Automotive electronic tests

What are automotive electronic tests?

Many electronic systems are installed in vehicles, and some of the individual electronic components are networked for communication with each other. These systems and all other installed electronic components must be tested to ensure safety and comply with applicable regulations. This ensures the safe operation of the motor vehicle. In addition, tests of automotive electronics and the accompanying compliance with laws are a prerequisite for market access, for example, in the European Union. However, consumer expectations regarding the quality of the end product are also addressed by tests of automotive electronics.

The demands on the components of electronic systems are high. Tests of automotive electronics provide information about reliability, vibration and shock resistance, robustness or the effects of different temperatures on the electronic components. They are intended to ensure that electronic components do not influence the correct operation of the vehicle. To this end, EMC tests are carried out to examine electromagnetic compatibility (cf. ECE-R10) and test voltage resistance. In addition, the magnetic field strength or the interference resistance to electrostatic discharges can be determined.

Other tests that must be applied to automotive electronics are environmental tests. Here, electronic components are tested for their reaction under specific environmental influences. Environmental tests for electronics in motor vehicles include corrosion tests, fatigue and endurance tests, temperature and humidity tests or vibration tests. Since motor vehicles are constantly exposed to external influences such as cold, heat, moisture, shocks and vibrations, the electronic components must also function perfectly under these conditions.

Which automotive electronics products need testing?

As modern vehicles are equipped with more and more electronics, the testing of automotive electronics is becoming increasingly important. To ensure the safe operation of motor vehicles and to be able to exclude mutual interference of individual components, all electronic components and systems require appropriate testing. Examples of such elements and associated (test) standards are as follows:

• Driver assistance systems (e.g. anti-lock braking system, ESP, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning), e.g. according to ISO 22733-1
• Alarm systems, e.g. according to IEC 60839-10-1
• Airbag, e.g. according to ISO 12097-2
• Seat occupant detection, e.g. according to ISO 22239-2

To be able to place vehicles on the market in general, basic standards concerning electromagnetic compatibility (ECE-R10) must, of course, also have been tested. The functional safety of road vehicles (ISO 26262) and the possible electrical disturbances caused (ISO 11451-3) are also essential.

Where can I have tests of automotive electronics carried out?

You can have automotive electronics tests carried out with testxchange. The extensive network of testing laboratories that testxchange has at its disposal offers specialists and experts for almost every type of automotive electronics testing - from tests on functional safety to trying particular sensor types. You can have electronic components and systems tested according to national and international standards such as DIN, EN, ISO, NACE and ASTM. Whether you bring the electronic components to market as a manufacturer, retailer, or OEM doesn’t matter. To determine your requirements for testing automotive electronics, our team of project engineers is available to advise you. In this way, you select the test procedures you need together, saving time and money.