Printed circuit board disconnection detection system, method, and program

Abstract

Via breakage testing that does not require dedicated external testing equipment and can be performed even during operation. [Solution] A wire break detection system for a printed circuit board on which a microcontroller is mounted. The wire break detection system includes the microcontroller and a measurement circuit including at least one dummy via arranged around a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board, wherein one end of the at least one dummy via is connected to a first terminal of the microcontroller, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is connected to a second terminal of the microcontroller. The microcontroller includes a measurement unit that measures a predetermined physical quantity in the measurement circuit during operation of the printed circuit board, and a determination unit that compares a physical quantity previously measured in the measurement circuit during normal operation of the printed circuit board with a physical quantity measured in the measurement circuit during operation of the printed circuit board, and determines that a wire break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board if there is a predetermined change between the two physical quantities.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a system, method, and program for detecting disconnections in printed circuit boards. [Background technology]

[0002] When a malfunction occurred on a printed circuit board due to a broken via, it was necessary to isolate the cause from the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) and OS (Operating System) error logs, identify the IC (Integrated Circuit) that was behaving unintentionally, observe the waveform, and perform X-ray inspections and cross-sectional analysis. These procedures were time-consuming and laborious, leading to decreased productivity and quality.

[0003] Furthermore, while the above method can detect a decrease in signal quality, it has the problem that it cannot determine whether the decrease is due to a broken via or other factors, making it impossible to perform appropriate maintenance or repairs. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-14693 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The prior art documents mentioned above are to be incorporated into this book by reference.

[0006] The following analysis was conducted by the inventors of this invention.

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes a method for performing radiation inspection using external equipment to detect open circuits in vias of a multilayer wiring board.

[0008] However, the method described in Patent Document 1 requires the separate preparation of dedicated external equipment for inspection, and the inspection cannot be performed while the multilayer wiring board (or the device equipped with a multilayer wiring board) is in operation.

[0009] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a printed circuit board (PCB) disconnection detection system, method, and program that contribute to via disconnection detection that does not require a dedicated external inspection device and can be performed even while the PCB is in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) From the first perspective of this disclosure, a system for detecting disconnections in a printed circuit board on which a microcontroller is mounted is provided. The aforementioned wire break detection system is The aforementioned microcontroller, and A measurement circuit including at least one dummy via arranged around a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board, wherein one end of the at least one dummy via is connected to a first terminal of the microcontroller, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is connected to a second terminal of the microcontroller. Includes, The aforementioned microcontroller is • A measuring unit that measures a predetermined physical quantity in the measuring circuit during the operation of the printed circuit board, and - A determination unit compares a physical quantity previously measured in the measurement circuit during normal operation of the printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as "reference") with a physical quantity measured in the measurement circuit during operation of the printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as "actual"), and determines that a break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board if there is a predetermined change between the two physical quantities. including It is characterized by the following. (2) A second perspective of this disclosure provides a method for detecting a break in a printed circuit board on which a microcontroller is mounted. In the above method, the microcontroller · In a measurement circuit including at least one dummy via disposed around a predetermined region of the printed circuit board, measuring a predetermined physical quantity during operation of the printed circuit board, and · comparing a predetermined physical quantity measured in advance during normal operation of the printed circuit board in the measurement circuit with the predetermined physical quantity measured during operation of the printed circuit board, and when there is a predetermined change between both physical quantities, determining that a disconnection has occurred in the via of the predetermined region of the printed circuit board performing characterized by (3) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a program for detecting a disconnection of a printed circuit board on which a microcomputer is mounted is provided. The program causes the microcomputer to · In a measurement circuit including at least one dummy via disposed around a predetermined region of the printed circuit board, measuring a predetermined physical quantity during operation of the printed circuit board, and · comparing a predetermined physical quantity measured in advance during normal operation of the printed circuit board in the measurement circuit with the predetermined physical quantity measured during operation of the printed circuit board, and when there is a predetermined change between both physical quantities, determining that a disconnection has occurred in the via of the predetermined region of the printed circuit board perform characterized by

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] The present disclosure or each aspect thereof can contribute to a disconnection inspection of vias that does not require a dedicated external inspection device and can be executed even during operation of the printed circuit board.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the configuration of an example of the disconnection detection system of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a microcomputer constituting the disconnection detection system of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Image diagram of an example of a disconnection and crack occurring in a two-stage via (laser via). [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating an example of a wire break detection method in this disclosure. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating one specific example of a wire break detection method in this disclosure. [Figure 6] A flowchart of another specific example of the wire break detection method described herein. [Figure 7] An example of hardware resource configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following are preferred forms of this disclosure, but are not limited to these. (Form 1) See the first perspective of the present disclosure above. (Form 2) In the wire break detection system described in Form 1, The aforementioned predetermined physical quantity is a voltage value. The determination unit determines that if the actual voltage value is smaller than the reference voltage value, a break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. It is preferable. (Form 3) In the wire break detection system described in Form 1, The predetermined physical quantity is the signal attenuation amount. The determination unit determines that a break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board if the actual signal attenuation is greater than the reference signal attenuation. It is preferable. (Form 4) In the wire break detection system described in Form 3, The determination unit compares the actual signal attenuation with the reference signal attenuation for each of the multiple signal frequencies. It is preferable. (Form 5) In the wire break detection system described in any of Forms 1 to 4, The at least one dummy via is a daisy-chain of multiple dummy vias. One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the dummy via at the beginning of the daisy chain, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the dummy via at the end of the daisy chain. It is preferable. (Form 6) In the wire break detection system described in any of Forms 1 to 4, The at least one dummy via is one dummy via. One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the one dummy via, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the one dummy via. It is preferable. (Form 7) In the wire break detection system described in any of Forms 1 to 4, The microcontroller includes a memory unit for storing the measured physical quantity. It is preferable. (Form 8) In the wire break detection system described in any of Forms 1 to 4, The microcontroller includes an output unit that outputs an error log notifying the user when it determines that a break has occurred in at least one via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. It is preferable. (Form 9) See the second perspective of the present disclosure above. (Form 10) See the third perspective of the present disclosure above.

[0014] Furthermore, this disclosure can also be embodied as a computer-executable program, which can be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitive storage medium. In other words, this disclosure can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program can be input to a computer device via an input device or an external communication interface, stored in a storage device, drive a processor according to predetermined steps or processes, and display the results of the processes step by step via a display device, including intermediate states as needed, or communicate with devices (including computers) inside or outside the device via a communication interface, whether wired or wireless. For this purpose, the computer device typically comprises, as an example, a processor, storage devices, input devices, a communication interface, and, if necessary, a display device, all of which are connected to each other by a bus.

[0015] The following is an overview of this disclosure. The reference numerals in the drawings included in this overview are solely for the purpose of aiding understanding this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines between blocks in each figure include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows schematically represent the flow of signals, information, data, etc., and do not exclude bidirectional connections. In addition, connections between blocks in each figure can be wired or wireless.

[0016] Furthermore, in the following descriptions and drawings, elements having the same or common function are denoted by the same reference numeral.

[0017] Furthermore, in this disclosure, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are merely used to distinguish related elements from one another and are not intended to specify functional superiority or inferiority. Also, in this disclosure, terms such as "upper" and "lower" are merely used to distinguish related elements from one another and to indicate their relative positional relationship and are not intended to specify an absolute positional relationship, i.e., an upper or lower positional relationship in the vertical or bony direction.

[0018] (Example configuration of a wire break detection system) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of the wire break detection system of this disclosure applied to a printed circuit board 1 on which a microcontroller (microcomputer or microprocessor) 2 is mounted.

[0019] The wire break detection system includes a microcontroller 2 and a measurement circuit 4.

[0020] The measurement circuit 4 consists of dummy vias 31, 32, ... 3 arranged around a predetermined area 6 on the printed circuit board 1. n (where n is a positive integer) includes dummy vias 31, 32, ... 3 n One end (the upper end in Figure 1) is connected to the first terminal 51 of the microcontroller 2, and dummy vias 31, 32, ... 3 n The other end (the lower end in Figure 1) is connected to the second terminal 5 of the microcontroller 2. n It is connected to (where n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2).

[0021] The predetermined area 6 of the printed circuit board 1 is an area including vias that are likely to be disconnected structurally, such as those around a power supply or a CPU (Central Processing Unit), especially vias with a multi-stage structure (for an example of a two-stage structure, refer to FIG. 3). (The vias constituting the original circuit of the printed circuit board 1; hereinafter also referred to as "circuit vias"). In this example, the dummy vias or circuit vias are laser vias, but they can also be formed by other methods (such as mechanical drills) other than lasers.

[0022] The illustrated measurement circuit 4 includes a plurality of dummy vias 31, 32,... 3 n Although it contains them, there may be only one dummy via. Also, the dummy vias 31, 32,... 3 shown in FIG. 1 are each configured in one stage, but the dummy vias themselves can also be configured in multiple stages. In this case, the lowermost end of one dummy via in the daisy chain is connected to the uppermost end of the next dummy via, the uppermost end of the first dummy via 31 at the head of the daisy chain is connected to the first terminal 51 of the microcomputer 2, and the lowermost end of the last dummy via 3 n can be connected to the second terminal 5 n of the microcomputer 2. n

[0023] In FIG. 1, the plurality of dummy vias 31, 32,... 3 n are arranged only on the upper side of the paper surface of the predetermined area 6, but this arrangement is not limited. As long as at least one dummy via 31, 32,... 3 n is arranged around the predetermined area 6 including circuit vias or in the vicinity of (at least one) circuit vias, it can be arranged in any manner. Therefore, for example, when trying to specifically detect the disconnection of circuit vias located inside the predetermined area, the dummy vias or the measurement circuit can also be arranged inside the predetermined area. Here, the distance range of the "perimeter" of the predetermined area 6 or the "vicinity" of the circuit vias should be determined specifically individually according to the actual aspect of the printed circuit board 1 to which the disconnection detection system is applied.

[0024] ​ Note that in Figure 1, dummy vias 31, 32, ... 3 n Although it is described that the upper and lower ends of the dummy vias 31, 32, ... 3 are arranged side by side in a direction parallel to the surface of the printed circuit board 1, this is merely a description of multiple dummy vias 31, 32, ... 3 n This is merely to facilitate understanding how they are connected in a daisy-chain configuration; in reality, dummy vias 31, 32, ... 3 n The upper and lower ends are positioned in the thickness direction of the printed circuit board 1, as shown in Figure 3, for example.

[0025] The microcontroller 2 typically includes multiple ports (e.g., port A, port B, port C, etc.) each having multiple terminals (or pins), but the first terminal 51 and second terminal 5 are connected to dummy vias. n These are different ports (for example, terminal 51 is port A, terminal 51 is port A, terminal 51 is port A) n It can belong to port B, or it can belong to the same port.

[0026] (Example of microcontroller function configuration) Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the microcontroller 2 that constitutes the wire break detection system of this disclosure.

[0027] The microcontroller 2 includes a measurement unit 21 and a determination unit 22, and may further include a storage unit 23 and an output unit 24.

[0028] The measurement unit 21 measures a predetermined physical quantity in the measurement circuit 4 while the printed circuit board 1 (or an electronic device equipped with the printed circuit board 1 (not shown)) is operating or running.

[0029] The predetermined physical quantity measured in the measurement circuit 4 is, for example, a voltage value, a signal attenuation, etc. If the predetermined physical quantity is the signal attenuation, it is preferable to perform measurements at multiple signal frequencies.

[0030] Prior to performing a wire breakage test, the determination unit 22 compares a physical quantity previously measured in the measurement circuit 4 during the normal operation of the printed circuit board 1 (hereinafter referred to as "reference") with a physical quantity measured in the measurement circuit 4 during the actual operation of the printed circuit board 1 (or an electronic device equipped with the printed circuit board 1 (not shown)) (hereinafter referred to as "actual"). If a predetermined change occurs between the two physical quantities, the determination unit 22 determines that a wire break has occurred in a via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board 1.

[0031] Here, if a break occurs in one via, there is a high probability that other vias in its vicinity have also experienced breaks. Therefore, the occurrence of a break in one via can be used to estimate the occurrence of breaks in the other vias. Accordingly, the determination unit 22 determines that a break has occurred in a circuit via if a change in a predetermined physical quantity is observed due to a break in a dummy via in a measurement circuit 4 that includes at least one dummy via located near a circuit via or around a predetermined region 6 including the circuit via. It should be noted that a crack (partial break) in a via (for example, an increase in the resistance value in the via) is treated the same as a break in a via (for example, an infinite increase in the resistance value in the via). Therefore, this disclosure can also detect cracks in vias, and in this sense, the concept of "break" in a via that should be detected by this disclosure may also include "cracks".

[0032] The determination unit 22, when a predetermined physical quantity is a voltage value, compares the actual voltage value with a reference voltage value, and if the actual voltage value is smaller than the reference voltage value, it determines that a break has occurred in a via (circuit via) in a predetermined area 6 of the printed circuit board 1.

[0033] The determination unit 22, when a predetermined physical quantity is the signal attenuation, compares the actual signal attenuation with the reference signal attenuation, and determines that a break has occurred in a via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board 1 if the actual signal attenuation is greater than the reference signal attenuation.

[0034] When a predetermined physical quantity is the signal attenuation, the determination unit 22 can compare the actual signal attenuation with the reference signal attenuation for multiple signal frequencies to determine whether or not there is a break in the circuit. Here, if a break or crack occurs in the via, the location of the via in the circuit is recognized as an impedance component, and its reactance component increases in value for a specific frequency of the signal. Therefore, by using multiple signal frequencies, it becomes possible to perform a more precise inspection for breaks or cracks.

[0035] The memory unit 23 stores the measured physical quantities. The stored physical quantities are reference physical quantities (voltage value, signal attenuation), but actual physical quantities (voltage value, signal attenuation), etc., can also be stored as needed.

[0036] The output unit 24 outputs an error log to notify the user if it determines that a break has occurred in a via (circuit via) in a predetermined area 6 of the printed circuit board 1. The error log can be displayed on a device (such as a display) connected to the third terminal of the microcontroller 2. The third terminal of the microcontroller 2 is connected to the first terminal 51 and / or the second terminal 5 n It also belongs to the same port of microcontroller 2, the first terminal 51 and the second terminal 5 n It is also possible to belong to a different port.

[0037] Figure 3 is an illustrative diagram showing an example of a break and crack (partial break) in a two-stage via (laser via). Although the via shown is a two-stage configuration, both circuit vias and dummy vias can be single-stage or have three or more stages.

[0038] (Example of operation) Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an example of the wire break detection method of this disclosure.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, first, the microcontroller 2 measures a predetermined physical quantity ("actual physical quantity") in the measurement circuit 4 while the printed circuit board 1 is in operation (S1). Note that "S" stands for step.

[0040] Next, the microcontroller 2 compares a predetermined physical quantity ("reference physical quantity") that was measured in advance during the normal operation of the printed circuit board 1 with the actual physical quantity (S2).

[0041] Next, the microcontroller 2 determines whether there is a predetermined change between the reference physical quantity and the actual physical quantity (S3). If there is a predetermined change (Y), it determines that a break has occurred in the via of a predetermined area 6 on the printed circuit board 1 (S4). If there is no predetermined change (N), it returns to step 1, and the microcontroller 2 repeats steps 1 to 3, for example, periodically.

[0042] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of one specific example of the wire break detection method of this disclosure.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, first, the microcontroller 2 measures the voltage value ("actual voltage value") of the printed circuit board 1 during operation in the measurement circuit 4 (S10).

[0044] Next, the microcontroller 2 compares the actual voltage value with a predetermined voltage value ("reference voltage value") that was measured in advance during the normal operation of the printed circuit board 1 (S20).

[0045] Next, the microcontroller 2 determines whether the actual voltage value is less than the reference voltage value (S30). If the actual voltage value is less than the reference voltage value (Y), it determines that a break has occurred in the via in a predetermined area 6 of the printed circuit board 1 (S40). If the actual voltage value is equal to or greater than the reference voltage value (N), it returns to step 10, and the microcontroller 2 repeats steps 10 to 30 periodically, for example.

[0046] Figure 6 shows a flowchart of another specific example of the wire break detection method of this disclosure.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, first, the microcontroller 2 measures the signal attenuation ("actual attenuation") during the operation of the printed circuit board 1 in the measurement circuit 4 (S100).

[0048] Next, the microcontroller 2 compares the actual attenuation with a predetermined signal attenuation value ("reference attenuation") that was measured in advance during the normal operation of the printed circuit board 1 (S200).

[0049] Next, the microcontroller 2 determines whether the actual attenuation is greater than the reference attenuation (S300). If the actual attenuation is greater than the reference attenuation (Y), it determines that a break has occurred in the via of a predetermined area 6 on the printed circuit board 1 (S400). If the actual attenuation is less than or equal to the reference attenuation (N), it returns to step 100, and the microcontroller 2 repeats steps 100 to 300, for example, periodically.

[0050] In this way, this disclosure can contribute to improving productivity and quality by automatically detecting malfunctions caused by disconnections or cracks in vias (circuit vias) on printed circuit boards without using external, dedicated inspection equipment, and by identifying the cause early. Specifically, it can contribute to minimizing downtime on the production line and improving the efficiency of maintenance and repair.

[0051] Furthermore, this disclosure not only detects a decrease in signal quality but also determines whether it is due to a via break or crack or other factors, enabling appropriate maintenance and repair. As a result, it can contribute to improving productivity and quality, as well as extending the reliability and lifespan of the system.

[0052] (Hardware resources) The above microcontroller can be configured using so-called hardware resources, and one with the configuration illustrated in Figure 7 can be used. For example, the hardware resources 1000 may include a processor 1001, memory 1002, network interface 1003, etc., which are interconnected by an internal bus 1004.

[0053] However, the configuration shown in Figure 7 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of hardware resource 1000. Hardware resource 1000 may include hardware not shown (e.g., input / output interfaces). For example, the processor 1001 can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc.

[0054] Furthermore, the memory 1002 can be, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. Here, the memory 1002 can store predetermined threshold values ​​related to the predetermined physical quantities mentioned above, and can also store a control program for performing the above control.

[0055] Furthermore, the network interface 1003 can utilize, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a network adapter, a network interface card, or the like.

[0056] Furthermore, the functions of the hardware resource 1000 are realized by a processing module. This processing module is realized, for example, by the processor 1001 executing a program stored in memory 1002. This program can be downloaded via a network or updated using a storage medium containing the program. Moreover, the processing module may be realized by a semiconductor chip. In other words, the functions performed by the processing module can be realized by the execution of software on some hardware.

[0057] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: [Note 1] A system for detecting disconnections in printed circuit boards equipped with a microcontroller. The aforementioned wire break detection system is The aforementioned microcontroller, and A measurement circuit including at least one dummy via arranged around a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board, wherein one end of the at least one dummy via is connected to a first terminal of the microcontroller, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is connected to a second terminal of the microcontroller. Includes. The aforementioned microcontroller is • A measuring unit that measures a predetermined physical quantity in the measuring circuit during the operation of the printed circuit board, and A determination unit compares a physical quantity previously measured (and stored) in the measurement circuit during normal operation of the printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as "reference") with a physical quantity measured in the measurement circuit during operation of the printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as "actual"), and determines that a break has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board if a predetermined change occurs between the two physical quantities. Includes. [Note 2] In the above wire break detection system, The aforementioned predetermined physical quantity is the voltage value; The determination unit determines that if the actual voltage value is smaller than the reference voltage value, an open circuit has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. [Note 3] In the above wire break detection system, The predetermined physical quantity is the signal attenuation; The determination unit determines that if the actual signal attenuation is greater than the reference signal attenuation, an open circuit has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. [Note 4] In the above wire break detection system, The determination unit compares the actual signal attenuation with the reference signal attenuation for each of the multiple signal frequencies. [Note 5] In the above wire break detection system, The at least one dummy via is a plurality of dummy vias connected in a daisy-chain configuration; One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the dummy via at the beginning of the daisy chain, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the dummy via at the end of the daisy chain. [Note 6] In the above wire break detection system, The aforementioned at least one dummy via is one dummy via; One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the one dummy via, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the one dummy via. [Note 7] In the above wire break detection system, The microcontroller includes a memory unit that stores the measured physical quantity. [Note 8] In the above wire break detection system, The microcontroller includes an output unit that outputs an error log notifying the user when it determines that a break has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. [Note 9] A method for detecting a broken wire in a printed circuit board with a microcontroller mounted on it. The aforementioned microcontroller is • A measurement circuit including at least one dummy via arranged around a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board, wherein a predetermined physical quantity is measured during the operation of the printed circuit board, and - The measurement circuit compares a predetermined physical quantity measured in advance during the normal operation of the printed circuit board with a predetermined physical quantity measured during the operation of the printed circuit board, and if there is a predetermined change between the two physical quantities, it is determined that a break has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. Execute this. [Note 9-1] In the above method, The aforementioned predetermined physical quantity is the voltage value; The microcontroller determines that a break has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board if the voltage value measured during operation of the printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as "actual") is smaller than the voltage value measured in advance during normal operation of the printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as "reference"). [Note 9-2] In the above method, The predetermined physical quantity is the signal attenuation; The microcontroller determines that a break has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board if the actual signal attenuation is greater than the reference signal attenuation. [Note 9-3] In the above method, The microcontroller compares the actual signal attenuation with the reference signal attenuation for each of the multiple signal frequencies. [Note 9-4] In the above method, The at least one dummy via is a plurality of dummy vias connected in a daisy-chain configuration; One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the dummy via at the beginning of the daisy chain, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the dummy via at the end of the daisy chain. [Note 9-5] In the above method, The aforementioned at least one dummy via is one dummy via; One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the one dummy via, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the one dummy via. [Note 9-6] In the above method, The microcontroller stores the measured physical quantity. [Appendix 9-7] In the above method, The microcontroller outputs an error log to notify the user if it determines that a break has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. [Note 10] A program for detecting broken wires in a printed circuit board with a microcontroller mounted on it. The program is programmed to the microcontroller. • A measurement circuit including at least one dummy via arranged around a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board, wherein a predetermined physical quantity is measured during the operation of the printed circuit board, and - The measurement circuit compares a predetermined physical quantity measured in advance during the normal operation of the printed circuit board with a predetermined physical quantity measured during the operation of the printed circuit board, and if there is a predetermined change between the two physical quantities, it is determined that a break has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. Make it run. [Note 10-1] In the above program, The aforementioned predetermined physical quantity is the voltage value; The program is programmed to the microcontroller. If the actual voltage value is lower than the reference voltage value, the system will determine that a break has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. [Note 10-2] In the above program, The predetermined physical quantity is the signal attenuation; The program is programmed to the microcontroller. If the actual signal attenuation is greater than the reference signal attenuation, the system will determine that a break has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. [Note 10-3] In the above program, The program is programmed to the microcontroller. The system will perform a comparison between the actual signal attenuation and the reference signal attenuation for multiple signal frequencies. [Note 10-4] In the above program, The at least one dummy via is a plurality of dummy vias connected in a daisy-chain configuration; One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the dummy via at the beginning of the daisy chain, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the dummy via at the end of the daisy chain. [Note 10-5] In the above program, The aforementioned at least one dummy via is one dummy via; One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the one dummy via, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the one dummy via. [Note 10-6] In the above program, The program is programmed to the microcontroller. This command will execute the process of storing the measured physical quantity. [Note 10-7] In the above program, The program is programmed to the microcontroller. The system is configured to output an error log indicating that a break in the circuit has occurred in at least one via (circuit via) in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board.

[0058] Within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention (including the claims), further modifications and adjustments to embodiments or examples are possible based on the fundamental technical concept. Furthermore, within the framework of the full disclosure of the present invention, various combinations or selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that a person skilled in the art could make in accordance with the full disclosure, including the claims, and the technical concept. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1 Printed circuit board 2 Microcontroller 21 Measuring part 22 Judgment section 23 Memory section 24 Output section 31, 32, ...3 n Dummy via 4 Measurement circuit 51,...5 n Terminal (or pin) 6 Predetermined area 1000 hardware resources 1001 Processor 1002 memory 1003 Network Interface 1004 Internal Bus

Claims

1. A wire break detection system for a printed circuit board with a microcontroller mounted on it, The aforementioned wire break detection system is - The microcontroller and, - A measurement circuit including at least one dummy via arranged around a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board, wherein one end of the at least one dummy via is connected to a first terminal of the microcontroller, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is connected to a second terminal of the microcontroller. Includes, The aforementioned microcontroller is - A measuring unit that measures a predetermined physical quantity in the measuring circuit during the operation of the printed circuit board, and - A determination unit compares a physical quantity previously measured in the measurement circuit during normal operation of the printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as "reference") with a physical quantity measured in the measurement circuit during operation of the printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as "actual"), and determines that a break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board if there is a predetermined change between the two physical quantities. including A wire break detection system characterized by the following features.

2. In the wire break detection system according to claim 1, The aforementioned predetermined physical quantity is a voltage value. The determination unit determines that if the actual voltage value is smaller than the reference voltage value, a break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. A wire break detection system characterized by the following features.

3. In the wire break detection system according to claim 1, The predetermined physical quantity is the signal attenuation amount. The determination unit determines that a break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board if the actual signal attenuation is greater than the reference signal attenuation. A wire break detection system characterized by the following features.

4. In the wire break detection system according to claim 3, The determination unit compares the actual signal attenuation with the reference signal attenuation for each of the multiple signal frequencies. A wire break detection system characterized by the following features.

5. In the wire break detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The at least one dummy via is a daisy-chain of multiple dummy vias. One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the dummy via at the beginning of the daisy chain, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the dummy via at the end of the daisy chain. A wire break detection system characterized by the following features.

6. In the wire break detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The at least one dummy via is a single dummy via. One end of the at least one dummy via is the upper end of the one dummy via, and the other end of the at least one dummy via is the lower end of the one dummy via. A wire break detection system characterized by the following features.

7. In the wire break detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The microcontroller includes a memory unit that stores the measured physical quantity. A wire break detection system characterized by the following features.

8. In the wire break detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The microcontroller includes an output unit that outputs an error log notifying the user when it determines that a break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. A wire break detection system characterized by the following features.

9. A method for detecting a break in a printed circuit board on which a microcontroller is mounted, The aforementioned microcontroller - A measurement circuit including at least one dummy via arranged around a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board, for measuring a predetermined physical quantity during operation of the printed circuit board, and, - A predetermined physical quantity measured in advance during the normal operation of the printed circuit board is compared with a predetermined physical quantity measured during the operation of the printed circuit board. If a predetermined change occurs between the two physical quantities, it is determined that a break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. To execute A method characterized by the following.

10. A program for detecting a broken wire in a printed circuit board on which a microcontroller is mounted, The program is programmed to the microcontroller. - A measurement circuit including at least one dummy via arranged around a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board, for measuring a predetermined physical quantity during operation of the printed circuit board, and, - A predetermined physical quantity measured in advance during the normal operation of the printed circuit board is compared with a predetermined physical quantity measured during the operation of the printed circuit board. If a predetermined change occurs between the two physical quantities, it is determined that a break has occurred in a via in a predetermined area of ​​the printed circuit board. Make it happen A program characterized by the following:

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