January 2011

GR-1089-CORE has always required the Cross Voltage Test in its Section 4. This test simulates communication wires contacting power wires. Previously, the Cross Voltage Test has been conducted at 600V, but the new Issue 6 has decreased this voltage to 425V. The 425V test uses the same current levels as were required for the 600V test, so this is a decrease in the amount of power that is required to be produced by testers designed to perform the Issue 6 Cross Voltage Test. In this article, we will address the two new tables describing the tests, discuss changes and note the tests that have not changed, and offer some general guidelines for parties who would like to modify existing Cross Voltage Testers to perform the Issue 6 Test Suite at 425V.

The start of a new year is a time when, traditionally, we reflect on the progress we made during the year passed and set our goals for the new year. More often than not, your professional development goals include training or some form of higher education to expand or refresh your technical knowledge. We’ve queried training resources in our niche industry to provide you with an overview of affordable solutions to meet your training goals in 2011. You’ll find here sources of compliance related seminars and workshops offered online and on location, public and private.

ENERGY STAR has created a completely new system of requirements and procedures for qualifying energy-efficient products. Navigating the new routes to qualification can be a challenge, given the multiplicity of newly defined requirements for testing, certification and verification. What are Recognized Laboratories, Certification Bodies and Accreditation Bodies? What roles do they play in the process? Can manufacturers still perform their own product testing for qualification? This article will chart the landscape and describe how to choose the fastest and most economical route through EPA’s Enhanced Testing and Verification Program.

The electronics industry is continually shifting. Device density and technology is more complex. Electronics manufacturing is more heavily reliant on out‑sourcing. The ESD industry seems to have jumped into this swirling eddy headfirst. ESD control programs have mushroomed. Black has been replaced by green, blue and gold. Shielding bags dominate the warehouse. Ionizers exist along side wrist straps and ground cords. An early history of “smoke and mirrors,” magic and lofty claims of performance is rapidly and safely being relegated to the past.