Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assessing coverage of a connection joint, such as a solder joint, between a device and a printed circuit board (PCB). In accordance with various embodiments, a PCB includes a conductive thermal pad adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to an exposed pad of a component by an intervening connection joint to establish a thermal path to dissipate thermal energy from the component. An isolated test via that extends through the conductive thermal pad in non-contacting relation thereto, the test via adapted to mechanically and electrically contact said intervening connection joint. A coverage characteristic of the intervening connection joint can be determined in relation to application of an electrical signal to the test via.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to assessing coverage of a connection joint, such as a solder joint, between a device and a printed circuit board (PCB). In accordance with various embodiments, a PCB includes a conductive thermal pad adapted to be electrically and mechanically connected to an exposed pad of a component by an intervening connection joint to establish a thermal path to dissipate thermal energy from the component. An isolated test via that extends through the conductive thermal pad in non-contacting relation thereto, the test via adapted to mechanically and electrically contact said intervening connection joint. A coverage characteristic of the intervening connection joint can be determined in relation to application of an electrical signal to the test via.