Case 1392 ยท Public preview
A Clean, Intact Crystal Does Not Complete an Oscillator Failure Analysis
Circuit boards reportedly stopped oscillating at a crystal location, prompting concern about board contamination, the crystal, or its drive circuit.
Electrical measurementsSEMEDSCrystal cross-sectioningBoard-area inspection
What the evidence preview establishes
The physical analysis did not establish a root cause. It found no significant contamination around the implicated crystal and no consistent mechanical, termination, or metallization defect within the examined crystals.
Why this case matters
Negative physical findings are useful when they narrow the investigation without being overstated. Reproduce the fault, measure the implicated signal, and develop component-level tests before assigning a crystal or cleanliness root cause.
Full evidence reserved for MEMBER and STOREThe complete case includes the evidence sequence, four interpreted figures, alternative explanations, limitations, and practical application guidance.