EP1894074A2 - Procedes et appareil permettant d'optimiser l'humidite de l'environnement - Google Patents

Procedes et appareil permettant d'optimiser l'humidite de l'environnement

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Publication number
EP1894074A2
EP1894074A2 EP06773012A EP06773012A EP1894074A2 EP 1894074 A2 EP1894074 A2 EP 1894074A2 EP 06773012 A EP06773012 A EP 06773012A EP 06773012 A EP06773012 A EP 06773012A EP 1894074 A2 EP1894074 A2 EP 1894074A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
chamber
temperature
humidity
test
control
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06773012A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1894074A4 (fr
Inventor
Colin Baston
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sigma Systems Corp
Original Assignee
Sigma Systems Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sigma Systems Corp filed Critical Sigma Systems Corp
Publication of EP1894074A2 publication Critical patent/EP1894074A2/fr
Publication of EP1894074A4 publication Critical patent/EP1894074A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F3/00—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems
    • F24F3/12—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling
    • F24F3/14—Air-conditioning systems in which conditioned primary air is supplied from one or more central stations to distributing units in the rooms or spaces where it may receive secondary treatment; Apparatus specially designed for such systems characterised by the treatment of the air otherwise than by heating and cooling by humidification; by dehumidification
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/0008—Control or safety arrangements for air-humidification
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/28—Testing of electronic circuits, e.g. by signal tracer
    • G01R31/2851—Testing of integrated circuits [IC]
    • G01R31/2855—Environmental, reliability or burn-in testing
    • G01R31/2872—Environmental, reliability or burn-in testing related to electrical or environmental aspects, e.g. temperature, humidity, vibration, nuclear radiation
    • G01R31/2881—Environmental, reliability or burn-in testing related to electrical or environmental aspects, e.g. temperature, humidity, vibration, nuclear radiation related to environmental aspects other than temperature, e.g. humidity or vibrations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D22/00—Control of humidity
    • G05D22/02—Control of humidity characterised by the use of electric means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00—Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/28—Testing of electronic circuits, e.g. by signal tracer
    • G01R31/2832—Specific tests of electronic circuits not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/2836—Fault-finding or characterising
    • G01R31/2849—Environmental or reliability testing, e.g. burn-in or validation tests

Definitions

  • This invention relates to environmental control in systems wherein a device under test (DUT) is conditioned. More particularly, this invention discloses a method and apparatus for producing a controllable change in humidity level at a temperature and saturation level that can be supported by the environment in which it is delivered.
  • DUT device under test
  • the ability to create and control environments of a prescribed humidity is important in a number of fields including, inter alia, testing and conditioning of materials and components (e.g., electronics). For example, it may be desirable to condition or expose an electronic component to a prescribed temperature/humidity profile for a period of time for qualification testing or the like, such as by placing the component within a test chamber.
  • materials and components e.g., electronics
  • One popular method to create humidified air comprises forcing airflow across a water surface or a water-wicked material. Subsequently, much like natural air currents across large bodies of water such as lakes or oceans, the moving body of air absorbs moisture and the subsequent body of air increases in moisture content. Conversely, when the velocity of the humidified air reduces as it exits the device and contacts an environment unable to support the elevated moisture content, the water vapor suspended within the gas can condense and fall out of the atmosphere in a liquid form. Alternatively, if the moisture-laden air is accelerated in given direction or along a surface (e.g., in a moisture separator), the moisture within the air will be released.
  • a humidifier for conditioning fluid for delivery to a test chamber such as an incubator
  • a test chamber such as an incubator
  • the water is heated to below its boiling point.
  • the relative humidity of the saturated mixture delivered to the test chamber is usually at least 90% at temperatures between about 30 C - 60 C.
  • United States Patent No. 4,667,522 to Kawahara issued May 26, 1987 and entitled “Humidity testing apparatus” discloses a humidity testing apparatus comprising a test chamber with external heaters for superheating the steam and preventing condensation in the testing zone.
  • the test chamber is divided into an upper humidity testing section and lower condensate collection and removal section by a horizontal heating plate extending from the back wall to a front edge adjacent to and spaced apart from the front of the test chamber, the heating plate extending from one sidewall to the opposing sidewall of the chamber.
  • Convection currents are introduced into the chamber by the heating plate which is maintained at a temperature above the walls of the chamber.
  • the test chamber has a steam inlet opening in the back wall thereof defining a steam flow path into the upper chamber, and a substantially vertical steam baffle plate extending upward from the heating plate and positioned adjacent to the steam inlet opening in the steam flow path.
  • the bottom wall has a condensate outlet opening in the bottom wall thereof.
  • United States Patent No. 4,852,389 to Mayer, et al. issued August 1, 1989 and entitled "System for controlled humidity tests” discloses a system for controlled humidity tests wherein gas transmission through a barrier may be measured, including apparatus for controllably mixing a dry gas and wet gas, for conveying the mixed gas to a test chamber or chambers for measurement of relative humidity and gas transition through a barrier, including gas transmission conduits having a pressure drop of less than 1 percent of ambient pressure, and including conduit temperature controls to maintain a controlled first temperature in the test chamber or chambers, and controlled higher temperatures in all other gas conduits.
  • United States Patent No. 5,247,247 to Kase issued September 21, 1993 and entitled "Low temperature IC handling apparatus” discloses a low temperature IC handling apparatus having pre-measurement and post-measurement drying chambers which are provided at entrance and/or exit of a low temperature IC test chamber and connected therewith via shutters.
  • the drying chambers are provided with low humidity nitrogen gas supply units, and a mechanism for supplying an IC to be measured to the low temperature IC test chamber and a mechanism for unloading a measured IC from the low temperature IC test chamber.
  • a control unit for controlling these mechanisms is provided. Frosting on the seam between the low temperature IC test chamber and the drying chambers and on movable components in these chambers can be prevented and dew condensation on ICs after completion of the measurement at fixed low temperature can be prevented. Therefore, operating efficiency can be considerably increased.
  • United States Patent No. 5,824,918 to Zuk issued October 20, 1998 and entitled "Relative humidity control system for corrosion test chamber” discloses a method and apparatus for controlling the level of relative humidity within a corrosion test apparatus.
  • the corrosion test apparatus includes a testing chamber, an atomizer which fogs the testing chamber with de-ionized water, a sensor which senses a relative humidity level within the testing chamber, a humidifying valve coupled to the atomizer which regulates a supply of pressurized air to the atomizer, and a controller coupled to the sensor and to the humidifying valve.
  • the controller includes a heating control loop mechanism which generates an output signal proportional to a differential between a relative humidity set point and the relative humidity level.
  • the humidifying valve regulates the supply of operating medium to the atomizer based on the output signal.
  • the atomizer regulates the amount of operating liquid fogged into the test chamber based on the supply of operating medium received from the humidifying valve.
  • the corrosion test apparatus also includes a dehumidifying valve which regulates a supply of ambient air to the testing chamber based on the differential between the relative humidity set point and the relative humidity level, and a passive, low-cost, low maintenance air amplifier coupled to the dehumidifying valve which draws ambient air into the testing chamber.
  • United States Patent No. 6,023,985 to Fournier issued February 15, 2000 and entitled "Controller for an environmental test chamber” discloses an apparatus for performing environmental testing on a device, and a method for controlling the atmospheric conditions of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus includes a test chamber and at least one air heater for controlling air temperature within the test chamber.
  • the apparatus further includes at least one liquid heater for disposed in connection with a liquid reservoir for heating the liquid to control humidity within the test chamber.
  • the apparatus includes first and second controllers for controlling the at least one air heater and the at least one liquid heater, and thus for controlling the temperature and humidity within the test chamber.
  • the method includes the steps of beginning a testing cycle at a first temperature and a first humidity, and first elevating the temperature of a test chamber to at least a second temperature (where the second temperature is higher than the first temperature), while maintaining the humidity at a substantially constant level. Then, the method holds the temperature in the test chamber at a near constant temperature for a period of time. Finally, after the temperature has been elevated to its desired (target) temperature, the method elevates the humidity in the test chamber from the first humidity to at least a second humidity (where the second humidity is higher than the first humidity), while holding the temperature at a substantially constant value.
  • United States Patent No. 6,272,767 to Botruff, et al. issued August 14, 2001 and entitled "Environmental test chamber” discloses an environmental test chamber that comprises a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a partition.
  • the first chamber receives one or more electronic components to be tested.
  • the first chamber includes an exhaust area through which air is introduced to the first chamber and an intake area from which air is evacuated from the first chamber.
  • the exhaust area and intake area are both fitted with a panel having a plurality of apertures. The size and/or the distance between the apertures is varied to provide a uniform airflow through the first chamber, thereby insuring that each electrical component housed within the first chamber experiences the desired temperature and humidity conditions.
  • An air intake assembly is provided which draws air into a control panel chamber housing the electrical circuitry necessary to operate the environmental test chamber, and transports the air into the second chamber to thereby permit both the control panel chamber and the second chamber to receive ambient air.
  • An air manifold is positioned below the partition and injects dry, compressed air upward through the partition to thereby pressurize the same. Pressurization of the partition assures that heated air and/or moisture residing within the first chamber does not migrate into the second chamber and thus avoids thermal and humidity gradients within the first chamber.
  • United States Patent No. 6,892,591 to Grossman, et al. issued May 17, 2005 and entitled "Multiple-blower relative humidity controlled test chamber” discloses an accelerated weathering apparatus that includes a test chamber, a specimen supporting means, a light source powered by a power source controlled by a ballast, at least one chamber air temperature sensor, a black panel temperature sensor, and a multiple blower system and control means.
  • a first blower draws and circulates outside or fresh air and as second blower optionally draws recirculated air into an air mixing duct.
  • the speeds of the fresh air and recirculated air blowers are independently regulated and controlled by a blower controller based on the chamber air temperature and black panel temperature, respectively.
  • a humidifier and humidity controller regulates humidity within the system as required.
  • an improved system adapted for humidity and temperature control comprises a test chamber, water tank, motive source (e.g., compressor or pressurized bottle), and controller.
  • the system is adapted to maintain the desired humidity (and temperature) conditions within the chamber without generating significant condensation therein.
  • a water tank for use in the aforementioned system.
  • the tank comprises a level control system for maintaining a substantially constant level, and an aerator adapted to diffuse (bubble) the carrier gas through the water, thereby raising the humidity level of the carrier gas by a prescribed amount and in a predictable fashion.
  • the tank is also adapted to include its own temperature control system which can be used to, inter alia, control the tank (and water) temperature to selectively cause condensation to occur within the tank, as opposed to any connected test environment.
  • a controller architecture for use in the aforementioned system.
  • the controller architecture comprises two substantially independent temperature controllers for the test chamber and the water tank.
  • One or both of these controllers may be linked to a humidity sensor (such as one sensing the interior volume of the test chamber) in order to maintain the prescribed conditions of humidity and temperature within the chamber.
  • the temperature controllers are coupled or integrated, so as to provide a coordinated "smart" control process that dynamically controls the temperatures of the two components (as well as monitoring humidity). Other parameters such as tank water level (which controls the amount of interaction between the diffused gas and the water), and pump operation/speed, may also be controlled.
  • the aforementioned controllers may also be programmed to provide various test profiles for temperature and/or humidity as desired.
  • an improved method for maintaining the humidity within a test chamber comprises: providing a desired humidity level for the chamber; sensing the actual humidity level within the chamber; determining whether an increase or decrease in humidity within the. chamber is required based at least in part on comparison of the desired and actual levels; and if the humidity level needs to be decreased, performing at least one of (i) a dry purge process; or (ii) lowering the temperature of a volume from which humid gas is supplied to the chamber, thereby causing any condensation to selectively occur within the volume as opposed to said chamber.
  • the volume comprises a water tank with its own temperature control system.
  • Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of the humidity and temperature control system of the invention, showing the various components thereof.
  • Fig. Ia is a functional block diagram of the water tank of the system of Fig. 1, wherein a temperature controller is utilized to heat or cool the water reservoir within the tank.
  • Fig. Ib is a functional block diagram showing one exemplary configuration of the filtering apparatus used in the system of Fig. 1, the filtering apparatus being used to remove matter such as e.g., VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from the water supply prior to entering the water tank.
  • VOCs volatile organic compounds
  • Fig. Ic shows a functional block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of an air compressor in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. Id is a functional block diagram illustrating an exemplary test chamber configuration according to the present invention, wherein a temperature control apparatus is utilized to heat or cool the chamber.
  • Fig. Ie is a functional block diagram showing one exemplary embodiment of the dry purge system of Figs. Ia and Id.
  • Fig. If is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of the water tank of the system of Fig. 1, wherein the dry purge system is disposed after the tank outlet isolation valve.
  • Fig. 2 is a logical flow chart showing one exemplary embodiment of the method for controlling humidity within the test chamber in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 2a is a logical flow chart showing another exemplary embodiment of the method for controlling humidity within the test chamber in accordance with the present invention, wherein water temperature is utilized to control increases and/or decreases in chamber humidity.
  • DUT refers generally to any component, material, assembly, or device which is being tested, evaluated, or conditioned. DUT' s can include, without limitation, electronic or mechanical devices or assemblies, integrated circuits, semiconductors, diodes, material specimens or samples, or crystals.
  • humidity refers generally to the concentration of one material in another. In the exemplary instance, humidity refers to the relative water (vapor) content within air; however, the term is also meant to encompass water content in other gases, and even the content of non-water liquids carried within air or other types of gases.
  • test chamber-based system is merely exemplary of the broader concepts.
  • the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing methods and apparatus for delivering the humidified air at a temperature and saturation level that can be supported by the environment to which it is delivered, thereby effectively eliminating the accumulation of liquid water within the testing chamber.
  • condensation will only occur if and when the humid gas contacts a surface or environment that is below the dew point of the set level for its operation.
  • This condensation process is controlled such that it can only occur in a tank existing outside of the test chamber, thus preventing the condensation of water vapor within the chamber used for conditioning or evaluating the DUT.
  • the carrier gas supply is fed through a re- circulating system with a separate environment that is used to control humidity levels, and hence the levels of condensation within the test chamber can be advantageously reduced.
  • Fig. 1 one exemplary embodiment of the conditioning system 100 of the invention is described in detail. It will be appreciated that while described in the content of a water-based system using air as a carrier gas, the present invention may be adapted to other types of environments and/or carrier gases (such as without limitation inert gases such as nitrogen or argon), such adaptation being readily performed by those of ordinary skill provided the present disclosure.
  • carrier gases such as without limitation inert gases such as nitrogen or argon
  • the system 100 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a water tank 106 with temperature control system 102, make-up water supply 110, water level switch 104, water level fill valve 105, water filtration device 108, valve assembly (to isolate outlet from the tank 106 to the chamber environment) 109, a gas pump or compressed gas source 112, aerator block 113, test chamber 116 and associated temperature control system 118, and humidity measuring device 119.
  • One or more dry purge systems 107, 122 for the tank and chamber, respectively, are also provided to permit more rapid reductions in humidity.
  • the system 100 is configured to re-circulate the humidity-carrying gas (e.g., air, although other gases may be used) from the chamber 116 at a substantially constant gas flow rate.
  • the volume of the water reservoir 117 in the tank 106 is also controlled through the use of a control mechanism (here, the float switch 104), the tank level remains substantially constant resulting in a relatively constant contact time with the supplied carrier gas.
  • the contact time is controlled in effect by the depth of the water in the tank, since the carrier gas is bubbled up through the tank water volume 117 (the lighter gas rising within the denser water).
  • the humidity can also be controlled by either (i) individually raising or lowering the temperature of the water in the tank, or (ii) controlling the temperature of both the water bath and the testing environment.
  • condensation will only occur if and when the humid carrier gas contacts a surface or environment that is below the dew point of the set level for its operation. This condensation process is controlled such that it can only occur in the water tank 106, thus preventing the condensation of water vapor within the chamber 116 used for conditioning or evaluating the DUT.
  • the water tank 106 has an inlet 124 wherein air, or any other suitable gas carrier, may be drawn from a source such as the linear air compressor 112 (shown in Fig. Ic), discussed subsequently herein.
  • the gas used to aerate the water in the tank 106 may be obtained either from some connected environment (such as the chamber 116), or in the alternative may be drawn from some other pre-defined gaseous source (such as a compressed gas tank) in order to maintain desired conditions such as purity.
  • gas is fed to the water tank 106 from the linear air compressor pump 112 and subsequently piped to an aerator block 113 located inside of the water tank 106.
  • the aerator block apparatus 113 ban be integrated within the water tank 106, similar to that disclosed in US Patent No. 4,367,182, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, or alternatively may comprise a separate assembly.
  • Myriad different configurations for the aerator compatible with the present invention will be recognized by those of ordinary skill. Using a separate aerator assembly may be desirable for, inter alia, ease of maintenance or replacement, depending on the conditions of its operation.
  • a linear air compressor pump 112 is best suited for providing the gas to the aerator 113 in this particular application
  • this air supply may also be achieved by piping from a tank of pressurized air, thus eliminating the requirement for a pump apparatus (and associated electrical power supplies and controls).
  • other gases such as for example inert gases such as nitrogen or argon
  • a predetermined percentage of the bottled gas is mixed with the pumped air using a mixing valve of the type well known in the prior art.
  • mixed gases are used, such as where two or more discrete gases from pressurized cylinders are mixed at a prescribed concentration with one another before introduction into the tank 106.
  • the gas stream once inside the water tank 106, flows through the aerator device 113 and bubbles through the water reservoir within the tank 106.
  • the use of the aerator device serves the primary purpose of separating the gas stream into smaller individual bubbles and multiplies the surface area of the gas bubbles available to contact the water within the reservoir many times over. This helps maximize the amount of water vapor (i.e., humidity) that the gas can absorb in a given period of time.
  • the humidified gas then exits the tank through a flow control valve 109 and ultimately into the chamber environment 116 containing the DUT to be tested/conditioned.
  • aerator configurations and placements within the tank 106 may be used with the invention, such as where an elongated tube or rod having an array of diffusion holes is used.
  • a plurality of aerators distributed around the tank interior may be used.
  • Yet other mechanisms for achieving the desired effect i.e., increased absorption of moisture into the gas
  • the water tank 106 will have a "dry air" purging system 107 also, or in the alternative the diy purging system may be attached directly to the environmental chamber (see Fig. Id, item 122) with the valves 109,120 between the water tank 106 and environmental chamber 116 optionally closed during purging depending on the particular system architecture that is chosen.
  • the purge system(s) 107, 122 are used to purge the tank volume and chamber volume, respectively, of the humidity-laden air, such as when a reduction in humidity is desired.
  • the dry purging systems 107, 122 may comprise, for example, means for dispensing nitrogen or argon gas from a liquid nitrogen/argon source such as a pressurized bottle.
  • a means for maintaining the desired pressure level in the chamber/tank may be required, so as to preclude over- pressurization.
  • a relief valve and/or use of design leakage past seals in the chamber door can be used to ensure no unwanted pressurization of the system components.
  • purging can be accomplished by simply evacuating the chamber of humid air.
  • a pump such as the linear pump 112 described elsewhere herein
  • Such replacement atmosphere may simply be the existing ambient around the chamber 116, although the humidity and other conditions of this air are not controlled.
  • a more preferable solution is to supply a purge gas (e.g., nitrogen) into the chamber as previously described, while simultaneously evacuating the moisture-laden air from the chamber using the pump 112.
  • one other exemplary method for doing so is by pumping the gas stream through a cylinder filled with a desiccant, such as for example DrieriteTM.
  • a desiccant such as for example DrieriteTM.
  • the gas flow can be diverted through a desiccant cylinder 150, instead of through the aerating device 113 located in the water tank 106.
  • the desiccant is useful in absorbing moisture out of the gas, and subsequently lowering the relative humidity of the gas circulating to the environmental chamber 116.
  • the desiccant can be loaded into a clear polycarbonate cylinder 150 so that it will be readily apparent when the moisture absorbing ability of the desiccant (i.e., by a color change in the material) has been exhausted, thereby visually signaling that the desiccant needs to be replaced.
  • the desiccant it may not be necessary to replace the desiccant but rather it may be recharged by heating the desiccant (such as by direct heating, or loading it into an oven or other source of heat) to evaporate the moisture from the desiccant
  • a moisture separator apparatus such as that used in steam systems may be employed to separate the moisture from the carrier gas.
  • well known centrifugal moisture separators comprise a comparatively high- velocity gas flow path which causes the gas to rapidly change direction (accelerate). Such acceleration induces the heavier water entrained within the gas to be separated from the lighter gas, and collect on nearby structures (such as fins or flow channels disposed in the gas/moisture path). The separated moisture can then be collected, such as via a simple drip system.
  • moisture separators are known to those of ordinary skill, and hence not described further herein.
  • the illustrated water tank 106 has a level control switch 104 that maintains the volume of water contained within the tank at a substantially constant level, providing a substantially constant gas/water contact time for the bubbled gas stream. This is desirable, as the switch 104 ensures that an adequate volume of water always remains within the tank 106. This simplifies the process of achieving a desired humidity level within a reasonable amount of time, since one variable (i.e., contact time, which is directly related to the humidity content of the air being supplied to the chamber 116) is effectively removed from the control process equation.
  • the level control switch 104 comprises a float switch of the type well known in the fluidic arts.
  • the use of a float switch 104 is particularly desirable due to its simplicity in design, low cost, and repeatability and accuracy in maintaining a desired level of water.
  • other types of switches and in fact approaches to maintaining a substantially constant contact time may be used.
  • two discrete conductivity sensors are used to control the tank level; the first (lower) switch is closed when the tank level falls below a certain desired vertical height (as detected by a lack of conductivity or electrical current flow), whereas the second switch is opened when such conductivity or current exists.
  • a concentric water/gas tube arrangement is used, wherein gas bubbled from the bottom of a first tube rises within the annulus created between it and a second, larger diameter tube containing water. Myriad other approaches may be substituted.
  • the water tank 106 is also fitted with a temperature control system 102, including one or more heating elements, that can be used to either pre-heat or maintain the water at a given water temperature.
  • the temperature control system 102 comprises a low-current thermal platform of the type well known in the art, such as those manufactured by Sigma Systems Inc. of San Diego, CA, with an exemplary maximum temperature setting of 85° C and a minimum setting of 20° C.
  • This device uses a resistive heating element and a liquid nitrogen cooling system, although other techniques for heating and/or cooling may be utilized.
  • the relationship between the temperatures of the environmental chamber 116 and the water tank 106 can be determined (such as via temperature sensors present in respective ones of the two components) and controlled to, inter alia, maintain a desired humidity level at the outlet, and therefore maintain a desired humidity level within the environment chamber 116.
  • the temperature controller(s) monitor and maintain the temperature of the water bath via the temperature probe surface, and the chamber temperature via the airflow, although other approaches can be used.
  • the importance of controllable heating element(s) within the tank temperature control system 102 also relates in part to the fact that moisture absorption and humidity level has a direct relationship with ambient air temperature.
  • This characteristic can be observed with natural phenomena such as fog. Fog is formed when a warmer body of air containing water vapor cools below its "dew point". At this cooler temperature, the air can no longer support the level of water vapor contained within it and this water vapor condenses into a liquid form (visible fog).
  • condensation that would otherwise occur inside of the chamber 116 can be minimized and even eliminated completely, occurring alternatively within the tank volume 106.
  • the moisture-carrying capability of the gaseous carrier medium e.g., air
  • the relationship between the chamber and tank temperatures and pressures can be considered, such as via use of an algorithm and computerized controller that periodically determines the appropriate values for each of the parameters in order to maintain the desired test chamber conditions.
  • Such computerized controller and algorithm may have as its inputs, for example, the temperatures of the water bath in the tank 106, the air temperature in the chamber 116, the pressures in each of the foregoing, and the relative humidity within the chamber 1 16.
  • the controller apparatus can maintain the humidity level, temperature, and pressure within the chamber 116 at the desired levels.
  • a computerized configuration is particularly useful where frequent changes in temperature, pressure, and/or humidity are required by the test regime.
  • one such regime may comprise stepping temperature from a low level to a high level while maintaining pressure and humidity constant.
  • the regime may call for variation of all three parameters as a function of time. Precisely maintaining such conditions manually would be difficult at best, especially where frequent changes are required, since stabilization times would not be reached.
  • a method of controlling the environmental parameters of a device under test which incorporates the calculation of a moveable temperature setpoint which will 1) maximize the speed of the thermal test or conditioning routine; 2) respect the limits of the DUT with respect to both absolute skin temperature limits and thermal stress: 3) respect the thermal limitations of the test or conditioning equipment being used; and 4) maximize the thermal uniformity of the DUT when the user's specified temperature setpoint is reached in the DUT core.
  • a system operating range (SOR) and DUT operating range (DOR) are calculated based on the thermal and stress limits of the DUT, temperature control system (TCS), and thermal conditioning apparatus.
  • a control setpoint (CSP) which is different than the desired DUT core temperature specified by the user i.e., the PSP
  • CSP control setpoint
  • the desired DUT core temperature is then calculated based on the difference between the PSP and the secondary temperature sensing probe input temperature, the value of two predetermined setup parameters, and the relationship between the SOR and DOR, so as to effectuate varying amounts of heat transfer between the thermal conditioning environment and the DUT.
  • the desired DUT core temperature is approached, movement of the control setpoint is terminated and the differential between core and skin temperature of the DUT reduced accordingly until the user-specified setpoint is reached.
  • the computer program is compiled into an object code format which is stored on a magnetic storage medium, and which is capable of being run on a digital computer processor.
  • the algorithm receives inputs (via the host computer system, described below) from instrumentation associated with the thermal conditioning system, such as chamber/device temperature probes, and calculates the Control Setpoint (CSP) which is fed back to the thermal conditioning system to effectuate control of the chamber and device temperature.
  • CSP Control Setpoint
  • Variable differential thermal limits may also be employed as a function of the core temperature of the DUT in order to control thermal shock to the DUT during various temperature transitions.
  • the method generally comprises: controlling the temperature of a second object which is able to transfer energy to or from the first object to achieve a first temperature; observing at least one event associated with the first object after the second object has achieved the first temperature; and subsequently controlling the temperature of the second object based at least in part on the at least one event.
  • the first object comprises, e.g., a DUT
  • the second object a thermal conditioning device (e.g., thermal platform, oven, or chamber).
  • the thermal conditioning device is first brought to the desired DUT temperature, and the DUT subsequently observed (such as via temperature probe) to identify both (i) a change in DUT temperature, reflecting response to the thermal conditioning device change in temperature; and (ii) stabilization of the DUT temperature.
  • the heating or cooling applied to the thermal conditioning device is then adjusted based on the observed difference between the desired DUT temperature and the actual DUT temperature.
  • Thermal conditioning apparatus useful with the present invention for latent temperature control generally comprises: at least one device for collecting data related to temperature of a first object and a second object; and a controller, operatively coupled to the at least one device and adapted to control the temperature of the second object, the controller adjusting the temperature of the second object to a first temperature, and thereafter only after receiving data indicating a substantially stable temperature of the first object.
  • the controller comprises an embedded controller having a computer program running thereon, the program adapted to implement the latent temperature control methodology previously described.
  • these methods and apparatus may be readily adapted for latent changes in humidity as well, such as for example by configuring the control system to detect artifacts present in the humidity profile within the chamber.
  • the valves 109, 120 can optionally be closed to minimize the transfer of humidity by natural convection or other means.
  • This process can be automated if desired, such as via a control signal generated by way of a chamber humidity sensor that actuates one or more solenoid operated valves.
  • the system may continue to function with the linear compressor 112 continuing to pump air into the test chamber 116, with the humidity being maintained at the desired level by controlling pump motor speed, water bath temperature, and/or other parameters of the system in response to sensors (i.e., temperature and humidity sensors) installed within various points of the system 100.
  • the supply water is optionally passed through the filtration device 108 to remove undesirable substances such as, e.g., Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that have the potential to contaminate the system 100 by "out-gassing" from the water into the gas flow, as temperature is increased.
  • VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds
  • This filtration device 108 may comprise a mechanical filter (e.g., filter medium, mesh or the like), an ionic or chemical filter (such as an ion exchange bed), or yet other type of device.
  • a filtration device 108 as shown in Fig. Ib is the removal of suspended solids or particulates that can deposit onto the inside tank and piping surfaces (especially those of any heating elements, which would have accelerated rates of general and stress corrosions due to elevated temperatures), thereby otherwise increasing maintenance costs and reducing the efficiency of the system as these deposits became significant.
  • the compressor 112 provides the required gas stream to the water tank 106 for use in conditioning the test chamber 116.
  • the air compressor 116 comprises a linear air compressor and is activated by a power controller 1 14 in response to signals from the humidity sensors and/or the temperature controllers 102, 118.
  • the gate valve 109 between the tank and the chamber 116 opens when the compressor 112 is activated (detected using any number of means such as via an output pressure switch or signal from the electrical power supply indicated a connected status), and conditioned air is drawn from the chamber 116 through the compressor 112 to the aerator assembly 113 in the tank 106. Air is expelled through the water via the aerator and returns to the chamber 116 via the discharge valve 109 (e.g., gate valve) in a saturated form. Once the desired humidity level is obtained, the compressor 112 is secured (or its output is ported to another pathway within the system), and/or the gate valve 109 optionally closed.
  • the desired compressor start/stop functionality can also optionally be implemented using a delay timer, so that the compressor and valve have a minimum cycle time to avoid excessive cycling. This may also be used with a pressure and//or humidity control band, such that the compressor does not continually cycle as the pressure or humidity rises above and falls below a single setpoint. Control bands are well known in the controller arts, and accordingly not described further herein.
  • the position of the isolation valves 109, 120 may be determined via use of either micro-switches or proximity switches of the type well known in the art, and also used as part of the compressor control process.
  • the closed position of the valve(s) can form an interlock on the compressor controller to preclude startup against a dead head.
  • the output of the compressor can also be used to maintain the discharge valve 120 open (such as where the output pressure is applied under the valve seat), with an electrically operated solenoid being used to initially position the valve, and thereafter not being required. Once the compressor output diminishes (such as when power is secured or the output recirculated via another path), the valve 120 closes under its own spring pressure.
  • both the test chamber 1 16 and the water tank 106 have respective "segregated" sources of temperature control 102, 118. These sources of control may be linked or integrated into one controller (as previously described) so as to produce a "smarter" system with a higher level of control functionality and performance, or alternatively maintained as separate control entities. For example, in certain low-cost applications, coordination between the controllers (and the attendant increase in cost) is largely unnecessary, since controlling temperature in a "local" mode provides more than adequate performance. Conversely, where a high degree of control precision and/or programmatic sophistication (e.g., multi-variate control) is required, an integrated control scheme is best used.
  • programmatic sophistication e.g., multi-variate control
  • the temperature of the chamber 116 is controlled and set by the primary controller 118 to the required temperature.
  • the secondary controller 102 which controls the temperature of the water in the water tank, is set to the temperature required to produce the required humidity in the test chamber 116. Due to the thermal latency of the water tank 106, these two temperatures may be obtained concurrently during the increase in the temperature profile (ramp-up).
  • the controllers utilized to provide such temperature control may comprise, e.g., "open loop” or "closed loop” controllers of the type well known in the art, although the latter is more common in test chamber applications.
  • a common closed-loop controller such as a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) controller utilizes a feedback loop that is used to control input as a function of output and a calculated error function.
  • PID proportional-integral-derivative
  • Such controllers utilize data read from one or more sensors, and control the input to be applied based on a user-defined logic program.
  • temperature (and optionally humidity) sensors offer feedback signals useful in temperature/humidity control.
  • the humidity sensor is preferably a solid state humidity sensor as these sensors offer accuracy as well as minimal required maintenance. Other humidity sensors such as wet wick type sensors could also be used if desired.
  • Controllers such as the closed-loop controller used in environmental chambers discussed above are well understood in the art and as such will not be discussed further herein. It will be appreciated, however, that the invention is in no way limited to open- or closed-loop controllers (PID or otherwise). For example, a fuzzy logic or Bayesian decision controller could be utilized with equal success.
  • Such control can also be achieved by the application of a purge of "dry" gas (either via the tank purge system 107, the chamber system 122, or both simultaneously). Factors such as control accuracy, desired latency, and power efficiency may be considered in selecting which of the foregoing control methods is most desirable.
  • this change in humidity might most simply be accomplished by varying the water temperature within the tank water only. If a testing temperature must increase with a subsequent change in the humidity, whether it is to increase or decrease, this might best be accomplished by simply varying the control of the water tank temperature, or alternatively varying tank temperature in conjunction with the heating element within the chamber (e.g., electrical resistive heater) so as to reduce the latency of the temperature increase of the tank water.
  • the heating element within the chamber e.g., electrical resistive heater
  • the tank temperature should either be maintained at a temperature lower than the controlled chamber temperature (approximately 15°C less), or the chamber purged with a dry gas to reduce the humidity level at or below the maximum humidity that can be supported by the air at the new (lower) temperature set point.
  • the dry purge process can be accomplished using for example a cryogenic (e.g., liquid nitrogen) purging apparatus as is well understood in the environmental chamber arts, or via use of some other alternative dry purging method such as the desiccant cylinder previously discussed herein, depending on the allowable/desired latency.
  • the gas flow aerated through the water bath of the tank 106 should not begin again until the bath temperature is equal to or below that of the conditioned air within the testing chamber.
  • the flow of humid air may simply be isolated from the environmental chamber (such as via a recirculation path) until the temperature of both the water tank and environmental chamber reach a minimally acceptable level that will not produce significant condensation within the tank.
  • Fig. If shows Fig. If is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of the water tank of the system of Fig. 1, wherein the dry purge system is disposed after the tank outlet isolation valve. This configuration allows the valve 109 to be closed when the chamber is purged to reduce humidity values.
  • Fig. 2 one exemplary method for controlling the desired humidity is disclosed. It is recognized that while cast primarily in terms of the system 100 previously described herein, the methodology of the invention may be readily adapted to other systems and equipment configurations.
  • a humidity level for the chamber is programmed by a user to a desired "set-point" value.
  • This set-point value may be set in conjunction with a chamber temperature if desired, and one or both may also be varied according to a programmatic regime as previously described.
  • the controller utilizes feedback from a sensor (e.g., a solid state or other humidity sensor or detector sensing the chamber environment) to determine whether an increase or decrease in humidity is required as compared to the set-point.
  • a sensor e.g., a solid state or other humidity sensor or detector sensing the chamber environment
  • the aforementioned sensor may also comprise one or more temperature sensors (such as those within both the water tank 106 and the testing chamber 116), used in conjunction with the humidity sensor.
  • step 206 If the humidity level needs to be decreased, a dry purge process will be implemented in step 206 as previously discussed herein.
  • the linear air compressor 112 is activated (or if running, its output ported to the chamber 116) in response to sensor feedback.
  • the chamber is also unisolated (e.g., by opening the isolation valve between the tank and the chamber).
  • Conditioned (humid) air is drawn from the chamber 116 through the compressor inlet and discharged from the compressor to the aerator assembly in the tank per step 208. Air is expelled (diffused) through the water in the tank, and returns to the chamber 116 in a saturated form.
  • step 210 the controllers monitor the sensor signals and determine whether or not the desired humidity level has been achieved within the chamber. If the desired humidity level has not been reached, the linear air compressor will continue to run (step 212) until such condition is achieved.
  • the compressor is turned off (or its output ported away from the chamber 116, such as via a recirculation line), and the isolation valve optionally closed, per step 214.
  • the temperature of the chamber 116 and the water of the tank may be controlled as well as part of the method 200.
  • one simple control scheme would be to maintain the temperature of the chamber constant, yet adjust the temperature of the tank 106 as needed.
  • Fig. 2a illustrates one embodiment of this alternate methodology. Accordingly, when a reduction in humidity is desired, the tank/bath temperature is lowered, and any resulting condensation occurs within the tank volume (and not the chamber 116). Alternatively, when a humidity increase is desired, bit the temperature of the tank and the chamber can be increased, such that the increasingly humid carrier gas supplied to the chamber is not introduced into a chamber having colder walls (thereby precipitating condensation).

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de commande d'humidité et des procédés d'utilisation avec, par exemple, une chambre de test d'environnement. Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'appareil comprend un système possédant une chambre de test, un réservoir d'eau, une source motrice destinée à un porteur d'humidité gazeux et, des contrôleurs de température destinés au réservoir et à la chambre. Le gaz porteur (par exemple l'air) est diffusé à travers le réservoir d'eau, saturant ainsi le gaz à un niveau d'humidité prescrit. Ce gaz saturé passe ensuite dans la chambre et l'environnement à l'intérieur de cette chambre (par exemple l'humidité la température) est commandé par le contrôleur de façon à maintenir le niveau d'humidité souhaité. L'appareil de cette invention présente l'intérêt principal de réduire ou même de sensiblement éliminer la condensation à l'intérieur de la chambre de test lorsque les niveaux d'humidité ont augmenté.
EP06773012A 2005-06-13 2006-06-13 Procedes et appareil permettant d'optimiser l'humidite de l'environnement Withdrawn EP1894074A4 (fr)

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US20070023536A1 (en) 2007-02-01
WO2006138287A2 (fr) 2006-12-28
WO2006138287A3 (fr) 2007-05-18

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