We know that electronics have many different test methodologies and
standards when it comes to defining reliability. From my
experience in semiconductor reliability test I know of many JEDEC
standards including HAST (highly accelerated stress test), HTOL (high
temperature operating life), LTOL (low temperature operating
life, Autoclave, among other,--but have you heard of the "tiger test"?
Perhaps the "elephant stomp test". Brian Caufield
of Forbes.com puts the Panasonic Toughbook rugged laptop through a few
"unconventional" electronics reliability tests. Check out the
article here, and be sure to watch
the video if you get the chance. I must admit, I am
impressed. But I doubt that contract manufacturers will be
getting their own tiger's in order to conduct environmental hazard
testing!
For more on creative Toughbook testing, check out youtube videos such
as this one.
