Surface Insulation Resistance (SIR) Testing
The most effective when determining the cleanliness and reliability of electronic assemblies
Overview
Surface Insulation Resistance (SIR) testing evaluates the long-term reliability of electronic materials and processes by exposing circuits to controlled temperature, humidity, and electrical bias to identify potential failure mechanisms caused by electrochemical reactions. It assesses production process chemistries such as solder masks, flux, paste, and wire, as well as assembly processes like reflow, SMT parameters, and cleaning methods. High-temperature and humidity aging tests simulate years of service in days, providing critical insights into material integrity and reliability. With tailored test profiles, SIR testing helps predict service life, ensuring quality and durability in electronic assemblies.
Magnalytix SIR Test Board Designs are representative of today’s production hardware. The test boards are designed to assess SMT, Thru-Hole, Wave or Selective, and Manual Soldering. MGX offers the test boards as kits with all the components needed to assemble. The standard test board designs are in stock and ready for delivery upon receipt of your order.
MGX test boards have become the standard for SIR testing. The components selected are leadless and bottom-terminated, making the test boards ideal for qualifying and validating your assembly process.
Why Choose This Test?
- Assesses leakage current from ionic or active residues
- Detects electrochemical dendritic growth across conductors of opposite polarity
- Identifies harmful residues during assembly that lower insulation resistance
- Provides clear pass/fail metrics for process validation
- Helps investigate root causes of failures and process variations
- Tests for major process changes, including flux, cleaning agents, suppliers, and solder alloys
Industries Served
How Surface Insulation Resistance (SIR) Testing Works
Sample Preparation
The test specimen is placed in a controlled environment with temperature, humidity, and electrical bias.
Exposure to Environmental Conditions
The sample undergoes high-temperature and humidity conditions to accelerate aging and simulate real-world stress.
Measurement of Insulation Resistance
Electrical resistance between conductors is continuously monitored to detect leakage currents and potential failures.
Equipment Used
Magnalytix SIR System
Automated SIR testing system providing real-time resistance measurements under controlled environmental conditions.
Environmental Chamber
Precision-controlled chamber for maintaining temperature and humidity during SIR testing.
Magnalytix SIR Test Cards
Magnalytix Standard test cards for SIR testing. Available for purchase.
Key Features & Benefits
Ensures Product Reliability
Detects process residues and assesses their impact on long-term performance.
Validates Insulation Resistance
Evaluates materials under real-world environmental and electrical conditions.
Supports Material Comparisons
Enables ranking and characterization of materials and processes.
Predicts Long-Term Performance
Identifies potential failure mechanisms to estimate service life.
Improves Quality Control
Addresses daily manufacturing variations to maintain consistency.
Qualify Manufacturing Plan
Assist in qualifying your manufacturing plan per IPC J-STD-001.
Standards
Lab Testing Standards
- IPC J-STD-001J Section 8 Cleanliness
Deliverables & Reporting
What You Receive
Detailed Test Report
Comprehensive analysis including resistance trends, environmental conditions, and failure detection.
Graphical Data Interpretation
Visual representation of resistance changes over time for easy evaluation.
Consultation
Expert insights into test results and recommendations for process improvement over teams.
Turnaround Time & Options
Standard Timeline
Customization Options
- Custom voltage and humidity settings
- Extended duration testing
- Specialized test coupon designs
- Failure mode analysis with cross-sectional imaging
- Comparative studies for process optimization