What's New

Many sources recently have reported that electrical failures to components previously classified as EOS (Electrical Overstress) are instead the result of ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) failures due to charged-board events (CBE) [1,2]. A charged printed circuit board assembly stores substantially more charge than a discrete device as its capacitance is larger. A subsequent discharge of the board assembly results in increased current for that event - versus that of the discrete component. Consequently, a device’s CDM (charged device model) rating is lowered when mounted in a printed circuit board (PCB). In an attempt to get a feel for just how much it is lowered, we conducted CDM stress tests on components in discrete form, and again after insertion into larger and larger sized pc boards. We found that the CDM ratings are lowered dramatically!

Asurion of Smyrna, TN has recalled about 470,000 counterfeit Blackberry-brand cell phone batteries, distributed in refurbished Blackberry-branded devices.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released its quarterly report on inquiries and complaints made by consumers to the agency’s Consumer & Government Affairs Bureau during the first quarter of calendar year 2010.

The Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued guidelines regarding the type of information it requires from bodies seeking approval to accredit testing laboratories under the Commission’s rules.

TÜV Rheinland has acquired the engineering company Geris Engenharia e Serviços in São Paulo, Brazil, significantly expanding TÜV Rheinland’s commitment in South America. Geris offers technical engineering services, particularly for the oil and gas industry and electricity producers and suppliers as well as infrastructure projects, residential construction and logistics.

Advanced Test Equipment Rentals (ATEC), a leading provider of electronic test and measurement equipment rentals, has partnered with Temptronic Corporation, to proudly add their ThermoStream® temperature forcing  systems, -90˚ to +225˚C, to ATEC’s product catalogue.