Electronics Technician how-to
How to Troubleshoot a Failing Circuit Board
A systematic approach finds faults faster.
Quick answer
A systematic approach finds faults faster. In short: review; inspect; check, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Review the failure symptoms and schematic.
Inspect visually for damage and bad joints.
Check power rails with a multimeter.
Trace signals with an oscilloscope.
Isolate the faulty component.
Repair, retest and document.
Safety reminders for electronics technicians
- Use ESD protection
- De-energize circuits before rework
- Use fume extraction when soldering
- Respect high voltage and capacitors
Key terms
Schematic · Oscilloscope · Multimeter · Ohm’s law · PCB · Solder joint: see the full electronics technician glossary.