Abstract: A mechanical deflection system (MDS) includes a torsion tester for circuit boards which imposes controlled repeatable sheer stress to a test board and components mounted thereon by cyclicly twisting the board about a center line. A self centering twisting clamp holds one edge of the board and a rotating clamp connected to a backlash free motor and servo mechanism, holds the opposite edge with a limited clamping force. A computer regulates the motor to apply either a specified maximum twist angle or maximum torque, and receives signals from an optical meter which measures the angle, and from a load cell which measures the torque. The computer is connected to detect failures by measuring the electrical resistance of critical joints during testing and it records the location and number of cycles for each failure.

Abstract: A mechanical deflection system (MDS) includes a torsion tester for circuit boards which imposes controlled repeatable sheer stress to a test board and components mounted thereon by cyclicly twisting the board about a center line. A self centering twisting clamp holds one edge of the board and a rotating clamp connected to a backlash free motor and servo mechanism, holds the opposite edge with a limited clamping force. A computer regulates the motor to apply either a specified maximum twist angle or maximum torque, and receives signals from an optical meter which measures the angle, and from a load cell which measures the torque. The computer is connected to detect failures by measuring the electrical resistance of critical joints during testing and it records the location and number of cycles for each failure.