Case 2369 ยท Public preview
A Nearby Board Cutout Can Concentrate Strain at Chip Resistors
Several chip resistors exhibited elevated or intermittent resistance that changed with probe pressure.
Electrical probingOptical microscopySEMMicrosectioningEDS
What the evidence preview establishes
Board bending fractured resistor terminations, often beneath the nickel barrier within the silver thick-film layer. A nearby cutout reduced local stiffness and plausibly concentrated strain at the components.
Why this case matters
For intermittent chip resistors, correlate resistance with mechanical pressure and section both terminations. Review nearby cutouts, board warpage, chassis seating, fastener load, and local stiffness before treating the component or solder process as defective.
Full evidence reserved for MEMBER and STOREThe complete case includes the evidence sequence, four interpreted figures, alternative explanations, limitations, and practical application guidance.