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MIL-STD 883 Dew Point Testing

The purpose of enclosure ingress testing is to detect the presence of moisture trapped inside the microelectronic device package. The most sensitive indicator of water ingress or liquid ingress is device leakage current. MIL-883 dew point testing specifies a lower temperature of -65°C for the normal IP code test.

However, sometimes moisture is present in concentrations lower than what is revealed at this lower temperature. In these cases the lower temperature ought to be extended even lower. For ingress protection testing to be performed properly all testing should occur in an ingress protection lab under the supervision of expert test engineers.

Keystone Compliance is a dew point testing lab with significant MIL-STD 883K experience. Our test engineers have an in-depth knowledge of the requirements of water enclosure testing outlined in MIL-883G dew point and MIL-883H dew point. The following information is extremely technical in nature.

Below is a summary of Method 2002.5, as derived from the MIL-STD 883K dew point testing section. Although the language is from MIL-883K, it applies previous versions of the standard. This includes military standards like MIL-STD 883G dew point and MIL-STD 883H dew point section.

What is the Appropriate Apparatus for Enclosure Testing?

All enclosure testing labs should be equipped with temperature chambers. These chambers must be able to  vary the temperature from the specified high to -65°C while the parameter is being measured. These chambers should be able to reach lower temperatures, in case moisture is present in a concentration at a lower temperature. Keystone Compliance is a fully equipped dew point laboratory.

What is the Procedure for Dew Point Compliance Testing?

The voltage and current specified in the applicable acquisition document should be applied to the terminals. The device leakage current is continuously monitored from the specified high temperature to -65°C and back to the high temperature. The dew point temperature is indicated by a sharp discontinuity in the parameter being measured with respect to temperature.

If no discontinuity is observed, it is assumed that the dew point is at a temperature lower than -65°C. This makes the device being tested acceptable. Devices which demonstrate instability of the measured parameter at any point during this test are rejected even though a true dew point is not identified. If a high temperature is not specified, the device is taken to a temperature at least 10°C above ambient temperature.

The rate of change of temperature for this test should be no greater than 10°C per minute. The test voltage must be at least equal to the rated breakdown voltage of the device. This is because sufficient voltage is necessary to achieve ionization. Without sufficient voltage the test results will be considered unreliable.

Who Should You Trust for Your IP Code Certification Testing?

Keystone Compliance has been recognized as one of the best dew point labs for IP code testing in the country. We employ experienced test engineers who understand the requirements of MIL-883 testing. Our testing facilities are fully equipped with the appropriate devices, including temperature chambers. This is to ensure the best dew point testing for all our customers products.

Are you looking to get a dew point certification for your product? Our test engineers are able to provide testing for commercial, military, and aerospace products. Contact us to learn why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to meet their compliance testing needs.

MIL-STD-883 testing contains several test methods. For more information about these test methods, please click on one of the links below.