Common Field Failures

Field failures are caused primarily by improper design, technology and material construction.  GDSI has the technology, experience and design expertise to proactively address critical reliability issues.   Below are some common field failure problems and typical causes.

Field Failure	Typical Causes
Shorts	Circuit traces shorted due to silver migration Collapsed switches due to improper sealing or venting Improper component assembly Insulation material breakdown or improper application Moisture penetration due to improper sealing or material choices
Opens	Cracked traces due to improper bend radius Contamination on contact surfaces Corrosion of contact surfaces. Cracked traces due to improper layout Cracked traces due to improper material choices. Corrosion on connector Connector contact misaligned Traces damaged by connector re-assembly Contact pad damaged by improper metal dome choice Contact pad damaged due to improper material choices
Tactile Action	Metal dome fatigued beyond recommended life Throw distance too great for material construction Poor ventilation Plastic dome improperly formed Overlay cracked due to improper material choices. Improper anchoring of dome assembly. Improper design of contact pad.
Contact Resistance Failure	Contamination Corrosion Mechanical damage