The detrimental effects of water on electronic devices

Abstract

Water in its various forms can affect the performance and reliability of today's electronics in unique ways. This paper discusses the forms of water and the degradation effect of water on electronics, identifies the types of failure mechanisms in electronics induced by liquid and vapor phase water, presents case studies of water-related failures, and provides recommendations for preventing water-imposed degradation in electronics. Test methods and standards based on different forms of water and specific applications of electronics are also presented.

Keywords

• Electronics
• Electronic packaging
• Effects of water
• Exposure of electronics to underwater environments
• Humidity
• Moisture