Update to IPC power conversion standard
7 July 2010
News
IPC has released the A revision of IPC-9592, ‘Requirements for power conversion devices for the computer and telecommunications industries.’ First released in 2008, IPC-9592 sets the requirements for power conversion devices (PCDs) in the computer and telecommunications industries, including design for reliability, design qualification testing, manufacturing conformance testing and quality processes. The new A revision of the document provides suppliers and end-users of PCDs with expanded guidance for design qualification testing and new coverage of moisture sensitivity levels (MSLs) and corrosion of PCDs.
Specifically, revision A provides more definitive preconditioning tests for Category 2 printed board surface mount PCD modules with DC-to-DC converters. These tests also simulate stresses encountered during the solder reflow assembly process. Preconditioning tests help predict the results that occur with longer duration environmental stress tests, such as high temperature operating bias as well as power and temperature cycling.
In addition, revision A expands the coverage of moisture sensitivity levels (MSLs) for PCDs. In agreement with IPC J-STD-020, the specification takes a position that printed boards will default to an MSL rating of 2 A. Therefore, many PCDs will now have an MSL rating of at least 2 A due to the fact that a PCD product is typically assigned an overall rating equivalent to the worst-case MSL rating from its bill-of-material components. IPC-9592A also significantly extends its coverage of corrosion of PCDs, providing guidance for various industrial, manufacturing and uncontrolled external environments where gas phase, acidic entrainments in the air can quickly ruin any PCD.
Finally, revision A significantly expands its description of highly accelerated life testing (HALT) and the application of HALT to PCDs.
For more information visit www.ipc.org
Further reading:
RE+ South Africa 2026: From strategy to execution
News
Taking place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 02 to 04 June 2026, this new addition to South Africa’s energy landscape introduces a focused commercial and industrial energy event within a proven exhibition platform.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba announces 2027 dates
News
Following the continued success and growing global impact of the Africa Energy Indaba, organisers have announced the dates for the 19th edition of the Africa Energy Indaba 2027.
Read more...
RS South Africa named master distributor for the Arduino UNO Q
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa announced that it has been named Master Distributor for the Arduino UNO Q SBC platform across South Africa and the broader African region.
Read more...
Engineering in a world that cannot assume connectivity
Technews Publishing
Editor's Choice News
Across industrial automation, networking, and defence systems, engineers are rediscovering the importance of resilience and autonomy in an increasingly connected world.
Read more...
IOT secures major industry partnership
IOT Electronics
News
IOT Electronics has announced a new strategic partnership with Powell Electronics, becoming an Official Authorised Reseller in South Africa.
Read more...
Successful Proteus training conference
Dizzy Enterprises
News
Dizzy Enterprises recently hosted two hands-on Proteus Training Conferences, bringing together electronics professionals, designers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest capabilities of the Proteus Design Suite from Labcenter Electronics.
Read more...
Hitachi reinvents asset management solution
News
Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of essential infrastructure - from electricity networks and transportation corridors to heavy industrial operations - by reinventing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Read more...
Mycronic releases mixed Q4 results
News
Mycronic reported mixed Q4 results for the year ended January to December 2025, while delivering record full year order intake and net sales.
Read more...
AGOA: Businesses should diversify or face significant exposure
News
Cross-border payments platform Verto has called on South African and African businesses to accelerate their transition toward a “post-AGOA” trade strategy following President Donald Trump’s signing of a one-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Read more...
European components distribution growing
News
European electronic components distribution returned to growth in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to newly released figures from DMASS Europe.
Read more...
printer friendly version