{"id":3285,"date":"2026-08-27T07:40:57","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T23:40:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.colegioempresistascantabria.com\/blog\/?p=3285"},"modified":"2026-08-27T07:40:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T23:40:57","slug":"what-are-the-common-failures-of-pcba-and-how-to-troubleshoot-them-4cb0-908467","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.colegioempresistascantabria.com\/blog\/2026\/08\/27\/what-are-the-common-failures-of-pcba-and-how-to-troubleshoot-them-4cb0-908467\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the common failures of PCBA and how to troubleshoot them?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hey there! I’m working at a PCBA supplier, and over the years, I’ve seen my fair share of PCBA failures. It can be super frustrating when you’re dealing with these issues, whether you’re a manufacturer or just someone using a device with a PCBA. In this blog, I’ll talk about some common failures of PCBA and how to troubleshoot them. PCBA<\/a><\/p>\n

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1. Solder Joint Problems<\/h3>\n

One of the most common issues we come across is solder joint failures. Solder joints are like the glue that holds the components on the PCBA together, and when they go bad, it can cause all sorts of problems.<\/p>\n

Cold Solder Joints<\/h4>\n

Cold solder joints happen when the solder doesn’t melt properly onto the component leads and the PCB pads. You can spot them easily because they usually look dull and rough instead of shiny and smooth.<\/p>\n

The main reason for cold solder joints is a lack of heat during the soldering process. Maybe the soldering iron wasn’t hot enough, or it didn’t make good contact with the joint. Another possible cause could be that the soldering area was dirty or oxidized.<\/p>\n

To troubleshoot cold solder joints, you need to reheat the joint with a soldering iron. First, make sure you clean the joint with a flux pen. Then, apply some fresh solder while heating the joint carefully. The new solder should melt and flow into the joint, making a good connection.<\/p>\n

Solder Bridges<\/h4>\n

Solder bridges are another headache. They occur when a blob of solder connects two or more pins or pads that shouldn’t be connected. This can short – circuit the circuit and cause the PCBA to malfunction.<\/p>\n

Solder bridges often happen because too much solder is applied or the soldering iron is held on the joint for too long, causing the solder to overflow. In high – density PCBs, the small distance between pins makes solder bridges more likely.<\/p>\n

To fix a solder bridge, you can use a desoldering braid. Place the desoldering braid over the bridge and heat it with a soldering iron. The braid will absorb the excess solder, removing the bridge. You can also use a desoldering pump to suck up the extra solder.<\/p>\n

2. Component Failures<\/h3>\n

Components on a PCBA can fail for various reasons.<\/p>\n

Capacitor Failures<\/h4>\n

Capacitors are used to store and release electrical energy. They can fail due to over – voltage, over – temperature, or even just aging.<\/p>\n

When a capacitor fails, it might swell, leak, or simply stop working. Over – voltage can cause the dielectric material inside the capacitor to break down, while over – temperature can accelerate the degradation of the capacitor.<\/p>\n

To troubleshoot a capacitor failure, you can use a capacitance meter to measure the capacitance value. If the measured value is far from the rated value, the capacitor is probably bad. You can also visually inspect the capacitor for signs of swelling or leaking. If you find a faulty capacitor, simply replace it with a new one of the same specifications.<\/p>\n

Resistor Failures<\/h4>\n

Resistors are used to control the flow of current in a circuit. They can fail due to over – current, which causes them to overheat and change their resistance value.<\/p>\n

You can check a resistor using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the resistance measurement mode and connect the probes to the two ends of the resistor. Compare the measured value with the rated value. If the difference is significant, the resistor is likely faulty and should be replaced.<\/p>\n

Integrated Circuit (IC) Failures<\/h4>\n

ICs are the brains of many PCBA systems, and when they fail, it can be a real pain. ICs can fail due to electrostatic discharge (ESD), over – voltage, over – temperature, or manufacturing defects.<\/p>\n

Diagnosing an IC failure can be tricky because there are so many internal components. You can start by checking the power supply and voltage levels around the IC. If the voltages are incorrect, it could be a sign of an external problem or an IC failure. Some advanced troubleshooting techniques involve using logic analyzers or oscilloscopes to check the signals going in and out of the IC. If you suspect an IC is bad, it’s best to replace it, but make sure to follow proper ESD protection procedures.<\/p>\n

3. PCB Defects<\/h3>\n

The PCB itself can also have issues that lead to PCBA failures.<\/p>\n

Broken Traces<\/h4>\n

Traces on a PCB are like the roads that carry electrical signals. A broken trace can interrupt the flow of electricity and cause the circuit to stop working. Broken traces can be caused by mechanical stress, such as bending or dropping the PCB, or by manufacturing defects.<\/p>\n

To find a broken trace, you can visually inspect the PCB, especially in areas where it might have been bent or stressed. You can also use a continuity tester to check if the trace is intact. If you find a broken trace, you can repair it by soldering a thin wire across the break or using a PCB repair pen to fill in the gap.<\/p>\n

Delamination<\/h4>\n

Delamination occurs when the layers of the PCB separate from each other. This can be due to high temperatures during soldering or long – term exposure to heat and moisture. Delamination can cause short – circuits, open – circuits, or a change in the electrical properties of the PCB.<\/p>\n

Checking for delamination can be done by visually inspecting the PCB for signs of bubbling or separation between layers. Unfortunately, if delamination is severe, the PCB may need to be replaced because it’s difficult to repair.<\/p>\n

4. Power – Related Issues<\/h3>\n

Power problems are another common source of PCBA failures.<\/p>\n

Inadequate Power Supply<\/h4>\n

If the power supply doesn’t provide enough voltage or current, the PCBA may not work properly. This can be due to a faulty power adapter, a wrong power setting, or a problem with the power delivery network on the PCB.<\/p>\n

To troubleshoot an inadequate power supply, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage and current at the power input points of the PCBA. Compare the measured values with the specifications of the PCBA. If the values are too low, check the power adapter and the power connections on the PCB. You may need to replace the power adapter or fix any loose connections.<\/p>\n

Power Surges<\/h4>\n

Power surges can damage sensitive components on the PCBA. They can be caused by lightning strikes, power grid fluctuations, or sudden changes in the load connected to the power supply.<\/p>\n

To protect against power surges, you can use surge protectors. If a power surge has already occurred and you suspect component damage, check all the components on the PCBA, especially those that are sensitive to voltage changes, like ICs and capacitors. Replace any damaged components.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

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Well, that’s a wrap on the common failures of PCBA and how to troubleshoot them. As you can see, there are many potential issues that can arise, but with the right tools and techniques, most problems can be diagnosed and fixed.<\/p>\n

PCB<\/a> If you’re in the market for high – quality PCBA products, look no further. We’re a professional PCBA supplier, and we take pride in providing top – notch products and services. Whether you need a small – batch prototype or a large – scale production run, we’ve got you covered. If you have any specific requirements or want to discuss your project, feel free to reach out and start a procurement conversation. We’re here to help you get the best PCBA solutions for your needs.<\/p>\n

References<\/h3>\n