Case 1237 ยท Public preview
Multiple MLCC Breakdown Sites Can Reveal Earlier Cracking
A stacked ceramic-capacitor assembly was electrically open and exhibited severe external thermal damage suggestive of an electrical overstress event.
Electrical testingOptical microscopyMicrosectioningSEMEDSFailure-pattern comparison
What the evidence preview establishes
Cracks most likely preceded the final event. They created multiple paths for silver migration and localized breakdown rather than the single fused origin expected from primary EOS. Reflow, board flexure, later thermal testing, or a combination could have produced them.
Why this case matters
External burning does not prove that EOS initiated an MLCC failure. Cracks without breakdown and multiple separated fused sites can demonstrate that mechanical or thermal damage came first.
Full evidence reserved for MEMBER and STOREThe complete case includes the evidence sequence, four interpreted figures, alternative explanations, limitations, and practical application guidance.