Electronic boards are at the heart of electronic devices. They are responsible for providing all the power electronic devices need to work. Just like other devices, they are prone to wear and tear, such as environmental conditions, component failures, and electrical overload.
When electrical boards malfunction, they disrupt the production process, which may lead to financial losses and compromise safety. Instead of replacing them, electronic board repairs are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
This guide would serve as a roadmap to expert electronic board repairs. We’ll walk you through the steps to repair an electronic board and explain what can go wrong and how to fix it.
Importance of Timely Electronic Board Repairs
One significant reason to invest in an efficient electronic board repair is to minimize downtime. When repairs are delayed, disruptions in operations are prolonged, which may affect productivity and result in a loss of revenue.
Moreover, electronic board repairs are always considered cost-effective compared to replacing them. Timely repairs increase the lifespan of your equipment and save you the cost and hassle of purchasing a new one.
Further, electronic board repairs are environmentally responsible as they reduce electronic waste and promote sustainability in today’s eco-conscious world.
Why Do Printed Circuit Boards Fail?
Like all electronics, the boards deteriorate over time when used for extended periods. They run into a variety of issues, ranging from trace damage affecting the board’s conductivity to component failure, which results in diodes and capacitors dying.
Identifying and understanding the most probable electronic board repairs can help people keep the boards in better shape. Especially the ones who need to gain direct experience with the electronic board repairs.
Let’s go over some common problems that can occur in electronic boards and how to repair them.
1. Physical Damage
Physical damage is apparent and can be seen on the electronic board. Most common damages of electronic boards stem from physical wear and tear that work their way into the internals.
The damage can be anything related to physical pressure or shock. The device may have dropped from a great distance, smacked, or hit forcibly by another object. However, it is also possible that the device was disassembled for some reason, and the board was damaged directly.
How to Repair?
Unless the damage is beyond repair, like shattered completely on hitting the ground, the physical damage can be repaired by manufacturing the board. Using this method, the damaged sections of the electronic board can be melted, disassembled, and reassembled.
Given the nature of most physical damage, experienced experts should professionally handle the damaged parts. In most cases, such electronic board repairs require remodeling the board, resoldering components, and rebelling of conductive traces.
2. Faulty Component
Faulty components are the next most common cause of physical damage regarding printed electronic board problems. If there is no apparent damage on the device, but it has failed to function, then you can almost guarantee one of the components connecting to the board has failed.
The faulty component could be anything from a capacitor to a diode or microprocessor. If the element has died, it would require instant replacement.
If the component is overheating and aging, the voltage sags, and the trace circuit may deteriorate so that it is no longer conducive.
It’s highly likely that a component or several of them have dislodged and require reseating.
How to Repair?
Usually, the faulty components are apparent as soon as you open the device. The outer shell may be burnt, cracked, or broken. In some cases, the component is completely detached from the board.
The repair and remanufacturing process for faulty components is best left to professionals, as electronic board repairs may require voltage tools and devices to test the conductivity of a board’s circuit. Also, you may need to apply heat with a heat gun or solder and conduct rigorous testing.
3. Trace Damage
The silver and copper traces on the electronic board reflect conductive pathways. The traces are primarily visible to the naked eye, but not always. Trace damage can result from regular use or physical harm, leading to conductivity issues.
Trace damage can be a result of lightning strikes, extensive power surges or shorts, metallic dust contamination, overheating, and everyday wear.
How to Repair?
Unless the trace damage is fragile, it can be seen through a simple pathway scan. Copper and silver are naturally shiny, which makes identifying a break or damage easy.
You can repair a damaged trace pathway by resoldering the board with the necessary material, reconnecting the broken circuit, and allowing electricity to flow freely throughout the board.
4. Poor Design
No matter how experienced the engineers and product developers are, sometimes they cut corners when designing a board or manufacturing the necessary components, resulting in a poor design.
How to Repair?
When you see your electronic board failing repeatedly, even after a repair or service session, it is evident that it is poorly designed. Replacement is the best solution for a shoddy circuit board. Make sure you visit an official or licensed repair center to do so.
5. Power Failure
In most cases, a power failure is very similar to a component failure. Eventually, the issue stems from a major power failure of all or part of the board. One of the board components could have been exposed to higher voltages, resulting in heat damage and explosion.
How to Repair?
Professional repair teams are equipped with a power or voltage meter to identify electrical issues with a board and its components. Voltage tools are the only way to diagnose a problem outside of visible damage to an element. Such electronic board repairs are best left to professionals as they involve reseating or replacing components.
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Step-by-Step Repair Process
Electronic board repairs require a systematic approach. Follow the steps, and you’ll be good to go:
1. Master Soldering Techniques for Electronic Board Repair
Proper soldering ensures the connections are secure and prevents future issues. Learning techniques such as through-hole soldering, surface mount soldering, and reflow soldering for more complex repairs can be handy.
2. Ensure Precautions and Safety Measures Are In Place
Electronic board repairs involve working with electrical components and potentially hazardous materials. Therefore, necessary precautions such as wearing static discharge wrist straps, working in a ventilated area, and using safety goggles and gloves are essential.
Protip: Handle sensitive components with care to avoid damage.
3. Testing and Verification
Once the repair is complete, testing is essential to ensure proper functionality. A power supply, multimeter, and oscilloscope can be used to verify if the repaired board is working as intended.
Final Thoughts
We live in a world where electronics are used in daily operations, so efficiency in electronic board repairs is crucial.
Don’t let electronic malfunctions disrupt your operations. At iMobile Repairs Computers & Electronics, expert techs are equipped to do circuit board soldering. You can trust them for your comprehensive electronic board repairs.
Get in touch with us today for reliable and efficient repairs that keep your business running smoothly.
