New T/R module burn-in method

Most electronic components and subassemblies for military contracts are burned in, that is, power and signals are applied to the units for stimulation to eliminate infant mortality. Some previous equipment architecture used temperature chambers, controlled by commercial computers, to heat an environment where batches of microwave components, devices, or systems were cycled through prescribed temperature profiles. Custom software was used to generate stimulus signals and collect specific Device Under Test (DUT) data. Two partner electronics companies working with E.J. Systems, Inc. (EJS), developed a burn-in station for the radar transmit/receive (T/R) modules, where both the test hardware and software are reusable. The new system uses heat-plate technology to eliminate chambers while generic hardware and software allow complete temperature profile and stimulus signal flexibility with only fixture and driver boards to upgrade for new devices