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Manufacturing Defect Analysis for Printed Circuit Boards

May 23, 2019

We offer a variety of turnkey electronic manufacturing services (EMS), such as defect analysis testing. Using a manufacturing defect analyzer (MDA) tool, we can easily identify any existing manufacturing defects in printed circuit boards (PCB). This type of tool is a simplified version of the in-circuit test (ICT). It is designed to provide straightforward testing of a circuit board to identify any manufacturing defects. However, the tool is limited to measuring continuity because most manufacturing defects are connectivity problems. Because the concept of the MDA tool assumes that the parts on a printed circuit board are dependable and seldom defective, it’s generally used to test for fundamental manufacturing defects, which, if left undetected, would hinder the performance or assembly of a circuit board.

Basic MDAs should be capable of detecting such defects as missing components. Depending on the functionalities revealed in an MDA’s datasheet, some specialize in detecting resistors while others can detect parts like transistors and capacitors. Testers work by making connections to the circuit boards being tested via a bed of nails fixture. Since they generally have to connect with exact points on any given board, more than one fixture is usually necessary for each circuit board. At the beginning of a test, MDAs will act like other ICTs by using a printed circuit board’s CAD data to generate the test program and fixture design. Fortunately, this level of automation allows an estimated 80% of a test program to generate automatically.

Defect Analysis Testing Boasts Benefits

One of the big advantages of traditional MDA testing is that it’s simpler than running an ICT. This fact alone makes MDAs much more attractive to smaller companies that may not have the money to spend on ICT. An MDA is a great tool to have on hand even for larger businesses because not every test will warrant extensive ICT. MDAs are also beneficial because they can find short and open circuits that often contribute to the majority of defects. However, every tool has its downsides, and it’s important to know what those are before deciding on a tester. Depending on the scenario, MDAs can have constrained component diagnostics, and access to components can pose an issue given density levels found in most MDAs.

We offer comprehensive electronic failure analysis (FA) of multiple assemblies and components for printed circuit boards (PCBs), printed wiring boards (PWBs), integrated circuits, memory chips, etc. We specialize in detecting specific electronics defects, such as generalized corrosion, plated through-hole failures, microstructural characterization, and electrical contact problems. Our certified technicians can analyze devices, components, and assemblies for specific defects, such as corrosion, thermal fatigue, and connector failures.

Backed by 40 Years of Expertise

We contribute our 40 years of design and manufacturing expertise spanning multiple diverse markets. We look forward to discussing how we can deliver world-class products for OEMs across the globe. We understand our home Indian market, familiar with its vast regulatory and selling environments. We foster growth opportunities within India through our strong technology incubation ecosystem. We also assist global OEMs in entering the Indian market by leveraging the local supply chain and favorable operating environments for cost reductions.

Our flagship Chennai location opened in 2006 and lies within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) for electronics manufacturing, offering economic incentives for imports and exports. This primary facility is within 90 minutes of the Chennai seaport and 20 minutes to the international airport. Additional road and rail connectivity links to the rest of India and beyond and infrastructure advantages with faster import and export clearances. We also have labor force flexibility, both technical and manual, to scale to demand rapidly.

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