Analysis of simplified FE models of PCBs exposed to random vibrations

This paper summarizes the main features of a Monte Carlo approach to calculate safety factors to be used in the analysis of Printed Circuit Boards subjected to random vibrations. This approach is justified on the basis of experimental results that are also briefly presented in the paper together with some tests carried out to quantify appropriate thresholds for the failure parameters. Various approximations based on the "smearing" of the electronic components properties on the PCB are considered, and the accuracies of the various simplifications are then quantified. This allows the determination of safety factors that can be applied to compensate for the mathematical model inaccuracy. The manufacturing variability and uncertainties in the parameters influencing the structural response are also investigated experimentally. The paper is concluded with a brief description of tests carried out to quantify the components capability to withstand the underlying board curvature. © 2008 by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Department of Mechanical Engineering All rights reserved