The Problem:

Product reliability challenges over the specified thermal range of your printed circuit boards (PCBs).

inTEST Thermal Solutions (iTS) of Mansfield, MA and C1D1 Labs of Carson City, NV have reached an agreement for distribution of process chillers to the cannabis extraction industry. 

As scientists and science enthusiasts, we often have a love/hate relationship with technology. On one hand, it enables us to do things better, faster, or more nimbly.

On the other hand it sometimes creates controversies, complications, and difficult questions. The advent of revolutionary ideas like AI and cloud computing in the lab space is no different.

Join inTEST Thermal's managing director, Jean Fallacara, and Cole Parmer's Global Product Manager, David Hayes, and Technical Specialist-Traceable, Cindy Gisler, for a discussion about the outcomes of forward-thinking tech in labs today.

Visit the North Sciences Booth and connect with our team at the Research Supplier Product Show!  We'll be talking with researchers from Biogen, MIT, Novartis, and Whitehead Institute about the smartest, safest, -86°C ULT Freezers.

We are excited to be meeting and networking with the researchers and scientists at the University of Miami. Our mission to revolutionize the cold storage landscape with the smartest, most reliable lab freezers and refrigerators is moving forward! 

Our North Sciences team will be keeping things cool at the University of Miami this Thursday. June 8th! Visit us in person at the Life Life Science Exhibits Research Supplier Product Show to learn more about our TEC2, -86°C ULT freezers, and the TSi Variable Speed Freezer that Adapts to Your Usage Needs! 

Today and tomorrow, we're in Booth #608 at the Process Heating & Cooling Show! Stop by to meet our new Division President, Mike Tanniru, and learn about our ultra cold process chillers.

North Sciences is at LSE University of Maryland TODAY! The LSE is providing lunch and an opportunity to meet with a host of life sciences suppliers and vendors.

North Sciences will be at LSE University of Maryland on May 24. The LSE will be providing lunch and an opportunity to meet with a host of life sciences suppliers and vendors.

inTEST Thermal Solutions will be at the Donald E Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois for the Process Heating & Cooling Show next week! From May 24-25, we'll be in Booth #608. Stop by to learn more about our Thermonics low temperature process chillers and our unique LN2 cooled, cryogenic chiller. 

inTEST Corporation, a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, security, and semiconductor, announced that it has received from a major manufacturer of automobiles and electric vehicles (“EV”), $2 million in orders to provide a range of Thermonics Chillers with cooling capacities up to 14kw at -40 degrees Celsius. Units are scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2023.

Pulling Data from APIs or Endpoints and Integrating Them into VR Environments to Create New Types of Technical Support Experiences in Life Sciences

inTEST Corporation, a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, security, and semiconductor, announced that Michael Tanniru will join inTEST as President of the Environmental Technologies Division effective May 8, 2023.

inTEST Thermal Solutions and Stellar Scientific Partner to Provide North Sciences Ultra-Low Temperature Biomedical Storage Solutions to U.S. Government Agencies

3 Ways to Make ULT Freezers Save Energy

Ultralow temperature (ULT) freezers can consume a lot of electricity. Estimates from the US Department of Energy indicate that conventional ULT freezers consume between 16 and 22 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity daily, which is about the same as the average US household. If your lab has more than one of these freezers, your energy use will be staggering.

Stop by and visit David at UMASS Amherst today!

All Lab equipment is designed to sustain specific conditions for operation, either consistent temperatures when it comes to Cold Storage, Ovens or Incubators or speed for centrifuges etc.

3 Ways VR and AR Can Make ULT Freezers Cooler

Ultralow temperature (ULT) freezers produce very cold temperatures of up to -86º C. Now, with the technologies of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), ULT freezers can be even cooler.

North Sciences Jean Fallacara writes on Artificial Intelligence for Lab Monitoring in this article published in Lab Manager.

A typical day in your lab may involve walking near a freezer, or a room full of them. These, especially ultralow temperature (ULT) freezers, are crucial pieces of equipment in any biological lab. They allow specimens to be preserved for as long as several years without loss of quality and viability.

2 Powerful Things AI Can Do For Your Lab 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has gone far since being a staple of science fiction in the 20th century. Now, AI is a science fact, and it is quickly gaining ground. Modern AI can write, paint pictures, and compose music, among other remarkable things.

We are chillin' in Booth 812 at NECANN Boston! Stop by to learn more about hydrocarbon and ethanol cooling. 

The typical refrigerator or freezer uses a refrigerant to produce cold temperatures. Refrigerants make use of a cycle of evaporation and condensation to cool the contents inside. Evaporation is an endothermic process, which absorbs heat from the surroundings. The result is a cool refrigerator interior.

Come see us next weekend at NECANN 2023! We'll be in Booth #812 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston from March 10-12. Stop by to learn more about rapid, ultra-low temperature cooling of ethanol and hydrocarbons in the THC and CBD extraction process. We can help you get colder, faster and more accurately.

Visit us next week, March 7 - 9, at The Optical Networking and Communication Conference & Exhibition (OFC 2023) in San Diego, CA. We'll be at Booth #2419 all week!

Cryopreservation is an excellent way to store cells for a long time. Bacterial cultures kept at -80ºC, for example, can remain viable for more than 5 years. Storing your samples in an ultralow temperature (ULT) freezer is the best way to preserve them for longer-term use.

All Lab equipment’s are designed to sustain specific conditions for operation, either consistent temperatures when it comes to Cold Storage, Ovens or Incubators or speed for centrifuges etc.

If these are maintained and operated properly, they will reliably make analysis or research publications valid.

Our own Jean Fallacara, Managing Director of North Sciences was recently interviewed by Lab Manager, the only publication specifically focused on all aspects of running a lab. 

A biobank is a collection of biological samples and the data associated with them. The samples usually originate from humans and can include tissue samples, blood, and bodily fluids. Biobanks are highly valuable tools in medical and health research.

Refrigerators Do Not Produce Cold

If you have a lab refrigerator or an ultralow temperature (ULT) freezer, what is its temperature? ‘Cold’ is the first thing that will come to mind. And yes, it is true that refrigerators and freezers are cold.

ULT stands for ultra-low temperature. ULT freezers operate in the range of -40 to -86ºC, hence the name. They come in a range of sizes – most ULT freezers are upright freezers that resemble large refrigerators, while some are so small they can fit on a tabletop. There are also chest ULT freezers that look like the freezers used to store meat in restaurants. There are even walk-in ULT freezers with much larger capacities.

We're Live at Life Sciences Exhibits at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Come see our Messenger Portable ULT freezer and learn more about our biomedical cold storage solutions.

As technology expands day to day, we often find ourselves as simple observers in our life, watching as our world slowly morphs into the robotic city we’ve always dreamed of. Love it or hate it, technology has implemented itself into our reality, like ivy growing around our windowsills. From technological advancements in cell phones, to living robots, its range is ever changing, making it difficult yet accessible to become accustomed to this new manner of life. Through all these changes, the spotlight remains focused upon two elements: virtual reality and artificial intelligence, terms we hadn’t even heard about twenty years ago. Just like in any other circumstance, adaptation and improvement are the best ways to live life: to accept change with open arms, and in this way, these two aspects are able to reach their full potential.

inTEST Thermal Solutions is LIVE at MJBizCon 2022 at the Las Vegas Convention Center! From November 16-18, we'll be at Booth #9636. We're showcasing our Thermonics extraction chillers and discussing the latest advancements in cooling and precision temperature control. 

inTEST Thermal Solutions will be at MJBizCon 2022 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. From November 16-18, we'll be at Booth #9636. We'll be showcasing our Thermonics extraction chillers and discussing the latest advancements in cooling and precision temperature control. 

We are exploring an abundance of temperature control applications to support the future of the automotive industry. 

inTEST Thermal Solutions is hiring for high tech manufacturing jobs.

inTEST Thermal Solutions is finally on Instagram!

We're Live at Boston Life Sciences Exhibits in Cambridge, MA. Come see our Messenger Portable ULT freezer and learn more about our biomedical cold storage solutions.

Our North Sciences Vaccine Refrigerators are in stock, just in time for vaccine season. Available models are the VRE-0500, the VRE-1000, and the PR-0400. 

We are proud to be working with biobanking.com, expanding our reach into the research communities. Our North Sciences lab freezers and biomedical refrigerators will continue to support scientific advancements in genomics, personalized medicine, and disease research.

inTEST Thermal Solutions’ Jean Fallacara chats with Cornell University about ULT freezers, vaccine freezers, and the future of biomedical cold storage. Their discussion explores the past, present, and future of ultra-low temperature freezers and the roles they will play throughout labs and research centers in the biomedical industry. Read the full article here:

Our own Jean Fallacara, Managing Director of North Sciences was recently interviewed by News Medical, one of the world’s leading open-access medical and life science hubs. Read the article to learn about Fallacara's vision for temperature control and biomedical cold storage.

The exhibition is NOW OPEN at the Colorado Convention Center. Stop by booth #2043 to learn more about thermal testing, device characterization, and failure analysis for your RF, Microwave, electronics, and high-powered devices. 

The exhibition opens on June 21 at the Colorado Convention Center. Stop by booth #2043 to learn more about thermal testing, device characterization, and failure analysis for your RF, Microwave, electronics, and high-powered devices. 

Welcome to the team Nichole Salter! 

Our own Jean Fallacara, Managing Director of North Sciences Biomed was recently interviewed by Entrepreneur Magazine. Read the article to learn about Fallacara's disruptive and entrepreneurial vision for temperature control and biomedical cold storage.

Because everything is in perpetual change.

We're at Booth #800 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston to learn more about rapid, ultra-low temperature cooling of ethanol and hydrocarbons in the THC and CBD extraction process. We can help you get colder, faster and more accurately.

Stop by Booth #2232 at the San Diego Convention Center to learn more about our thermal test and process cooling solutions used for the design and production of optical components. 

Our own Jean Fallacara talks with IBM about the future of cold storage and temperature control as the IoT and Metaverse progress towards impacting our products and services.

ACA TMetrix Adding Thermal Test and Process Cooling Systems to Technology Portfolio.

Learn the Basics on Controlling a ThermoStream® with RS232 or IEEE Commands.

Increases presence in Life Sciences, Industrial and International markets.

Simplified Thermal Test Integration with a ThermoStream®
or Sigma Platform and Keysight B1505A, B1506A Power Device Analyzers.

inTEST Thermal Solutions will be at MJBizCon 2021 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. From October 19 - 22, we'll be in Central Hall at Booth C3246.

Brings innovative, ultra-cold storage technology to thermal solutions platform and provides further expansion into Life Sciences industry.

Satellite 2021 will be a LIVE event at the Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, from September 8-10.

MT. LAUREL, N.J., Aug. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- inTEST Corporation (NYSE American: INTT), a global supplier of innovative test and process solutions for use in manufacturing and testing across a wide range of markets, including automotive, defense/aerospace, industrial, medical, semiconductor and telecommunications, announced today that its thermal subsidiary, inTEST Thermal Solutions (“iTS”), is collaborating with C1D1 Labs to provide Thermonics^® process chiller systems throughout the emerging cannabis industry.

inTEST Thermal Solutions will be exhibiting at the 6th Annual New England Cannabis Convention! Come meet us in booth #1409 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, MA.

Biobanking is an important tool for enhancing medical research and scientific knowledge. Simply put, biobanking is the process of collecting biological samples from a human subject for use in research purposes.

The right kind of lab equipment can make a world of difference and save you hefty maintenance and repair costs later on.

The Covid-19 vaccines have been hailed as a remarkable medical feat as they were developed under ten months since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Traditionally, vaccines have taken from around 10-15 years to be developed. The collaboration of governments, medical companies, and other interest groups has helped ensure that the Covid-19 vaccines roll out under record time.

To say that the last year has been challenging would be an understatement. As health officials advised the public on ways to prevent the spread of the virus and the authorities started lifting lockdowns, the news of new strains of the virus emerged.

Ultra-low Temperature (ULT) freezers are designed to provide with low temperatures, going as low as -80°C. But simply reaching this temperature is not a desirable asset, as the time it takes for the device to get to that level is equally important. This metric is referred to as pull-down time.

As labs require quick and efficient cooling, ULT freezer manufacturers are focusing technology towards methods that ensure fast cooling down times as well as temperature uniformity of the vessel.

When it comes to a large investment like a ULT freezer, it is important to acquire the best option. Different varieties are available on the market, all suitable for different operations and purposes.

Preservation of samples is the utmost responsibility of any laboratory or pharmaceutical facility, and thanks to advancements in science and technology, the unique invention of Ultra-Low Temperature or ULT freezers has become an excellent storage choice for lab samples and specimens.

While ULT freezers are rugged and reliable, and can go through wear and tear over time. With the excessive usage they’re put through, it isn’t uncommon for the ULT freezer’s compressor, door/gasket, or condenser to stop working properly.

Luckily, they’re usually easy to diagnose and fix.

Ultra-low temperature freezers, also known as ULT freezers operate at extremely low temperatures, designed to keep items preserved for longer periods of time. They are long-lasting installations that require minimal maintenance while offering good value for money. Here’s why all laboratories should invest in a ULT freezer.

If you’re looking to buy a top-tier and highly-advanced Ultralow and Ultrafast temperature freezer to meet industry requirements, Z-SC1 has just introduced the perfect ULT freezer—the TWINCORE ECO—with over 50 technological upgrades.

As the cold weather rolls in, health experts in the United States are encouraging people to get flu shots. The influenza virus mimics many of the symptoms of COVID-19 and is problematic for multiple reasons:

More than 11 million people in Canada have been tested for COVID-19, and thousands more are tested each day. To maximize the accuracy of these results, significant care must be exercised while handling and transporting these samples.

Countries around the world are in a multibillion dollar race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Meanwhile, COVID-19 specimens sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are carefully stored and collected for diagnostic purposes. This requires proper cold storage solutions that store specimens at the right temperature, ensuring they’re viable for testing and research.

At the moment, 40 different vaccines for COVID are under test and trial. While we haven’t reached an endpoint with any of them, we soon will. One vaccine being developed by the University of Oxford is looking very promising and is in advanced stages of its development.

Since we’re nearing the closure of these trials and might have a vaccine soon, it’s time we also begin worrying about other matters: such as where to store these vaccines once we have them?

What good is an advanced technology if you can’t use it? At the moment, we’re still pretty far from intelligent machines like those who can make their own calculated decisions. The most we ever got to was bots conversing in gibberish.

For now, humans will have to do with manual controls. And sometimes, calibrating those controls can be a real deal.

While we all know platelets as the component of blood that helps it develop clots upon wounds, there’s more to these biconvex discoid structures. When it comes to storing them, they must be isolated from blood and stored separately, with plasma. The time period of their storage is usually five days. Over time, they undergo a number of storage changes, which makes their storage much more demanding.

Large biomedical corporations can make do with larger, more energy-consuming freezers—but what about small-scale biomedical research labs or clinics? Where do you store your samples and drugs?

Medical-grade refrigerators are indispensable in the world of modern medicine since they play a critical role in safekeeping biological samples, vaccines, medicines, and other medical supplies.

Pharmaceutical-grade lab refrigerators in research centers and medical facilities store temperature-sensitive biological samples and vaccines. Failure to follow the best preventive maintenance practices of essential lab equipment can lead to sub-optimal performance, or worse, reduced potency and compromised the integrity of sample materials.

Immunization is one of the biggest cost-effective public health interventions to date. WHO estimates that nearly 2 to 3 million deaths are prevented each year through immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine (DTP).

Collecting and preserving biological samples for future examination and analysis is fundamental for pharmaceutical and biological research.

Ultra low temperature (ULT) freezers are essential to any medical facility or lab environment. They play a crucial role in preserving temperature-sensitive biological samples.

Here’s what you need to know before buying a lab freezer:

Ultra-low temperature freezers typically operate within the -60°C to -86°C range. These are used in medical facilities to store biological samples like plasma, blood, enzymes, or organ tissues.

As with any critical piece of lab equipment, lack of maintenance can lead to sub-optimal ULT freezer performance—this is detrimental to the samples stored in the freezer.

inTEST Corporation (NYSE American: INTT), a global supplier of precision-engineered solutions for use in manufacturing and testing across a wide range of markets including automotive, defense/aerospace, energy, industrial, semiconductor and telecommunications, announced today its thermal segment subsidiary, inTEST Thermal Solutions, is introducing an all-new brand identity that includes new logos, colors and designs to unify and visually reinforce the synergies between its three core product lines – Temptronic, Sigma Systems and Thermonics.

Vaccine, drug, tissue, serum, and other biological sample preservation requires biopharmaceutical refrigerators with precise temperature and humidity control.

The global biomedical refrigerators and freezers market is predicted to amount to nearly 5 billion USD by 2026.

The reason why the pharma cold chain is a billion-dollar industry is simple: pharmaceutical and healthcare industries are required to deliver high-quality products. For that, they need state-of-the-art cold storage solutions to preserve biological samples and maintain their intended efficacy.

Ultra low temperature freezers are used in a variety of facilities, including biobanking, academic institutions, clinical and hospital settings, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, and more.

ULT freezers offer safe and controlled preservation of biological samples including, reagents, proteins, DNA, PCR and sequencing nucleotides, antibodies, enzymes, and small molecules.

Every facility has its unique cold storage needs when it comes to medical refrigeration. Biomedical research laboratories need refrigeration to store critical samples at precisely controlled temperatures, while medical clinics may need it to store medication, vaccines, blood bags, or organs for transplant.

Sigma Systems, part of the inTEST Thermal Solutions family, has engineered a series of rack mountable thermal platforms used for thermal cycling of microwave/RF components during signal integrity testing.

Low-Gradient, High-Throughput Convection Chamber Replaces Oil Baths

Sigma Systems, part of the inTEST Thermal Solutions family, has designed a high throughput thermal chamber for batch testing crystal oscillators.

Two U.S. companies, inTEST Thermal Solutions (intestthermal.com) and ApolloXstill, (apolloxstill.com), have collaborated to provide a closed-loop extraction system for the cannabis industry. ApolloXstill is the first closed-loop, turnkey, on-demand ethanol extraction system that takes biomass to high quality, winterized crude in a high-speed, all-in-one processing system.

The WindChill™ AC-95 Air Chiller is an advanced, open-loop cooling systemWC-95 Air Chiller providing -95 °C air for use in process temperature control at ultra-low temperatures.

When to assess quality and reliability test resources

Thermal chambers have found a place in the psyche of test, quality, and production engineers - and for good reason. They can be an ideal test environment when precisely matched to the test specifications. However, often times they are not.

Click here to download a PDF version of this article.

Click here to view part 1 of this article.

This two-part article, was originally published in Sensors Magazine. In Part 2 we will discuss how cooling capacity and controls affect thermal performance. Part 1 addressed the variables in a test environment and the criteria for matching chamber size to the UUT (Unit Under Test).

Click here to download a PDF version of this article.

Click here to view part 2 of this article.

This two-part article, originally published in Sensors Magazine, describes engineering considerations for specifying thermal environments to optimize production throughput of temperature-compensated sensors and transmitters. Part I covers chamber configurations, while Part 2 will address thermal environment performance related to heat transfer, uniformity, and controls.

Pros and cons of cryogenic vs. compressor-based cooling

Deciding between a cryogenic and compressor-based cooling engine for your thermal chamber or thermal platform can be difficult. Download this application note to better understand the advantages of each cooling engine and to help decide which one best fits your application.

For high flow thermal conditioning of electronic modules

This bench top system is ideal for conditioning electronics with high volume, low pressure, temperature controlled air. The system delivers up to 43scfm of precisely controlled, clean dry air for conditioning components and instrumentation. It is capable of cycling and holding at temperatures from 20 to 70°C.

Visit Us next week, March 5 thru 7, at The Optical Networking and Communication Conference & Exhibition (OFC2019) in San Diego, CA. We'll be at Booth #4714 with our ThermoSpot® Direct Contact Temperature Forcing System. Stop by and learn how the ThermoSpot can be used for thermal tuning and characterization of optical transceivers.

These thermal systems provide precision temperature control for MIL-AERO component characterization, testing, and production.

Properly Uncrating a Temperature Forcing System

Watch this video to learn how to properly unpack and un-crate a ThermoStream Temperature Forcing System.

Visit Us  at the Automotive Testing Expo in Novi, MI, Oct. 23 to 25. Booth #11034. Stop by and see our thermal chambers, thermal plates and process chiller.

iTS, manufacturer of the Temptronic® ThermoStream® air forcing system, has developed an enclosure that provides a 55% reduction in the noise caused by forced air during electronics thermal cycling. Electronics testing often requires concentrated air flow to rapidly transition components to specified temperature in a test enclosure. iTS’s new enclosure, called the ECO Quiet Cap connects to the ThermoStream’s air nozzle to reduce the noise and isolate the test subjects.­

Advances in Automotive Chip Testing are creating opportunity for inTEST Thermal's expertise.
Quotes from the SemiEngineering Article:

A new family of ultra-low temperature air- and water-cooled chillers, suitable for labs and plants, has been introduced by Thermonics Corporation. These portable two-stage, cascade refrigeration chillers are capable of reaching -80 °C. Recirculating heat-transfer fluids at precise temperatures each model provides various cooling capacities to support a particular application, up to 2.5 kW at -80 °C.

ThermoStream models with built-in compressors are great for temperature testing with forced air when no facility air supply is available. The new upgrade kit for ATS-535 and -635 models makes using a ThermoStream in lab and office environments much quieter.

Quickly and Easily Connect Thermal Caps to Temperature Forcing Systems

See the new quick-connect feature for adding a thermal enclosure to Temptronic ThermoStream® systems - no tools or hardware needed.

A temperature chamber capable of long dwell times and wide temperature ranges (-55 to 500 °C) for Electro/Stress Migration, Time Dependent Dielectric Breakdown, and Hot Carrier / Vt Stability Tests.

How to set the bi-metal fail safe

Watch this video to learn how to set the primary over temperature fail safe on a thermal chamber. The chamber's primary fail safe is a bi-metal switch that protects the chamber from run-away or over temperature conditions. If an over temperature condition occurs, the bi-metal fail safe will trip and shut down the chamber's heating and cooling capabilities. It is factory set at 125 °C and must be adjusted for the chamber to operate at temperatures above 125 °C.

inTEST Thermal Solutions has designed a thermal cycling plate that integrates directly with a customer’s vacuum bell jar for space and altitude testing of RF modules, microwave components, and high power devices. The wide temperature range and stability of the plate is ideal for both thermal stressing of electronics and long periods of power supply testing.

Temperature Cycling Travelling Wave Tubes (TWTs)

inTEST Thermal Solutions (iTS) has designed a multi-zone thermal plate for hot/cold temperature cycling of microwave signal amplifiers used in satellite data communications. The heart of the amplifier is a travelling wave tube (TWT) and power supply.

How to replace the air filters in a Temptronic ThermoStream® temperature forcing system

Watch this video to learn how to change the air filters on a ThermoStream, mobile temperature forcing system. Order service kit CS158580, FILTER ELEMENT KIT,  to perform this procedure. Contact service for more information: service@inTESTthermal.com

Getting the most out of Thermal Chambers and Temperature Test Systems

Watch this video to learn how using a thermal system with temperature ranges beyond commercial and MIL-STD requirements can improve throughput when characterizing, conditioning, or testing electronics. A temperature environment that goes beyond requirements can speed up the transition time of the unit-under-test (UUT) and bring it to the target temperature much faster.

A video tutorial on automated cycling with a Temptronic ThermoStream® temperature forcing system

Watch this video to learn how to setup, save, and run temperature cycling profiles with the ThermoStream.
  

The rapid pace of transceiver design and high volume production demands high efficiency for characterization and tuning. Thermally, it means that devices must reach their programmed temperatures quickly. The ThermoStream^® achieves this by creating a stable environment in seconds.

The environmentally friendly ECO series ThermoStream® temperature forcing systems, introduced last year, using less energy with very low audible noise will save users from additional maintenance costs under the EU F-Gas regulation for refrigeration systems. Beginning January 1, 2017, the EU 517/2014 regulation requires annual leak checking for all refrigeration systems that exceed a gas charge limit.

An environmentally friendly series of Temptronic® ThermoStream® temperature forcing systems that use one-third less energy with very low audible noise has been introduced by inTEST Thermal Solutions. The ECO Series temperature test systems operate on a low, 20-amp circuit and incorporate the company’s proprietary WhisperStream™ technology providing quiet, smooth-sounding operation at 56 dBA. The ECO Series is designed with the laboratory environment in mind where audible noise and heat dissipation are of concern.

Two benchtop systems for thermal characterization of ICs, including high-Watt emitting devices, have been introduced by inTEST Thermal. The Temptronic® ThermoSpot® consists of a highly responsive benchtop temperature forcing unit that feeds a thermal probe head through a flexible umbilical. The thermal probe is designed with interchangeable thermal heads to mate directly to an IC or other device under test creating a highly efficient thermally conductive path to quickly induce temperatures to the device, even under power.

inTEST Thermal Solutions (iTS) has designed a multi-zone thermal plate for hot/cold temperature cycling of microwave signal amplifiers used in satellite data communications. The heart of the amplifier is a travelling wave tube (TWT) and power supply. In their space-borne environment, TWTs are exposed to extreme temperatures that influence the strength and stability of their magnetic field and can adversely affect their RF signal output. Rigorous thermal stressing of TWTs is required to characterize RF signal outputs and ensure trouble-free operation after deployment.

The integration of a temperature controlled thermal platform with the Agilent B1506A Power Device Analyzer has been introduced by inTEST Thermal Solutions and Agilent. The newly designed hot plate permits automated control of platform temperature, from enclosure ambient to 250 °C, for characterization of power devices such as IGBTs and MOSFETs.
Power devices generate heat, which is why manufacturers mainly test in high temperature environments. Conventional thermal platforms did not fit within the fixture area of the analyzer, giving rise to inTEST Thermal’s design.

A temperature control system for high-temperature testing of ICs, transceivers, and PCBs has been introduced by inTEST Thermal Solutions. The Thermostream® ATS-750 delivers clean dry air from -90 to 300°C to support growing demands for testing electronics that need to operate at higher temperatures. With temperature transitions up to 15°C/sec, the ATS-750 provides the horse power to reach a wide temperature range quickly, increasing throughput for thermal cycling and failure analysis.

A replacement controller for Sigma Systems thermal chambers and plates has been introduced by inTEST Thermal Solutions. The TSR controller matches both size and programming syntax of legacy C3 and C4 controllers while adding the following enhancements:

inTEST Thermal Solutions has launched the a comprehensive line of precision temperature forcing systems, the ATS-Series ThermoStream® systems. With temperature range extremes as high as 300ºC (570ºF) and as low as -100ºC (-148ºF), countless test and conditioning applications can now be solved with a compact, precise, and portable system.