Printed circuit boards are the dynamic
forces forming the core of each and everything that we use ordinarily — be it
smart phones, control panels for industrial equipment, or the display screens.
With that being noted, when a PCB fails to function or perform, it interrupts
our individual and professional lives tremendously.
The reasons for printed circuit board
breakdown can commonly be associated to one of two aspects: operational issues
arising from ecological hassles, or operational issues stemming from the design
and construction stage of the PCB. Every now and then, these malfunctions take
place upon years of usage, and at times, the problems have been unintentionally
put up into the board in the course of its production, causing it to break down
much before its first use. Fortunately, on account of the physicality of the
printed circuit boards, most problems with the PCBs can be repaired.
Environmental Problems
Environment-related issues sprout when a
PCB is uncovered to things or circumstances that have an effect on its
performance. Temperature, debris, and wetness are the most widespread variables
that obstruct performance, whereas, unplanned impacts (such as dropping,
discharge of electrostatic, collapsing, etc) or supply of surplus power from
lightning or power rush can also be brutally damaging to your PCBs.
Remember; not even the most skillfully
manufactured printed circuit board can stand strong against an electrical fire breakout!
Moreover, rudiments such as dirt can also corrupt your board gradually,
oxidizing it and hindering its existence. Also, severely high temperatures,
very common on manufacturing grounds, can also damage its components.
Generally, most of these problems (such as
a scorched component) can be identified easily. However, if your board is
deteriorating and the core problem is still not known, know that it requires
immediate testing using investigative equipment to pin down the concern.
Manufacturing Problems
By and large, human inefficiency is the
origin of all the PCB manufacturing concerns. From misinterpreting a diagram to
wrongly labeling a component, there is an unending list of issues that can
sprout at any given point in the design and manufacturing phases of PCB
development.
Here’s a quick overview of some of some
common and ordinary PCB manufacturing problems: components installed incorrectly
or incorrectly placed;
•Improper
soldering resulting in weak solder joints;
•Unsuitable
thickness of the board eventually causing it to bend or break;
•Meager
padding of traces leading to a voltage sweep, can be a probable cause of a
burnt board;
•Traces and
pathways unintentionally placed very closely to one another, causing short
circuit;
•Improper
connection between the layers of board contributing to unproductive
performance;