Performance testing of coated printed circuit boards by means of partial discharge measurements

Within a research program on the insulation performance of low-voltage equipment, an experimental setup for partial discharge (PD) measurements was developed. Various types of coatings were evaluated in the research program. To obtain data close to those encountered in practice, a standardized test board layout was used. In order to simulate the aging process during the normal life of coated boards, different aging procedures were used. The results of PD-measurements performed on different test boards after aging are compared with previously obtained data. Results are presented for parallel conductor tracks and pads covered with different types of coating. It is concluded that POD measurements are a reliable method for testing the quality of coatings on printed circuit boards. Comparing the results of conditioning for parallel conductor track specimens, it is found that there is no significant difference in the effects of the applied types of conditioning.<>