Microscopic Damage Detection and Remaining Life Assessment of Printed Circuit Boards

Field inspection of printed circuit boards (PCB), and assessment of their condition is critical for the readiness of military equipment. A new technology is needed that is portable and able to inspect PCBs, yet can perform sophisticated characterization of defects, and predict the remaining life of the electronics. The technology proposed by RMD could revolutionize the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of PCBs and circuit components using inspection at the microscopic level to predict aging effects in PCBs. The technology is based on the use of a two-dimensional, high density array of microscopic MR (magnetoresistance) sensors for detection and mapping of both induced magnetic fields, and electric currents in PCBs and components. Analysis of the magnetic fields allows detection and imaging, at the microscopic level, of parameters such as electrical continuity, trace thinning, short circuits, and aging effects. The defects will be mapped and imaged in three-dimensional space so that the localized electrical parameters can be correlated with the nature and severity of the defect. RMD has assembled a team with the technical expertise, and experience to successfully develop the proposed technology. When fully realized, the new technology will detect defective circuitry, and analyze the reliability of critical DoD systems.