# Failure Analysis Failure analysis finds out why an electronic part or assembly stopped working. The goal is a root cause that you can use to make a corrective action, for example a change to a design, a process or a supplier. This category collects our case studies on many kinds of electronic parts. They include capacitors, diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, optocouplers and complete printed circuit boards. The common failure causes are electrical overstress (EOS), mechanical stress and cracking, moisture, contamination and process defects. In one case, a short on a board was caused by tin whiskers inside the solder mask. In another, cracks in ceramic capacitors came from PCB flexing. A typical job starts with a review of the failure history and electrical tests on the failed parts, often compared with good parts. The lab then uses non-destructive methods such as [X-ray radiography](/analytical-services/x-ray-radiography/) and [C-scanning acoustic microscopy](/analytical-services/c-scanning-acoustic-microscopy/). Destructive steps follow, such as cross-sectioning and decapsulation, with [optical](/analytical-services/optical-microscopy/) and [scanning electron microscopy](/analytical-services/scanning-electron-microscopy/). Chemical methods such as [FTIR](/analytical-services/fourier-transform-infra-red-spectroscopy/) help to identify contamination. To start a project, [request a quote](/contact/). ## Pages - [Browning Trail Camera Recon Force Failures](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/browning-trail-camera-recon-force-failures/index.md) - [Failure Analysis of STMicroelectronics STW37N60DM2AG 600V MOSFETs](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-stmicroelectronics-stw37n60dm2ag-600v-mosfets/index.md) - [Failed Cortina WJLXT971ALCA4e3 IC on PCB](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failed-cortina-wjlxt971alca4e3-ic-on-pcb/index.md) - [Stackpole 100-ohm Power Resister Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/stackpole-100-ohm-power-resister-failure-analysis/index.md) - [T491D475K050AT Kemet Tantalum Capacitor Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-on-t491d475k050at-kemet-tantalum-capacitor/index.md) - [On Semiconductor SS16 Schottky Rectifier](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/on-semiconductor-ss16-schottky-rectifier/index.md) - [Sunon Maglev MC35101V2-000U-G99 12V Fans](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-on-sunon-maglev-mc35101v2-000u-g99-12v-fans/index.md) - [Vishay CRCW2512220RJNEG Thick Film Chip Resistors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/vishay-crcw2512220rjneg-thick-film-chip-resistors/index.md) - [Failure Analysis on Pulse Transformers](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-on-pulse-transformers-2/index.md) - [Programmable Logic Device](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/programmable-logic-device/index.md) - [ST Microelectronics ASC T6108 Triacs](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/st-microelectronics-asc-t6108-triacs/index.md) - [Failed On Semi MC14070BG CMOS SSI](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failed-on-semi-mc14070bg-cmos-ssi/index.md) - [Anode Electrode for Lithium-Ion Battery](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/anode-electrode-for-lithium-ion-battery/index.md) - [Fairchild RFP40N10 power MOSFETs](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/fairchild-rfp40n10-power-mosfets/index.md) - [IC EMI MKP .33uF Film Capacitors Failures](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/ic-emi-mkp-33uf-film-capacitors-failures/index.md) - [Susumu RG3216-1000-B-T-T1 Film Resistor Failures](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/susumu-rg3216-1000-b-t-t1-film-resistor-failures/index.md) - [NEC 104PW161 Inverter Board](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/nec-104pw161-inverter-board/index.md) - [Vishay SS26 Schottky Rectifier](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/vishay-ss26-schottky-rectifier/index.md) - [Corrosion on Pcb Inside Valve](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/corrosion-on-pcb-inside-valve/index.md) - [Johanson Dielectrics PN 500T15W103MV4E MLCCs](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failures-on-johanson-dielectrics-pn-500t15w103mv4e-mlccs/index.md) - [MuRata PS (Pn 8600118) MOSFET Failures](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/murata-ps-dc-dc-converters-pn-8600118-mosfet-failures/index.md) - [PCB Solder Mask Delamination](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/pcb-solder-mask-delamination/index.md) - [Problems with Track Lighting](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/problems-track-lighting/index.md) - [Electrolytic Capacitor 1](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/electrolytic-capacitor-1/index.md) - [Electronic Transformers](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/electronic-transformers/index.md) - [MH Ballast Black Box PCB](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/mh-ballast-black-box-pcb/index.md) - [TDK-Lambda KPSA Power Supply](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/tdk-lambda-kpsa-power-supply/index.md) - [Soldering Problems Printed Circuit Boards](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/soldering-problems-printed-circuit-boards/index.md) - [Leakage Current from MLCC on PCB](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/leakage-current-mlcc-pcb/index.md) - [Fairchild Transient Voltage Suppressor SMBJ5VOCA](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/fairchild-transient-voltage-suppressor-smbj5voca/index.md) - [IR AUIRF7648M2 Power MOSFET](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/ir-auirf7648m2-power-mosfet/index.md) - [Pulse Transformer 144A9111](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/pulse-transformer-144a9111/index.md) - [Vishay ES2D SM Rectifier](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/vishay-es2d-sm-rectifier/index.md) - [2N3700 Transistor](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/2n3700-transistor/index.md) - [Atmel AT91SAM9260 Based Embedded MPU](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/atmel-at91sam9260-based-embedded-mpu/index.md) - [Melexis CMOS Hall Sensors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/melexis-cmos-hall-sensors/index.md) - [JanTXV1N821 Diode](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/jantxv1n821-diode/index.md) - [Compound Gate Drivers](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/compound-gate-drivers/index.md) - [Linear Microcircuit Modular Hybrid](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/linear-microcircuit-modular-hybrid/index.md) - [Failed 1210 MLCCs](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failed-1210-mlccs/index.md) - [Microsemi DZ771215A diode](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/microsemi-dz771215a-diode/index.md) - [Thermal Damage to MLCC](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/thermal-damage-to-mlcc/index.md) - [LM5111-1M Dual 5A Compound Gate Drivers](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/lm5111-1m-dual-5a-compound-gate-drivers/index.md) - [MLCC PCB Flexing](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/mlcc-pcb-flexing/index.md) - [Spectrum Pi Filters](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/spectrum-pi-filters/index.md) - [144A9284P4 Resistors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/144a9284p4-resistors/index.md) - [Destructive Physical Analysis of Pi Filters](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/destructive-physical-analysis-of-pi-filters/index.md) - [Fairchild 740L6000 Internal Contamination](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/fairchild-740l6000-internal-contamination/index.md) - [Spectrum Control Pi Filter](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/spectrum-control-pi-filter/index.md) - [FCS RV4141V GFI Controller](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/fcs-rv4141v-gfi-controller/index.md) - [Passivation Integrity Test on Transistors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/passivation-integrity-test-on-transistors/index.md) - [LCD Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/lcd-analysis/index.md) - [NEC Inverter Board](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/nec-inverter-board/index.md) - [Surface Mount Tantalum Capacitors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/surface-mount-tantalum-capacitors-2/index.md) - [CMOS RC Timer](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/cmos-rc-timer/index.md) - [FTIR of LEDs](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/ftir-of-leds/index.md) - [Thermal Evaluation (TMA and DSC)](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/thermal-evaluation-tma-ans-dsc/index.md) - [Quartz Crystal Oscillator](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/quartz-crystal-oscillator/index.md) - [Ion Chromatograph Analysis on Three Samples](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/ion-chromatograph-analysis/index.md) - [Flex Circuit Failure](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/flex-circuit-failure/index.md) - [220 Picofarad AVX Capacitor](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/220-picofarad-avx-capacitor/index.md) - [Digital Signal Processors (DSPs)](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/digital-signal-processors-dsps/index.md) - [Failure Analysis of LM386 Op-amps](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-of-lm386-op-amps/index.md) - [Pulse Transformers Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-on-pulse-transformers/index.md) - [Resistor Films](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/resistor-films/index.md) - [UPS Filter Capacitor Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/ups-filter-capacitor-failure-analysis/index.md) - [Corrosion on Lead Screw Assembly](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/corrosion-on-lead-screw-assembly-2/index.md) - [Corrosion](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/corrosion/index.md) - [Siliconix Si4998DY MOSFET](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/siliconix-si4998dy-mosfet/index.md) - [Connector Failure](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/connector-failure/index.md) - [Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/vertical-cavity-surface-emitting-laser/index.md) - [BGA Failure Analysis on Static Transfer Switch](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/bga-failure/index.md) - [Capacitor Terminal Crack](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/capacitor-terminal-crack/index.md) - [MOC101 Photocoupler](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/moc101-photocoupler/index.md) - [Resistor Contamination on Axial-Lead Resistors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/resistor-contamination-2/index.md) - [Varactor Diode GVD30601-001](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/varactor-diode-gvd30601-001/index.md) - [Light Sockets MR16](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/light-sockets-mr16/index.md) - [Op-Amp Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-of-op-amps/index.md) - [Resistor Contamination on Failed 510K](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/resistor-contamination-1/index.md) - [Failure Analysis of EDN337N FET](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-of-fet/index.md) - [Synchronous Buck Driver TI UCC27223PWP Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-on-synchronous-buck-driver/index.md) - [SCR FP25001P1 or Thyristor Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-of-scr-or-thyristor/index.md) - [Failure Analysis on 1N5626GP Diode](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-on-diode/index.md) - [PCB Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/pcb-failure-analysis/index.md) - [Photocoupler Avago HCPL 0630 Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/photocoupler-failure-analysis/index.md) - [Photocoupler Vishay IL420 Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/photocoupler-failure-analysis-2/index.md) - [ST Microelectronics BTA06 Triac Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-on-triac-or-scr/index.md) - [Fairchild RFP40N10 MOSFET Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/mosfet-failure-analysis/index.md) - [MLC Capacitor Failure Analysis (MLCC)](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/mlcc-failure-analysis-2/index.md) - [Metal Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/metal-failure-analysis/index.md) - [Optocoupler Fairchild QTC H11N1 Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/optocoupler-failure-analysis/index.md) - [IR FR22ON MOSFET Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/fet-failure-analysis-2/index.md) - [PWM Failure Analysis on MuRata PS Converter](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/pwm-failure-analysis/index.md) - [Relay Contamination](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/relay-contamination/index.md) - [Tantalum Capacitor Failure From Moisture Ingress](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/tantalum-capacitor-failure-analysis/index.md) - [VCSEL Diode Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/diode-failure-analysis-2/index.md) - [Voltage Regulator 5962-89981 Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/regulator-failure-analysis/index.md) - [AS169 PHEMT Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/fet-failure-analysis/index.md) - [BGA Voiding](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/bga-voiding/index.md) - [Counterfeit 476E Tantalum Capacitors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/counterfeit-tantalum-capacitors/index.md) - [Cracked Glass Diode in a Display Socket: Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/diode-failure-analysis/index.md) - [Failure Analysis on Metallized Film Capacitor](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/failure-analysis-on-metallized-film-capacitor/index.md) - [FTIR Identification of Contamination](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/contamination/index.md) - [IC BSP 77 HITFET Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/ic-failure-analysis/index.md) - [LCD Sitronix ST7528 IC Controller Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/lcd-ic-controller-failure-analysis/index.md) - [Metallurgy Corrosion](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/metallurgy-corrosion/index.md) - [MLCC Failures](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/mlcc-failures/index.md) - [Vishay MKT 1917 Film Capacitor Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/film-capacitor-failure-analysis/index.md) - [Wima versus Vishay Film Capacitor Comparison](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/film-capacitor-comparison/index.md) - [Insitu Process Contamination](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/insitu-process-contamination/index.md) - [Copper Wire With Nickel Plated Pad](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/copper-wire-with-nickel-plated-pad/index.md) - [Micro-hairs of Copper Oxide on Nickel Substrate](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/micro-hairs-of-copper-oxide-on-nickel-substrate/index.md) - [Failure Analysis on Microwave Capacitors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/capacitor-failure-analysis/index.md) - [EOS of Signal Diode](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/eos-of-signal-diode/index.md) - [Strain Gauge Resistance Changes](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/strain-gauge-resistance-changes/index.md) - [Tin Whiskers](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/tin-whiskers/index.md) - [Phototransistor Failure](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/phototransistor-failure/index.md) - [Fire on Multilayer PCB](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/fire-on-multilayer-pcb/index.md) - [Optocoupler Failures](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/optocoupler-failures/index.md) - [Environmental Contamination of PCBs](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/environmental-contamination-of-pcbs/index.md) - [Poor Process Control Lead to Over Current Failure](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/poor-process-control-lead-to-this-over-current-failure/index.md) - [Triac Failures](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/triac-failures/index.md) - [Manufacturing Failure](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/manufacturing-failure/index.md) - [Electrolytic Capacitor Failure](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/electrolytic-capacitor-failure/index.md) - [PCB with Amplifier Failed from EOS](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/pcb-with-amplifier-failed-from-eos/index.md) - [PCB Poor Solder Lead to EOS MLCC Fracturing](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/pcb-poor-solder-lead-to-eos-mlcc-fracturing/index.md) - [MLCC Cracking](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/mlcc-cracking/index.md) - [Process Contamination](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/process-contamination/index.md) - [Electrolytic Internal Contamination](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/electrolytic-internal-contamination/index.md) - [Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC) Fracture](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/mlcc-fracture/index.md) - [Process Contaminates Chlorides in Capacitors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/process-contaminates-chlorides-in-electrolytic-capacitors/index.md) - [Multilayer Ceramic Capacitor](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/multilayer-ceramic-capacitor/index.md) - [Shorted PX6A07 Silicon Rectifiers](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/shorted-px6a07-silicon-rectifiers/index.md) - [Silicon Rectifier PX6A07](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/silicon-rectifier/index.md) - [Stranded Wire With High Resistance](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/stranded-wire-with-high-resistance/index.md) - [Polymeric O-ring Identification](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/polymeric-o-ring-identification/index.md) - [1N4148 Glass Diode Failures](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/glass-diode-failures/index.md) - [Printed Circuit Board Flexing During Depanelization](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/printed-circuit-board-flexing-during-depanelization/index.md) - [Liquid Contamination on Relays](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/liquid-contamination-on-relays/index.md) - [Solder Joint Strain Failures](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/solder-joint-strain-failures/index.md) - [Bourns RJR26 Potentiometer Failure](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/potentiometer-failure/index.md) - [Kemet T491C155M035AT Tantalum Capacitors](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/surface-mount-tantalum-capacitors/index.md) - [IXYS IXGH32N60B Passivation Defect on IGBT](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/passivation-defect-on-igbt/index.md) - [Premature Discharge of Ansul IQ-396X Fire Circuitry](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/premature-discharge-of-fire-control-circuitry/index.md) - [Tin Whisker Growth in Solder Mask](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/tin-whisker-growth-in-solder-mask/index.md) - [Large Electrolytic Capacitor](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/large-electrolytic-capacitor/index.md) - [Organic Analysis on Metalized Substrates](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/organic-analysis-on-metallized-substrates/index.md) - [AC Capacitor Failure](https://gideonlabs.com/posts/ac-doubler-capacitor/index.md)