Electronics and Environmental Testing

Environmental Test Laboratory
Product Support Center
9595 West Quincy Avenue
Littleton, Colorado 80123
(303) 980-2346
FAX 763-2561

UNICOR/FPI 100% tests and 100% guarantees its electrical and electronic components. These products are produced step-by-step in strict adherence to quality control procedures, and are tested at the factory level to ensure they meet the most stringent federal and military standards, and demanding customer requirements.

The production and test procedures used to ensure the high quality and reliability of our electrical and electronic products are developed at the UNICOR Environmental Test Laboratory in Littleton, Colorado.

This test lab has virtually all of the highly sophisticated equipment to test our electrical and electronic products as well as perform major electrical and environmental testing for numerous federal clients.

All test equipment is calibrated and traceable to the National Institute of Standards. Instrument sensors, microprocessors and electronic controls ensure proper test implementation as well as data retention and evaluation.

UNICOR's Environmental Test Laboratory has been approved by the Department of Defense to conduct tests to military standards. Our major clients include Redstone Arsenal Missile Command, Defense Supply Center Richmond, Warner Robbins Air Force Base, Tank Automotive Command, U.S. Army Communications Command, Northrup Grumman, and the Departments of the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps.

This leading-edge test laboratory ensures that UNICOR meets the highest quality control standards in all of our operations.

SYSTEMS AND TEST EQUIPMENT

The following list describe major test systems, test equipment and test instruments presently utilized by the Environmental Test Laboratory. This is not a complete inventory, merely the most notable items.

Standard Environmental Chambers

(1 ea.) RK/10S: Chamber size: 28 in. x 21 in. x 22.5 in. Designed to provide environments in a controlled space for temperature and humidity testing. Temperature Range is from -40C to 177C; Humidity range is from 20% to 100% ±5%. Units are monitored by Honeywell Chart Recorders, Series 4500, and controlled and cross monitored by a Watlow Series 1500 Microprocessor/Ramping controller. NIST Traceable.

(3 ea.) RK/10C: Chamber size: 20.5 in. x 22.5 in. x 28 in. Same general description as the RK/10S except temperature range is from -77.3C to 177C. Units are monitored by Honeywell Chart recorders, Series 4500. One recorder for temperature and relative humidity, and the other recorder has the altitude option and is currently calibrated to 80,000 ft. NIST Traceable.

(1 ea.) TAH/36 FS: Chamber size: 36 in. x 47.5 in. x 36 in. Same general description as RK/10S except temperature range is from -100F to 350F. Unit is monitored by Honeywell Chart Recorder, Series 4500, and controlled and cross monitored by a Watlow Series 1500 Microprocessor/Ramping controller. Unit has the altitude option, measured in a column of mercury, and is currently calibrated to 125,000 ft. NIST Traceable.

(1 ea.) MT/512: Chamber size: 9.5 ft. x 8.5 ft. x 9.5 ft. This unit features very large chamber volume, full humidity and temperature cycling, and is completely microprocessor controlled. Temperature range is from -100F to 180F. It is monitored by Honeywell Chart Recorder, Series 4500, and controlled and cross monitored by a Watlow Series 1500 Microprocessor/Ramping Controller. NIST Traceable. Microprocessor/Ramping Controller: Watlow Series 1500, is a two channel, dual input, dual output, temperature and relative humidity based, 51-step microprocessor-based ramping control, full PID, --DIN sized, 8 programmable event outputs with optional serial data communications interface. The controller can also be configured to control high altitude tests with the appropriate chamber.

Honeywell Servoline Class 4500 Recorder. An automatic null balance servo potentiometer used in conjunction with several types of primary elements, it automatically measures the magnitude of a variable by comparing the input signal from the primary element with the feedback signal from the measuring circuit. It automatically responds to input changes to maintain a condition of electrical balance. High speed Type A (Nickel) bulbs measure temperatures over the range -80C to 150C, by using platinum bulbs with a range of -195C to 650C/Accuracy ± 0.5% of full scale. Deadband 0.3% of full scale.

Honeywell Altitude Servoline Class 45 Recorder. An automatic null balance servo potentiometer used in conjunction with a SETRA SYSTEMS Pressure Transducer, Model 204, Range of 0 - 760 mmHg (millimeter Mercury). Calibrated 0 - 100,000 ft.

Honeywell Truline Class 45 Chart Recorder. A one to four channel microprocessor based, circular chart recorder. Its "one-pen" stylus printhead produces up to four analog traces and prints alphanumeric chart data on a blank heat-sensitive chart. All four traces share the same time line reference which the Truline prints. These units are configured to record temperature and relative humidity readings. Type E thermocouple, temperature range -200F to 1100F, ± 0.5F.

SALT FOG CHAMBER

Corrosive Atmospheric Chamber A Salt Fog corrosive Atmosphere test where test specimens are or suspended within the test area by Lucite rods. Specimens are subjected to corrosion by means of a salt residue being deposited on them or by generating a salt fog atmosphere. Direct visual observation of the items being tested is available at all times. NIST Traceable.

HIGH TEMPERATURE OVEN, WALK-IN

This Walk-in Oven is used to test cables, connectors, relays, and other devices too large to fit into the LXD Series Ovens. Temperature range is from ambient to 500F, with up to a 750 pound payload. Size of unit: 51 in. x 40 in. x 61 in. This unit is controlled and monitored by a Honeywell Chart Recorder and an Omega Ramping unit.

HYDROSTATIC VESSELS

Hydrostatic Pressure Chamber. The maximum design of this pressure unit is 2000 pounds per square inch (PSIG), with a diameter of 4.5 inches and a height of 5 feet. It has a maximum design temperature of 100F with a compressed nitrogen method of charge. Pressure monitoring method by Omega Engineering PX906-2KGV PSI Transducer with dial readout, 0 - 3000 PSI analog gauge. NIST Traceable.

OZONE TEST CHAMBER

OREC 0500-0900 Series Ozone Test Chambers provide continuous ozone measurement, control, and strip chart recording. The measurement system incorporates an integrally mounted OREC Model 03DM-100 Ozone Monitor which employs the ultraviolet absorption principle for ozone measurement. This automatic ozone measurement and control system is specific to ozone, and requires no operating chemicals.

PULL AND COMPRESSION SYSTEMS

The Series 1102B Pull Compression Tester is a motorized, precision twin lead screw drive system, with variable speed controls. It is capable of performing compression as well as tension (pull test) testing. Load capacity: 2000 lbs. Speed range: 002 to 2.0 inches per minute, to full load capacity. 2.0 inch to 50 inch load capacity. Speed controls 0 to 100% with a ± 0.5% set point accuracy. Load range is selectable to 10%, 20%, 50% and 100% of Load Cell, with output data on a digital readout and an X-Y Pen Plotter. NIST Traceable.

ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE EQUIPMENT

Spectrum Analyzers: Hewlett Packard Model HP-8566B. This high performance analyzer has a frequency range from 100 Hz to 22 GHz, variable in approximately 1% increments. Frequency response, 100 Hz to 2.5 GHz <± 0.6dB; 2 to 12.5 GHz ± 1.7 dB; 12.5 to 20 GHz, ± 2.2 dB; 20 to 22 GHz, ± 3.o dB. This unit measures insertion loss, gain, return loss, SWR, and power quickly and accurately. Frequency reference within 1 x 10-of final stab frequency in thirty minutes.

Trigger: Free run, line, video, external, continuous, and single. Bandwidth selectivity, 60dB/2 dB ratio, shape, synchronously tuned, 4 or 5 pole filters, approximately Gaussian shape. Video Bandwidth, 1 Hz to 2 MHZ in a 1, 3, 10 sequence. Test results plotted in a Hewlett-Packard, HP-7440A, Graphics Plotter. NIST Traceable.

Sweep Oscillator: Hewlett Packard Model HP-8350B. This solid state sweeper system is utilized with several broad-band, straddle-band, and single-band plug-in units. Frequency range 2 GHz to 18.6 GHz, leveled output power, with a CW and frequency accuracy of ±20 MHZ. Residual FM ,30 kHz peak, 10 Hz -10kHz bandwidth. Power variation ±0.9 dB at maximum specified power. This system offers high output power with solid state reliability. NIST Traceable.

Microwave Amplifier: Hewlett Packard Model HP-8349B. This unit delivers increased microwave power performance across a 2 GHz to 20 GHz frequency range. Provides 100mW (±20dB) of unleveled output power from 2 to 18.6 GHz. This unit also offers one of the broadest operating bandwidths available from a solid state power amplifier. NIST Traceable.

Amplifier: Hewlett Packard Model HP-8447D. This unit provides low noise, high gain, low distortion amplification, which is used to improve the sensitivity of Counters, Spectrum Analyzers, RF Voltmeters, EMI meters, and other devices. Frequency range 0.1 to 1.3 GHz. Gain (mean per channel) >26dB. Noise Figure <8.5 dB. Harmonic Distortion 30dB for 0 dBm output. Reverse Isolation>40dB. NIST Traceable.

Digital Oscilloscope: Hewlett Packard Model HP-54100D. An innovative oscilloscope with state-of-the-art technologies, creating a general purpose oscilloscope for engineers involved with digital design and testing. Measurement Performance - 350 picosecond Rise Time. Stable Triggering on pulses 1 nanosecond wide, 100 picosecond/division time base, and 40 mega sample/second digitizing rate. Stability of 0.1 parts per million, with 0.002% time base linearity, 50 picosecond aperture jitter, and 10 picosecond resolution. Channel to channel skew calibration allows measurement of time intervals accurately at the probe tips.

Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR): Tektronix Model 1502. This unit uses pulses to test cables and provides a visual display of cable characteristics. Calibrated distance controls allow an operator to examine up to 100 feet of cable with segments as small as 1 foot displayed horizontally across the 10 division CRT screen. Low-loss cables as long as 2000 feet may be examined at 100 feet per division or 200 feet per division. A 3 digit, direct reading dial indicates the distance to any cable discontinuity. Low noise operation with an accuracy rating of ±3%. NIST Traceable.

Tracking Generator: Hewlett Packard Model 8444A, Option059. For sweep frequency testing of components, this unit can function as a sweep signal. Through locking, it accurately tracks the frequency to which the analyzer is tuned. Calibrated frequency and amplitude measurements can be made over the entire frequency range. Logarithmic and linear scaling allow display of amplitude in dBm and voltage, respectively. NIST Traceable.

Synthesizer/Function Generator: Hewlett Packard model 3325A. This unit is a 1 Hz to 20 MHZ synthesizer/function generator with high performance and exceptional versatility. The frequency accuracy is determined by a precision frequency reference and can be set with a resolution of 1 Hz. It has up to -65 dB harmonic and -70 dB spurious levels for precision measurements. The phase of the output signal can be precisely controlled ± 719.9 degrees with 0.1 degree resolution. Multiple units can be locked together for multi phase applications. Precision square-waves to 11 MHZ have 20 nanosecond risetimes with synthesizer accuracy and precision. Triangle and ramp waveshapes. NIST Traceable.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

Digital Multimeter: Hewlett Packard Model 3457A. This unit has seven functions with 3 to 6 digits of resolution extendible to 7 digits at reading rates from 1 reading every 2 seconds to 1350 readings per second and basic DC volts accuracy as great as .005 percent. In addition, the input of this unit can be expanded up to ten channels with either of the optional plug-in multiplexer assemblies. This unit is used in precision measurements using the Voltmeter-Ammeter method with this unit serving as the voltage measuring instrument or in conjunction with another multimeter as the current measuring instrument. NIST traceable.

Microwave Frequency Counter: Hewlett Packard Model 5340A. This unit provides direct measurements of frequencies from 10 Hz to 18 GHz. Unit sensitivity is at 10 Hz to 500 MHZ, -30dBm; from 500 MHZ to 10 GHz, -35 dBm; and from 10 to 18 GHz, -25 dBm. Impedance, 501Ú2. Accuracy ±1 LSD ± time-base error. Sample rate controls time between measurements. Continuously adjustable from 50 milliseconds typical to 5 seconds. HOLD position holds display indefinitely. RESET button resets display to zero and activates a new measurement. NIST traceable.

Analog Voltmeter: Hewlett Packard Model 3400. This unit is a true rms analog voltmeter. Six decade frequency coverage makes this unit extremely flexible for audio and RF measurements up to 10 MHZ and permits the measurement of broad band noise and fast risetime pulses. Pulses or other non-sinusoids with crest factors up to 10:1 can be measured full scale. Plots of measured data and higher resolution measurements can be produced by connecting a digital multimeter to the convenient rear-panel DC output . This produces a linear 0 to 1 volt output proportional to the meter deflection. Specifications: DC Voltage, 20 millivolts to 1200 volts; AC Voltage Frequency, 10 Hz to 10 mHz. NIST traceable.

VIBRATION & SHOCK EQUIPMENT

Vibration Testing System: Unholtz Dickie Shaker Model T1000-58E. This system is capable of simulating the three basic environments with a continuous rating generated force of 15,000 lb pk sine, 12,000 lb rms random and 30,000 lb pk shock. The unit produces a maximum peak velocity of 80 inches per second and has a maximum peak to peak excursion of 2 inches. The shaker has a random rating with flat spectrum of 20 Hz to 2 kHz and load greater than 1000 lbs. The free table maximum acceleration is 150 g and the free table axial resonant frequency is 2335 Hz. The system is controlled by a GenRad GR2518 digital vibration control system. NIST Traceable.

Vibration Control System: GenRad Model GR2518. This unit provides random, sine and shock signals to the electrodynamic and electrohydraulic shaker tables. Input channels, One standard, expandable to 4 with a frequency range of DC to 25,000 Hz with anti-aligning protection; >60dB dynamic range; simultaneous sample-and-hold. Control loop time: less than 1.2 seconds without display for 120 degrees of freedom, 2000 Hz frequency range, 200 lines of resolution, and 1 control channel. Produces shock synthesis modes: Summed damped sinusoids or summed half-sine weighted wavelets based on SRS specifications. Compensation by transfer function or amplitude equalization methods. SRS filter spacing of 1/1 to 1/12 octave. SRS analysts error less than ± 0.5dB. NIST Traceable.

For information, contact the Customer Service Center at (800) 827-3168 or sbenedic@central.UNICOR.gov

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