5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

New Protocols Improve Consistency in Materials Testing for Portable Electronics

By Staff Author | April 30, 2012

W. L. Gore & Associates has developed new testing protocols that improve reliability of acoustic vents used for water and particulate protection in portable electronic devices. These new protocols more effectively match the environmental conditions to which the venting materials are exposed, which results in consistent testing results.


The current testing outlined in the International Standard IEC60529 only evaluates the performance of acoustic vents after the device is completely designed and assembled. While developing audio devices, engineers often want to evaluate the performance of different materials and housing designs to determine what combination is best for their specific applications. Two of Gore’s new protocols address this issue — the first evaluates a material’s ability to capture particles of different sizes at different airflow rates, and the second categorizes spray-resistant materials consistently.


In addition, some of the specifications in the IEC60529 standard’s IPx4 protocol for splash protection can be broadly interpreted, which results in inconsistent test results. Gore’s third protocol defines specific parameters within the standard’s showerhead protocol to ensure consistent results, parameters including the showerhead’s position and movement, the distance between the test sample and showerhead, and the criteria for passing the test.


Finally, Gore developed a protocol for shallow immersion because the IEC60529’s IPx7 specifications did not address situations common to portable devices, such as being dropped into a shallow puddle or basin briefly. Gore’s protocol requires that the device be dropped a distance of 25 inches into three inches of water and removed after five seconds. 


Cherish Wilford, Gore’s application engineer for portable electronics, emphasized that the IEC60529 standard was originally developed for large, permanently installed enclosures with electronic voltage not exceeding 72.5 kilovolts. “Now that electronics are portable, the changes in surrounding environmental conditions can directly affect the vent’s performance,” she explained. “We developed these testing protocols to align with our core value of fitness for use, which means ensuring that our products are engineered to meet or exceed the needs of our customers’ applications. These protocols allow us to collaborate with our customers during their design process to ensure that our venting materials provide the appropriate protection without compromising sound quality.”


These testing protocols will be discussed at the International CTIA Wireless 2012 conference during the QuickHits1 session. For detailed information about the testing methods, download the white paper, Improved Consistency in Testing for Water and Particulate Protection, at www.gore.com/watertest. For more information about Gore’s full line of venting products, visit www.gore.com/portableelectronics or stop by Gore’s booth #4470 at CTIA.


 


Posted by Janine E. Mooney, Editor


April 30, 2012


Filed Under: RF

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

Open RAN test service adds colocation capabilities
Switch operates DC to 20 GHz with 128 configurable connection states for asymmetric SerDes testing
Butler Matrix
Butler Matrix drives Wi-Fi and other phased-array antennas
Long-wire dipole antennas: still viable after more than a century

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World