This diode is one of many electrical parts which we have thermally cycled through temperatures down to -72 Celcius. After it failed, we ground the LED, and used speical equipment to determined the what type of failure occurred. In this case, the base electrical contact broke to the silicon die. In this manner, we have learned how different parts and circuits fail under extreme conditions, and have chosen parts accordingly.

This movie shows the testing of one of our OCPC prototype circuits. This circuit is designed to reduce property damage caused by damaged cables, arcing, and other associated problems. This particular revision was designed to handle temperature ranges of -40C to +100C (the circuit senses temperature above 100C, and shuts down to avoid a hot surface ignition hazard. This temperature threshold can be changed). We currently have several versions designed to handle -55C to +125C (with adjustable thermal shutdown). The diode being used is a 2N555, a common 100mA diode. (Click on picture to play)

This is a thermal gradient test. The main switching component for one of our OCPC modules is being subjected to a temperature gradient of -72C to 20C. RST surface probes (not shown) are used to validate temperatures. The copper conductors are showing what appears to be a white dust which is humidity from the air freezing directly onto the copper conductor.

Seiko D-Tran Robotic Arm Capable of SMT assembly, automated testing, and other projects as needed.