IWR1443BOOST: What happen to the antenna.

Oscar TAM

Part Number: IWR1443BOOST

I bought IWR1443Boost last summer for a detection project. 3 mouth ago, I find that the antenna are rusting and a little bit burnt. Could I know why did this happened? (Using a DC power supply (5V) to power up the board)

6 months ago

0 CHETHAN KUMAR Y.B. 6 months ago

TI__Mastermind 25555 points

Hello,

There has been some attempt to solder the component on the board. There are solder paste on the antenna which could have caused burning mark. Also antenna traces also seem to be damaged in this process.

...

What type of rework as been done on this boards?

Thanks and regards,

CHETHAN KUMAR Y.B.

0 Oscar TAM 6 months ago

Prodigy 10 points

Hello!

The antenna traces was broken when we tried to clean up those rust and spot, so we soldered back. We haven't done anything on other antennas and traces and we think it just rusting itself.

+1 CHETHAN KUMAR Y.B. 6 months ago in reply to Oscar TAM

TI__Mastermind 25555 points

Oscar,

Please refer to below e2e thread, board surface finish is immersion silver and when board is exposed for prolonged period to air with moisture, Its expected to have oxidation, But there is no performance degradation.

https://e2e.ti.com/support/sensors-group/sensors/f/sensors-forum/1185586/iwr6843isk-ods-sensors-forum/4466974#4466974

https://e2e.ti.com/support/sensors-group/sensors/f/sensors-forum/994003/awr1843boost-awr1843-antenna-oxidation-and-ghost-appear-in-output

https://e2e.ti.com/support/sensors-group/sensors/f/sensors-forum/737480/awr1642boost-board-oxidation

In this case during the cleaning process board seem to be damaged, these traces are ~100um, and PCBs will have lower surface roughness hence Antenna traces will get damaged if proper care is not taken during the cleaning process. Typically IPA & Ultrasonic based cleaning process is employed. If the cleaning is done just scrubbing the surface of the board it will damage the thin traces.

If the board is damaged then please order new boards.

Thanks and regards,

CHETHAN KUMAR Y.B.

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IWR1443BOOST: What happen to the antenna.