Assembled PCB is metallographic prepared in ALTER TECHNOLOGY Materials & Processes Laboratory, recognized as a recommended facility for such activity by ESA authority (MEMO ESA-TECMSP-MO-013165).

Sample & Method

Cross-section preparation is a very powerful way of examining the internal disposition of soldered connections, as well as analyzing potential failure mechanisms.

Microsection analysis is performed on an assembled through hole device as a part of a failure analysis. Cross-section through the plane of interest can provide helpfully information about solder defects, PCB inner layers and internal construction. As a part of a failure analysis, the plane of interest has to be selected taking into account PCB characteristic, observed failure and previous test results.

Remark

Assembling through-hole devices requires that package leads be inserted into plated through-holes in the circuit board. Once inserted, the leads are wave-soldered to secure the electrical connection.

The failure analysis reveals crack beneath pad. Cracks on the PCB are the result of mechanical stress or overload condition which may be induced by impact loads and are typically observed near the package corners.