Category Archives: Soldering


May30
The Hidden Dangers of Using Overdue PCBs: Can Baking Salvage Them?

All materials actually have its shelf-life, some shorter and some longer than others. So what happens when expired materials are used? Think about what will happens when you eat expired food. What about using expired Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)?

May18
Clarifying the Concept of Electronic Component Soldering Strength

While organizing an article on the structural analysis of Micro-USB connectors, Workingbear came across an interesting soldering concept that he would like to discuss with everyone. During the product development and NPI verification phase, RD often comes to me, I … Continue reading

May16
What is the difference between PCB and PCBA? PCB is like land with roads, but it doesn’t have buildings yet

What is the difference between PCB and PCBA? This is actually something that should be easily understood, but since someone asked, Workingbear will try explain it briefly here. If any readers notice any errors, please feel free to correct me. … Continue reading

May02
Differences, advantages, disadvantages, and recommendations for SMD and NSMD pad designs

Do you know what are the SMD (Solder Mask Defined) and NSMD (Non-Solder Mask Defined) land pattern pads? Any difference between SMD and NSMD pads? What are the advantages and disadvantages for them? What are the design recommendations for them? … Continue reading

Apr13
Red Dye Penetration Test to check for BGA solder joint cracking

The Red Dye Penetration Test also known as Red Dye, is a technique used to inspect for surface-mount technology (SMT) defects such as voids or micro-cracks in the soldering of electronic components. It is a destructive test typically used on … Continue reading