Patent ID: 7365552
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A fault detection apparatus for detecting a fault in a surface mount package of a circuit board assembly; said circuit board assembly comprising an electrical component mounted to a surface of a circuit board via said surface mount package; said apparatus comprising: a retainer for releasably securing said circuit board assembly; at least one solenoid comprising a core portion and a rod; said rod movable between a retracted position and an extended position; said rod being disposed in relation to said circuit board such that changing between said positions causes deflections in said circuit board; said rod disposed beneath said surface mount package; said at least one solenoid for applying a mechanical force to said circuit board when said circuit board assembly is secured within said retainer and while a test signal is passed through said circuit board; said mechanical force for disturbing a mechanical defect in said surface mount package to thereby reveal, using results from said test signal, an electrically intermittent connection in said surface mount package.