Common Signs and Causes of PCB Failure

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Common Signs and Causes of PCB Failure [Copy link]

The proper functioning of PCBs is key to the reliable operation of any electronic device. Therefore, it is important to notice signs of a faulty board and when to perform board testing. Here are some areas to look out for:

Common signs and causes of PCB failure:

Burnt components

When a PCB needs to work under extreme temperature conditions, it is very likely to burn out the components. There are several factors that can cause components to burn out, the most important of which are:

Overheating of components is a sign of PCB problems. If not given due attention, it can lead to PCB burnout.

Problems in PCB Assembly Manufacturing Process

There are many problems that can occur if components are not manufactured or placed correctly. Some common problems you may encounter include:

A simple way to check if there are any issues with SMT components is to perform a stain and pry test. It can tell you a lot about what is wrong and how the device is affected by it.

Environmental factors

When assembling electronic components, it is very important to control environmental conditions. For example, humidity in a room can cause a variety of problems. Likewise, dust and heat can affect PCB boards, as can problems such as accidental drops. Some other reasons that can cause PCB failures include accidental immersion in water or exposure to lightning.

There is even the possibility that dirt can accumulate in the PCB and cause it to malfunction, also shortening its lifespan.

Age of components

As components age, boards may eventually fail. In fact, failures may increase many times as components reach the end of their useful life. Therefore, replacement of components at this stage is a necessary step.

With this information about potential causes of PCB failure, the importance of printed circuit board testing cannot be overstated. Testing can reveal board problems that can be resolved through rework and repairs.

If you have found that your circuit board has the above reasons, how can you solve it?

What if you suspect a circuit board failure?

1. If the electronic components of the PCB board are in place, the first thing to do is to perform a power-on test on the circuit board.

2. If the electrical components are not installed, you must turn off the power and cut off the connecting wires before checking the board.

3. Check the circuit board for any obvious signs of damage. These signs may include crushed components, damaged wires, any burn marks or scratches, etc. Scratches can damage the connection, and misplaced solder can break the connection or even cause a short circuit. If such signs appear, there is no need to continue testing. Replace damaged parts immediately.

4. Open the board and check the voltage at all connections with an oscilloscope. You will need to put a voltage probe at the end of each connection to be able to tell if it is a voltage problem.

5. If the connection does not conduct the specified voltage, it indicates a bad connection.

To sum up

Over a period of time, a PCB may sustain damage that can affect its functionality, further impacting the functioning of your electronic device. Regular testing can ensure that the circuit board is functioning properly, and that repairs are made in a timely manner. Of course, knowing the exact problem is key to being able to make the necessary repairs. Therefore, understanding the issues surrounding PCB failure can go a long way toward ensuring that you take timely action and that the functionality of your device is not affected.