Abstract: Embodiments may include a method and an apparatus for inducing degradation through temperature cycling of a solder joint or a component on a surface mount printed wiring board (SMPWB) coupon. The coupon may include alternating layers of dielectric material and conductive material stacked one upon another and a heating trace mounted on a surface of the SMPWB or between layers of dielectric material. A first value indicative of a temperature of the heating trace may be determined based on a measured electrical resistance of the heating trace. A difference between the first value and a second value indicative of a desired temperature of the heating trace may be determined. A particular current and a particular voltage may be applied to the heating trace based on the determined difference between the first value and the second value.