[ryann]

We've just ordered a MOTM3 and I see that the lowest operating temperature is 0 Deg C. While the heat given off by the system should keep the temperature above freezing, what would be the result of operating at say -10 degrees C. The only scenario I can see is if we are shut down and we start up on a cold (North Carolina) winter evening. Would the problem be due to a high thermal gradient on the board causing physical stresses?

Thanks,

-Ryan

[Lon]

I would assume that operating at -10C would generally be okay. I can't guarantee operation beyond the specification in the datasheet. With many IC's the manufacturer tests the part to a specific temperature. For devices rated at greater ranges (like industrial or automotive) the manufacturer performs a broader post-production test.

In many cases an IC rated for commercial temperature ranges (0C to +70C) is no different than one that has been validated for industrial uses (-40C to +85C). One has just been tested to verify performance at a wider operating range. There is a part on the MOTM3 that is rated for 0C (I believe it is the crystal). Most parts on the MOTM3 are rated for -40C. The 0C rated device defines where we must establish our product's operating range in the documentation.

So the rating is taken directly from the components that make up the product, and is not related to temperature stresses or rates of change.

Lon