Case 2311 ยท Public preview
Internal Contamination Can Precede Final PWB Fabrication
A failed assembly contained severe internal laminate damage, fused material, and conductive crystal growth near a high-voltage circuit region.
Optical microscopyElectrical testingMicrosectioningSEMEDSUnused-board comparison
What the evidence preview establishes
Chlorine and sulfur contamination within the PWB structure was the most likely cause of internal electrical breakdown. Similar contamination in an unused board, including at an internal layer and between PTH copper and the drilled-hole wall, indicated exposure before final board fabrication.
Why this case matters
When ionic elements appear inside laminate and beneath PTH plating, map their depth and compare unused hardware. Buried contamination can separate a pre-fabrication material or plating problem from later field exposure.
Full evidence reserved for MEMBER and STOREThe complete case includes the evidence sequence, four interpreted figures, alternative explanations, limitations, and practical application guidance.