Reliability Engineering

The definition of “expected service life” included in IEC 60601-1 standard potentially generates confusion and misinterpretation. This article provides an analysis of the “real-life” implications of this definition and proposes some clarifications.

Beginning with its initial release in 2002, the IEC 62133 family of standards has enabled international harmonization of safety testing for small-format cells and batteries. Since then, the standard has seen a major revision in 2012 and, most recently, a very significant change in 2017. This article will detail those latest changes and their impact on compliance activities.

Sometimes we can get stuck in our careers, doing the same things over and over again, day in and day out. One way we can break free from this situation and improve our cognitive abilities is to continue to study and learn new things – even subjects outside of what might be considered our chosen specialty.

It is a dramatic understatement to say that the world of electronic devices continues to go more portable. The mantra of smaller, lighter, and faster shows itself through the myriad of devices we use as we move through our world outside of traditional work and home environments.

While the selection of components in electrical equipment plays a crucial role, a sound understanding of the characteristics of safety-critical and high-integrity components can provide valuable information about the ways to advance and achieve the safety goals.