This Recommended Practice (RP) defines and describes HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing) and HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening). This RP contains information on the philosophy behind the methods, generic examples of methods, the differences between standard testing/screening equipment and equipment used for highly accelerated testing/screening, fixturing considerations, alternative approaches, additional environments, and lessons learned, along with other useful information. These styles of testing/screening take a Qualitative approach (looking for the quality of the design and workmanship) rather than a Quantitative one (being able to use the results to calculate length of life in service). This RP is not meant to take the place of a test specification but to be used in conjunction with a test specification or as general guidance.
HALT (Highly Accelerated Life Testing) and HASS (Highly Accelerated Stress Screening) are two methods for potentially improving reliability and quality of products. The information learned from HALT can show whether the design is acceptable or changes are needed to achieve a more robust design. This information can help a practitioner decide what corrective actions are required.
HASS is a follow-up to HALT and is performed at the end of fabrication to help detect changes in process or components that would adversely affect reliability. Used together, lessons learned from HALT and HASS processes can improve quality, reliability, performance, and safety; can reduce cost and warranty issues; and can result in increased satisfaction with the product.
Read a report by the Working Group Chair.
First printing, September 2012
HALT and HASS was prepared by Working Group 003 of the IEST Product Reliability Division (WG-PR003).
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