Is my AWE32 in danger? (damaged solder mask) \ VOGONS

Is my AWE32 in danger? (damaged solder mask)

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First post, by tikoellner

Posted on 2016-04-10, 18:19

tikoellner Offline

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Hi,

I had a closer look at my AWE32 CT2760 that arrived last week and there is something that worries me a bit.

The card is in overly good condition, there are some minor scratches on the PCD (back), but no traces seem to be damaged (some scratches go across traces, but are pretty shallow).

There is, however, some other thing on the front side: some solder mask is missing in one spot and there are some copper traces visible. It's not much, but as the traces are pretty "condensed" in this area, I am afraid that as it gathers some dust, that may eventually get pretty humid, it could short these traces and damage the card.

Do you think this could happen? Is there any professional / amateur way to secure the traces?

Or maybe I should just leave it the way it is?

Reply 1 of 3, by zerker

Posted on 2016-04-10, 19:48

zerker Offline

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You may want to post a clear photograph of the issue to give us an idea what your board in particular looks like.

PS: I'm not personally qualified to answer this, but I'm sure the other guys will want to see it 😀

Reply 2 of 3, by gdjacobs

Posted on 2016-04-10, 22:08

gdjacobs Offline

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tikoellner wrote:

Do you think this could happen? Is there any professional / amateur way to secure the traces?

As far as arcing, anything's possible I suppose. If you're concerned, you can pick up a can of spray on conformal coating.

All hail the Great Capacitor Brand Finder

Reply 3 of 3, by adalbert

Posted on 2016-04-10, 23:03

adalbert Offline

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Clean that place and cover it with a regular transparent office tape. I don't believe humidity could ever short these traces, but a bigger problem is oxidation of copper, especially if traces are thin. So it is a good idea to cover them with tape to block oxygen access. Usually soldermask is protecting bare copper traces and the exposed parts of copper are covered with gold or solder and air doesn't damage them. Of course you can use spray or paint it but I don't think it's necessary.

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