A quality assurance process where electronic components or assembled systems are powered on and run continuously, often at elevated temperatures or voltages. The goal is to trigger infant mortality failures caused by manufacturing defects, ensuring that only reliable units make it to the end user. Components that survive this phase will typically last their full expected lifespan.
The new batch of power supplies needs a 48-hour burn-in at maximum load before we sign off on the shipment.
Related terms
DUT
A device under test is the specific component, board, or system being evaluated by test equipment.
Smoke test
The initial application of power to a newly assembled circuit to check for catastrophic failures.
Thermal design power
The maximum amount of heat a cooling system must be able to dissipate from a chip under typical heavy workloads.