What is HALT & HASS testing?
HALT & HASS is used to uncover many of the weak links inherent to the design and fabrication process of a new product as well as during the production phase to find manufacturing defects that could cause product failures in the field.
Rather than compliance (pass/fail) tests, typically limited by component or product specifications, they are “discovery and optimization” processes, based on the goal of ensuring that a product will be a more mature product when it is introduced.
Their basic premise is that if a product and its manufacturing process are properly designed, the products that emerge should be exceptionally reliable and deliver unwavering performance over their operating lives.
What is HALT & HASS Testing used for?
HALT and HASS have long been used in electronics, automotive, aerospace, defense, and space markets in which there is zero tolerance for failure. That said, they are also equally well-suited for virtually any type of mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic component or system.
What are the key benefits of HALT & HASS testing?
The key benefits of HALT and HASS are realized when products are exposed to multiple stresses in environmental simulation chambers where monitoring is continuously performed, and the results are recorded.
Key Benefits of HALT Testing
- Identifies design weaknesses earlier in the product lifecycle – this reduces development time and cost
- Speeds time to market
- Ensures product quality and reliability
- Ensures higher mean time between failures (MTBF)
- Reduces manufacturing screening and warranty costs
Key Benefits of HASS Testing
- Detects failures caused by poor workmanship or manufacturing processes
- Verifies integrity of mechanical interconnects
- Prevents flawed units from reaching the customer
- Detects changes in components and processes and process-related variations in the manufacturing
- Uncovers problems caused by changes to both software and firmware
- Uncovers components supplier quality issues, revision changes, and counterfeit parts
- Reduces warranty costs
What are the typical stresses used in HALT and HASS testing?
- Vibration, 6 deg of freedom (x, y, z and 3 rotations - roll, pitch and yaw)
- Rapid Thermal Cycling
- Combined Vibration and Thermal Cycling
What kind of products are tested with HALT and HASS?
- Electronic Boards
- Assemblies
- Defense Products
- Medical Products
- Automotive Electronics
WNA Testing offers the highest ramp rate, broadest G level (1 to 90 Grms), fast scheduling of tests for a quick turnaround time and data collection for your records.
There are strong arguments for making HALT a mandatory requirement, as it is the fastest, most accurate, and cost-effective way to ensure both the overall product quality and the reputation of the company that manufactures it.
HASS extends this assurance throughout the time a product is available for sale. Without them, there can be no certainty that unexpected failures and decreases in performance will not occur, usually reported by the customer, which can require design changes whose costs can be far greater than the testing that could have prevented them.
Contact us to learn more about our HALT & HASS testing services and how to get started.