MIL-STDHow is it relevant to business?

Mobile Computing & EPoS Distribution Telephone: 01904 717180 Website: www.varlink.co.uk Social: @VarlinkLtd

Altitude Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 500.5 Procedure II

Vibration Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 514.6 Procedure I

Transit Drop Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Procedure IV

Blowing Rain Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 506.5 Procedure I

Many enterprise mobility manufacturers use military standards as a guide to ensure their devices can withstand the challenges of a varying work place. Military standards include numerous tests with strict parameters used to simulate how a mobile device will operate under environmental stress.

Once a device passes MIL-STD-810G specifications, they are approved for use by all departments and agencies of the United States DoD.

But what does MIL-STD cover? Below are the tests behind MIL-STD ratings.

The test: Devices are dropped from various heights at 26 different angles (every edge, corner and side) onto 2-inch thick plywood over steel plate on concrete. The height at which the unit will still turn on and operate, generally between 12 and 72 inches, is the rated drop specification.

Why it matters: Drops are one of the most common causes of damage to mobile devices and given their often non-traditional working environments, mobile workers are more likely to drop their computers during the course of their day than an office worker.

The test: A device is blasted with 5.8 inch-per-hour rain and 70 mph winds, for thirty minutes per surface while operational. This determines the effectiveness of the device casing and seals in preventing the penetration of water.

Why it matters: Mission-critical workers can’t put their work on hold due to a rainstorm. This test simulates using the device in severe weather conditions or on a job site around water.

The test: Vibration testing simulates the typical vibrations devices experience in an off road vehicle, helicopter mounted environment or carried by a person.

Why it matters: Workers who use devices in vehicles or conduct business on the road, need a reliable mobile device to complete their every day tasks. Mobile devices experience heavy vibration when mounted in vehicles such as trucks, emergency services and even helicopters.

The test: A performance test is conducted on a device in an altitude chamber simulating 15,000 feet above sea level, while operational.

Why it matters: Workers collecting valuable data or leveraging data to make mission-critical decisions in high-altitude locations can’t easilyreplace a failed device. The test simulates use in an unpressurised cargo aircraft or mountainous locations.

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Mobile Computing & EPoS DistributionTelephone: 01904 717180 Website: www.varlink.co.uk Social: @VarlinkLtd

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Sand and Dust Resistance Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 510.5 Procedure I

Humidity Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 507.5 Procedure II

Temperature Shock Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 503.5 Procedure I

Extended Battery Life

Low Temperature Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 502.5 Procedure II

High Temperature Test: MIL-STD-810G Method 501.5 Procedure II

The test: Dust then sand is blown at a device over several hours in an environment of 60°C (140°F) while operational. During this procedure the device is rotated to eventually expose all sides to test the effects of dust that may obstruct openings and penetrate into cracks.

Why it matters: This test simulates situations like desert sandstorms or environments where unsealed devices, and those with fans, can haveinternal components exposed and damaged due to contaminants.

The test: This test determines how a device copes with heat while being fully operational. The test is performed at 60°C (140°F) for thirty minutes.

Why it matters: Most processors run well at room temperature but when exposed to extreme hot or cold can experience catastrophic failure. This test simulates the ability of the unit to survive and operate at extremely high temperatures.

The test: A device is placed in a -29°C (-20°F) environment for thirty minutes and powered on in the extreme cold to ensure it still functions.

Why it matters: This test simulates the ability to start and operate at extreme winter conditions, without damaging the hard drive or experiencing data migration in an SSD. In many cases, a device won’t start when the hard drive is frozen.

The test: A device goes through three cycles of testing where it is placed in an environment of 93°C to -51°C (200°F then -60°F) to test reliability when moving between extreme temperatures.

Why it matters: Typical, commercial-grade devices can experience severe usability issues at temperature extremes. Thermal shock can cause fogging/ condensation inside device which can impact the screen readability and the internal electronics.

The test: Humidity testing involves testing mobile devices in temperature cycles of 30°C to 60°C (86°F to 140°F) at 95% relative humidity. This determines the resistance of material to the effects of a warm, humid atmosphere.

Why it matters: The main issue in humidenvironments is the ability to transfer heat (reduced by the level of moisture in the air). If the device becomes overheated, units can become inoperable, temporarily or permanently.

If your customers need reliable, fully rugged devices then call us on 01904 717180 and we’ll work with you to find the right device