.com http://east.ubmdesign.com http://estc.ipc.org http://www.ospmag.com http://www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Electronics Protection - March/April 2013

Electronics Protection - March/April 2013
Newer Technology Releases Next-Generation Power2U AC/USB In Wall Charging Solution
Specifiers of Enclosures for Components in Outdoor Applications: Be Aware of Material Selection Issues
How to Protect Electronic Circuits from Power Surges
Testing for Ingress Protection of Portable Electronic Devices
Increasing the Lifespan and Reliability of Electrical Components
From the Inside: The Configurable Plastic Enclosures Revolution
Tips for Selecting and Designing a Membrane Switch
HP Intelligent Series Rack Models Available for Networking and Demanding Server Requirements
Polyonics Antistatic Tapes Solve ESD Problems Before They Damage Static Sensitive Devices
OptoTherm Introduces IR LabMate Infrared Camera Solution
Falcon Electric Offers NEMA 3R/4 Enclosures with SSG UPSs
PEM SpotFast Fasteners Enables Flush Joining of Two Sheets
Industry News
Calendar of Events

Electronics Protection - March/April 2013