By Bob Wettermann
A printed circuit board (PCB) support and connects electronic components using conductive tracks, pads and other features. It consists of various electrical elements such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and fuses. Each part of the PCB must function properly for it to work. Even if one component fails, the PCB fails. Therefore, it is important that each component is monitored and tested to ensure maximum performance. Despite precautions if it fails, repairing PCB is a challenge.
There are few simple tips, which can make the difficult task of PCB repair, a lot easier.
1. Safeguard the board before starting PCB repairs against static electricity, Use an anti static pad and ground yourself before you touch electronic element. A proper workstation with proper lighting, outlets and comfort is essential to perform efficiently.
2. If chips and wires need to be removed, then they should be lifted out very gently and placed carefully. If the wires are not easy to remove, do not use force since it might cause associated contacts to be damaged or break inside the board. This might make repairs harder to perform.
3. Scratches are one of the most common reasons for PCB repairs. Use a magnifying lens to see the scratches under a source of good light.
4. Test the PCB if new wiring is used in its repairs. Using an electrical meter, check if the power is properly running through the wires.
5. Precision soldering requires the best of soldering irons that are highly controlled, ergonomically designed and have a wide range of small tips.
6. Preheat the entire PC board before SMT component removal. This helps to minimize thermal shock due to localized heating in the rework area.
PCB repair can be much more work than just removing and reattaching components. It requires technicians with certain defined characteristics and training. It requires patience, understanding and deftness. Hence it is advisable to contract the work out to a reputable repair facility. If an inexperienced person handles a PCB, he can cause more damage than that already caused. Some of the aspects of repair include repairing damaged circuits, gold contacts and SMT pads, re-plating solder contaminated gold contacts, repairing physical damages to the laminate, repair of through-holes and soldering and de-soldering. Repair work is a highly labor intensive operation and depends heavily on operator skills and automation.
A printed circuit board (PCB) support and connects electronic components using conductive tracks, pads and other features. It consists of various electrical elements such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors and fuses. Each part of the PCB must function properly for it to work. Even if one component fails, the PCB fails. Therefore, it is important that each component is monitored and tested to ensure maximum performance. Despite precautions if it fails, repairing PCB is a challenge.
There are few simple tips, which can make the difficult task of PCB repair, a lot easier.
1. Safeguard the board before starting PCB repairs against static electricity, Use an anti static pad and ground yourself before you touch electronic element. A proper workstation with proper lighting, outlets and comfort is essential to perform efficiently.
2. If chips and wires need to be removed, then they should be lifted out very gently and placed carefully. If the wires are not easy to remove, do not use force since it might cause associated contacts to be damaged or break inside the board. This might make repairs harder to perform.
3. Scratches are one of the most common reasons for PCB repairs. Use a magnifying lens to see the scratches under a source of good light.
4. Test the PCB if new wiring is used in its repairs. Using an electrical meter, check if the power is properly running through the wires.
5. Precision soldering requires the best of soldering irons that are highly controlled, ergonomically designed and have a wide range of small tips.
6. Preheat the entire PC board before SMT component removal. This helps to minimize thermal shock due to localized heating in the rework area.
PCB repair can be much more work than just removing and reattaching components. It requires technicians with certain defined characteristics and training. It requires patience, understanding and deftness. Hence it is advisable to contract the work out to a reputable repair facility. If an inexperienced person handles a PCB, he can cause more damage than that already caused. Some of the aspects of repair include repairing damaged circuits, gold contacts and SMT pads, re-plating solder contaminated gold contacts, repairing physical damages to the laminate, repair of through-holes and soldering and de-soldering. Repair work is a highly labor intensive operation and depends heavily on operator skills and automation.