⚡ Test Fh: broadband random vibration — resistance of products (components, electrical and electronic equipment, vehicle and military equipment) to vibration of a random nature from transportation and operation: digital control of the acceleration spectral density, vibration response investigation before and after, PN-EN 60068-2-64

Electronics and EMC PN-EN 60068-2-64

Overview

WHAT THE STANDARD COVERS. Scope from the PKN catalogue card of PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008, in full (our translation of the Polish card text): “Methods are given for determining the ability of products to withstand dynamic loads without unacceptable degradation of their functioning and structure when subjected to specified random vibration. It applies to products which may be subjected to vibration of a random nature arising during transportation or in operational environments, for example in aircraft, space and land vehicles, as well as to items in transportation containers which may be regarded as part of the product. A general description of the test, the test apparatus and the test severity is given”. We read the text of the standard in the preview of IEC 60068-2-64:2008 (edition 2.0, 2008-04) from the cover to subclause 4.5 (measuring systems, page 13) and in the preview of amendment IEC 60068-2-64:2008/AMD1:2019, which covers the foreword, the amended points and the new Annex C.

ACCORDING TO THE TEXT OF IEC 60068-2-64:2008 (foreword, introduction, clauses 1–4.5). The standard was prepared by IEC technical committee 104; the second edition replaced the first one of 1993 as a technical revision: Methods 1 and 2 were removed and replaced by a single method, Annex A was replaced by suggested test spectra, Annex C was removed and testing of soft packed specimens was added; the standard has the status of a basic safety publication according to IEC Guide 104. Introduction: the test concerns components, equipment and other products (“specimens”) exposed to vibration of a stochastic nature, is based on digital control of random vibration and — unlike most tests — on statistical rather than deterministic techniques, so it is described in terms of probability and statistical averages; it always demands engineering judgement, and the procedure and severities are selected by the writer of the product specification; it is based on an electrodynamic or servo-hydraulic vibration generator with a computer-based control system. Scope (Clause 1): demonstrating that the specimen withstands dynamic loads without unacceptable degradation of its function or structural integrity under the specified random vibration; the test can reveal accumulated stress effects and resulting mechanical weaknesses; it is primarily intended for unpackaged specimens and for items in a transportation container regarded as part of the specimen — for a packaged item, the item together with its packaging is the test specimen, and for packaged products the standard may be used together with IEC 60068-2-47:2005; when the vibration combines random and deterministic components, pure random testing may not be sufficient — the method is selected according to IEC 60068-3-8:2003. Normative references: IEC 60050-300, IEC 60068-1, IEC 60068-2-6 (Test Fc, sinusoidal vibration), IEC 60068-2-47:2005 (mounting of specimens), IEC 60068-3-8:2003, IEC 60068-5-2, IEC 60721-3, IEC Guide 104, ISO 2041. Selected definitions (Clause 3): checkpoint — on the fixture, table or specimen, as close as possible to a fixing point and rigidly connected to it; with four or fewer fixing points each is a checkpoint, with more than four the specification defines four representative ones; with many small specimens on one fixture a single point may be used for control, but only when the lowest resonance frequency of the loaded fixture is well above the upper test frequency; reference point (single-point control) and fictitious reference point (multipoint control — average or extremal ASD of the checkpoints); gn rounded to 10 m/s²; crest factor — ratio of the peak value to the r.m.s. value; effective frequency range — from 0,5 f1 to 2,0 f2 (with slopes outside the test range f1–f2); acceleration spectral density (ASD), error ASD, equalization, statistical degrees of freedom, statistical accuracy. Apparatus (4.1): the requirements apply to the complete system — amplifier, vibrator, fixture, specimen and control system; the standard sequence in each of the mutually perpendicular axes: initial vibration response investigation (low-level sinusoidal or random), random excitation as the mechanical load, final response investigation compared with the initial one to detect failures; the specification may dispense with the response investigations. Basic motion (4.2): the fixing points shall have substantially identical motions in phase and amplitude, rectilinear in the direction of excitation — otherwise multipoint control (for large structures and a range of e.g. 20 Hz–2000 Hz probably necessary). Cross-axis motion (4.3), if required by the specification: ASD in both perpendicular axes at the checkpoints not above the specified value above 500 Hz and not above −3 dB of the specified value below 500 Hz, total r.m.s. value in both perpendicular axes not above 50 % of the r.m.s. value in the specified axis; when this cannot be achieved, the specification chooses: the excess is stated in the test report, or motion that is harmless to the specimen is not monitored. Mounting (4.4): according to IEC 60068-2-47; the transmissibility curve chosen from IEC 60068-2-47 must be squared before multiplication by the ASD spectrum. Measuring systems (4.5): frequency range of the measuring chain (transducer, signal conditioner, acquisition) at least from 0,5 f1 to 2,0 f2, response flat within ± 5 % over the test frequency range, deviations outside it — to the test report; here the read preview ends.

ACCORDING TO THE TEXT OF AMENDMENT IEC 60068-2-64:2008/AMD1:2019. The amendment (TC 104) introduces non-Gaussian testing: the traditional test uses a waveform with a Gaussian amplitude distribution, but when so specified the procedure can be used with a non-Gaussian distribution (“high kurtosis”). New definitions: kurtosis (3.39) — the 4th statistical moment, 3 for a Gaussian distribution; skewness (3.40) — the 3rd moment, 0 for a Gaussian distribution; beta distribution (3.41). Apparatus (4.1): for non-Gaussian testing it shall produce a signal with the specified probability distribution and crest factor — usually a shaker and amplifier as for Gaussian vibration, but with increased crest factor capability. Distribution (4.6.2) and testing (8.4.1): the time history shall be recorded and the crest factor, skewness, kurtosis and amplitude distribution established, with a measurement time giving statistically acceptable results. Severity (Clause 5): each parameter is given by the specification; for non-Gaussian testing in addition the type of test, the required distribution or kurtosis (and skewness) and the crest factor; Clause 11 — new item h): crest factor, amplitude distribution, kurtosis and skewness. Annex C (informative): non-Gaussian testing is useful when vibration and shocks occur together (transportation and installation in land vehicles) or with repeated impacts (“rattling”); it should NOT replace the traditional Gaussian test unless explicitly required by the specification; three example techniques — amplitude modulation (zero skewness, long “bursts” of high amplitudes, kurtosis controlled by the parameters of a beta distribution), phase modification (kurtosis below and above 3, non-zero skewness, computationally intensive) and non-uniform phase (kurtosis of at least 3, many short excursions); different techniques with the same ASD, kurtosis and skewness give different waveforms and may stimulate different failures, so the waveform must be recorded and interpreted; C.3 — additional comparison parameters (cycle counting, Rainflow, level crossings, MRS, FDS, temporal moments). The PKN card of the amendment lists changes in the introduction and in 4.1, 4.6.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 8.4.1, 11 and a new Annex C.

STATUS (cards as of 02.10.2026). The card of PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008 (English version) has no “Withdrawn” header — the standard is CURRENT: published 25-11-2008, 37 pages, price group R, Electrical Engineering Sector, KT 65 Environmental Testing of Electrical Products, ICS 19.040, “Introduces: EN 60068-2-64:2008 [IDT], IEC 60068-2-64:2008 [IDT]”, “Replaces: PN-EN 60068-2-64:2002 - English version”, “Additional elements: PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008/A1:2020-07E”. Card of PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008/A1:2020-07 (English version): no “Withdrawn” header, published 07-07-2020, 18 pages, “Introduces: EN 60068-2-64:2008/A1:2019 [IDT], IEC 60068-2-64:2008/AMD1:2019 [IDT]”. There are no Polish versions in the catalogue: the PKN search for “PN-EN 60068-2-64” (02.10.2026) shows only English versions: 2008, 2008/A1:2020-07 and 2002. Card of PN-EN 60068-2-64:2002 (“Test Fh: Vibration, broad-band random (digital control) and guidance”, introduces EN 60068-2-64:1994 and IEC 60068-2-64:1993): “Withdrawn and replaced by PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008 - English version”, withdrawal date 25-11-2008.

HOW MANY LABORATORIES AND IN WHAT FORM (copy of the accreditation scope database, data up to 17.09.2026, read 02.10.2026). The number 60068-2-64 appears in 9 records of 9 laboratories: AB 044, AB 128, AB 261, AB 296, AB 665, AB 1132, AB 1241, AB 1776, AB 1860. Current scopes on the PCA website (read 02.10.2026, scope issues from 19.03.2025 to 14.07.2026): one item at each. Forms: with the amendment — “PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008 + A1:2020-07” next to “EN 60068-2-64:2008 + A1:2019” and “IEC 60068-2-64:2008 + AMD1:2019” (AB 044), “PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008” and “PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008/A1:2020-07” (AB 296); the 2008 edition only — AB 261 (next to PN-EN 50125-3:2003 p. 4.13 with corrigendum AC:2010) and AB 1132 (next to NO-06-A107:2005 and NO-06-A107:2021, p. 2.4, 2.8 and MIL-STD-810F, Method 514.5); undated — AB 128, AB 665 and AB 1241 (“excluding Annex „C””); IEC only — AB 1776 (“IEC 60068-2-64:2008” and “IEC 60068-2-64:2019-10”) and AB 1860 (“IEC 60068-2-64 ed. 2.0 2008-04” and “IEC 60068-2-64 ed. 2.1 2019-10”; we have not read IEC cards for these editions). None of these items is suspended. The “Laboratories” tab searches for entries BEGINNING WITH the entered text — checked with tab queries on the production server labcoda.pl on 02.10.2026: “PN-EN 60068-2-64” — 7 laboratories (without AB 1776 and AB 1860), “IEC 60068-2-64” — 7 (AB 044, AB 1776, AB 1860 and 4 Czech laboratories), “EN 60068-2-64” — 1 (AB 044).

WHAT THE LABORATORIES TEST (items in PCA). Object: electrotechnical products (AB 044), electrotechnical, telecommunication and electronic products and components (AB 261), electrical, electronic, telecommunication, military, optical, railway and other products and equipment (AB 665), military equipment and electrical, telecommunication and electronic products (AB 1132), machinery and devices, their components, transport packages and components of electrical and electronic equipment (AB 128), “environment for the purposes of mechanical exposures” for technical devices with a mass up to 800 kg (AB 296) and up to 3000 kg (AB 1241), components and assemblies of electrical and electronic equipment of cars (AB 1776, AB 1860). Ranges: (5–2000) Hz, up to 100 g, specimen mass up to 800 kg, displacement up to 38,1 mm (AB 261); (2–2000) Hz, (0,08–300) m/s² (AB 296); (10–2000) Hz, GRMS up to 30 gn (AB 1132); (1–150) Hz, (0–3) g (AB 1241); (5–2000) Hz, 210 m/s² RMS (AB 1860); (5–2500) Hz for vibration tests as a whole (AB 1776); maximum acceleration 52 g and nominal force 5,6 kN (AB 044); AB 128 and AB 665 give no ranges. At AB 128 and AB 665 the number stands in one item with other vibration and shock standards (PN-EN 60068-2-6, PN-EN 60068-2-27, PN-EN 61373, PN-EN 50125-3, PN-EN ISO 4180, PN-EN ISO 13355); at AB 1776 — next to car manufacturers' requirements (VW 75174, LV 214, GS 95006-7-1, MBN 10384, SAE/USCAR-2). The items of AB 665 and AB 1241 are marked “E” — flexible scope of accreditation; the item of AB 261 carries the mark of tests on which the laboratory bases opinions and interpretations.

WHERE A SEEMINGLY CORRECT RESULT IS EASY TO GET. With the severity: the standard does not set levels — the frequency range, r.m.s. acceleration, ASD shape and duration are given by the product specification (example spectra — informative Annex A); the range in the laboratory's certificate is its capability, not a requirement. With control: with more than four fixing points the checkpoints are defined by the specification; when the fixing points do not move identically — multipoint control; the measuring chain must cover 0,5 f1–2,0 f2 and be flat within ± 5 %; mounting according to IEC 60068-2-47 with the transmissibility curve squared. With cross-axis motion: the limits (ASD below 500 Hz −3 dB, total r.m.s. value 50 %) apply when required by the specification — an excess must be reported or the specification must waive monitoring. With non-Gaussian testing: it exists only in amendment A1:2019 and only when required by the specification; the same ASD and kurtosis with different techniques give different waveforms, so the technique must be stated and the waveform recorded; a laboratory giving the 2008 edition alone (AB 261, AB 1132) does not have this part in its scope, and AB 1241 excludes Annex C. With the edition: PN-EN 60068-2-64:2002 (Methods 1 and 2) has been withdrawn since 25-11-2008.

WHAT WE DO NOT GIVE. We do not have subclauses 4.6–4.8 of the 2008 edition (ASD and r.m.s. tolerances, distribution and crest factor, statistical accuracy and degrees of freedom, control strategy, response investigation), Clause 5 (frequency range, r.m.s. value, spectrum shape, test duration), Clauses 6–12 (preconditioning, initial and final measurements, testing, information for the specification and the test report) or Annexes A (spectra: transportation, stationary installation, wheeled vehicles, airplanes and helicopters) and B (guidance) — so we do not give tolerances, durations or spectrum values. The text of amendment A1 does not show what was changed in 5.1, 5.2 and 5.5 listed on the PKN card.

Method principle

The specimen is mounted on the table of a vibrator (electrodynamic or servo-hydraulic) according to IEC 60068-2-47 and in each of the specified, mutually perpendicular axes: the vibration response is investigated with low-level excitation, the specimen is subjected to random vibration in which the digital control system maintains the specified acceleration spectral density in the range f1–f2 at the reference point (or at a fictitious reference point from several checkpoints), and the response is investigated again and compared with the initial one; the function and structure of the specimen are assessed. According to amendment A1:2019 — when required by the specification — the waveform may have a non-Gaussian distribution with specified kurtosis and skewness.

Applications

• Electrotechnical, electronic and telecommunication products and components — resistance and endurance to random vibration (AB 044, AB 261, AB 665)
• Military equipment — next to NO-06-A107 and MIL-STD-810F (AB 1132); railways — next to PN-EN 50125-3 and PN-EN 61373 (AB 261, AB 665)
• Automotive electrics and electronics — next to manufacturers' requirements (AB 1776, AB 1860); technical devices up to 800 kg and 3000 kg (AB 296, AB 1241); transport packages (AB 128)

Key parameters

Standard

Standard number

PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008 (wersja angielska; EN 60068-2-64:2008 i IEC 60068-2-64:2008 IDT) ze zmianą PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008/A1:2020-07 (wersja angielska; EN 60068-2-64:2008/A1:2019 i IEC 60068-2-64:2008/AMD1:2019 IDT)

Title (PL)

Badania środowiskowe — Część 2-64: Próby — Próba Fh: Wibracje przypadkowe szerokopasmowe i wytyczne

Title (EN)

Environmental testing — Part 2-64: Tests — Test Fh: Vibration, broadband random and guidance

Step-by-step procedure

1. Requirements from the specification

   Frequency range f1–f2, r.m.s. acceleration, ASD shape, duration, axes, checkpoints and control method, cross-axis requirements, response investigations; for non-Gaussian testing (A1) — type, kurtosis, skewness, crest factor. PN-EN 60068-2-64:2008 with A1:2020-07 current (cards as of 02.10.2026).

2. Mounting and measuring chain

   Mounting according to IEC 60068-2-47 (transmissibility curve squared before multiplication by the ASD); transducers at the checkpoints; measuring chain 0,5 f1–2,0 f2, flat within ± 5 %.

3. Initial response investigation and equalization

   Low-level sinusoidal or random excitation (8.2), low-level equalization before the test (8.3) — details NOT GIVEN.

4. Random exposure

   Specified ASD at the reference point for the specified time in each axis; ASD and r.m.s. tolerances, crest factor and degrees of freedom (4.6) — NOT GIVEN; with A1 — recording of the waveform and determination of kurtosis, skewness and amplitude distribution.

5. Final response investigation and measurements

   Comparison with the initial investigation (change of dynamic behaviour = possible failure), final measurements and functional check (Clauses 8.5–10); the report includes e.g. deviations of the measuring chain and excess cross-axis motion.

Required equipment and apparatus

Health and safety (OHS)

• Vibration with high accelerations and specimen masses (in the scopes up to 800 kg and 3000 kg) — secure mounting, guards, emergency stops; the read text of the standard contains no safety warnings
• TECHNICAL NOTE: the result depends on the severity from the specification, the control method and the mounting; non-Gaussian testing (A1:2019) is permissible only when required by the specification and requires the technique to be stated — another technique with the same ASD and kurtosis may cause different failures

Frequently asked questions