This applies to making electronic circuit boards with SMT components.
2006-10-10 11:36:14 · 3 answers · asked by Roy C 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Tin whiskers are a problem because they provide an alternative path for current. Short circuits and electrical arcing can occur, leading to failure of parts and systems. The Galaxy IV telecommunications satallite failed due to tin whiskers.
2006-10-10 11:42:53 · answer #1 · answered by DavidK93 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This used to be a problem 20 years ago as well with wirewrap boards. The wirewrap boards had tinned planes for power and ground which would "grow" conductive whiskers. Digital electronics usually didn't have a problem because the currents would zap the whiskers. Analog electronics on these cards were the problem because the currents would be too low to remove the whiskers and self heal. The analog would be off or oscillate or go to a rail when high impedances were involved. The solution, which I witnessed directly, was to pull the suspect board out and blow it with clean air (dust off) and place it back into the rack. This fixed the problem most of the time.
2006-10-10 20:33:55 · answer #2 · answered by SkyWayGuy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tin whiskers can cause the circut to jump..... not good.
2006-10-10 18:45:04 · answer #3 · answered by johnbehrhart 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋