störtest

Störtest is a testing method used to evaluate the performance and reliability of a system when it is exposed to disturbances or interference. The term is used in German-speaking engineering contexts and translates roughly to disturbance test. The goal is to assess how well a device or system can tolerate disturbances, maintain function, and recover from disruptions.

Typical applications of störtest include assessing noise immunity, fault tolerance, and electromagnetic compatibility. Disturbances may be introduced as electrical noise or interference in signal paths, transients or jitter, simulated faults, or other adversarial conditions. In addition, broader robustness assessments may include environmental disturbances such as temperature shifts or vibration as part of a comprehensive reliability test.

The testing process generally involves defining disturbance profiles, setting up an appropriate test bench, applying disturbances, and monitoring the system’s outputs and performance metrics. Common criteria include signal integrity (bit error rate, error counts), control system stability, output quality, and recovery time. Results are compared against predefined acceptance criteria and any applicable standards, and findings are documented for design validation or compliance purposes.

Störtest is often related to broader testing frameworks such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, reliability testing, and fault-injection methods in software and hardware. While it provides insight into a system’s resilience, it does not guarantee real-world performance and should be complemented by field testing and additional validation across diverse scenarios.