BotBlox’s UbiSwitch Preliminary High Temperature Tests

BotBlox has released a report outlining findings from subjecting UbiSwitch to elevated heat levels using basic equipment.

UbiSwitch’s robust design caters specifically to autonomous vehicle applications, boasting remarkable resilience against environmental stressors like extreme temperatures, altitudes, vibrations, and moisture. Initial prototype evaluations have yielded promising results, prompting scheduled MIL-STD-810G certification tests. However, before committing substantial resources to formal assessments, preliminary in-house experiments can gauge UbiSwitch’s potential performance.

Among various controllable parameters, thermal conditions prove most manageable within laboratory settings. 

Test Configuration

• Eight Raspberry Pi units connected, utilizing all 1Gbps ports on UbiSwitch
• Two 10GBASE-T SFPs inserted into available slots, linked with high-performance computers
• iPerf3 benchmarks initiated between port pairs to monitor throughput stability
• Heat gun directed at heatsink while thermal imaging tracked surface temperatures

Outcomes

UbiSwitch endured 200°C airflow, reaching 159.6°C atop the heatsink and 150.6°C underneath. Throughout 20 minutes of exposure, no performance degradation or connection interruptions occurred across any interfaces.

Analysis

These unexpected results suggest UbiSwitch operates beyond typical chip thermal limits (125°C). While exact internal temperatures remain uncertain, sustained exposure likely pushed silicon junctions past rated thresholds for extended periods.

Such encouraging data bolsters confidence in UbiSwitch’s resilience, supporting further investment in comprehensive MIL-STD-810G evaluations. This robustness positions UbiSwitch as a promising component for unmanned systems operating in challenging environments, potentially enhancing reliability and expanding operational envelopes for autonomous platforms.

Visit the BotBlox website to find out more.