Debugging your PCB

Your company’s new circuit board does not work, and it’s your job to find out why. Where do you start? First, remember the best advice in solving a problem is to cut it in half, and then cut that in half. By cutting your problem in half, you will constantly reduce the size of the problem and more easily determine where the actual fault lies. A useful trick is to consider building two PCBs. The second PCB can be tested and compared to the original circuit board. If both boards have the same problem, then it’s a design fault in either the PCB layout or the circuit. If the second PCB works you have a bad PCB, a faulty component or an assembly defect in the first circuit. Inspect both boards carefully going over each solder joint and part. Also check the direction of diodes and large caps or any component that has polarity.