Number

1.4
ASSOCIATION CONNECTING
ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES ® Subject
Reporting, General
2215 Sanders Road
Northbrook, IL 60062-6135
Date Revision
01/03 A

IPC-TM-650 Originating Task Group

TEST METHODS MANUAL N/A

The recognition of the effect of the test procedure on the test
results must be carried into the examination of the data
obtained from the test. The meaning of the data must be ana-
lyzed against the background of the procedure for obtaining it.
In addition, some general considerations apply in examining
the data.
The extent to which usable data can be selected from the test
results is influenced by how well the log of the test has been
kept. The original data sheet should be marked at all ques-
tionable data points. If the reason for questioning a data point
can be determined, it should be noted in the test log. Causes
for questioning a data point can include changing the opera-
tor or observer, exceeding the range on an indicator, replac-
ing test leads that shook loose, or any other incident consti-
tuting a deviation from the planned test procedure.
Of equal importance to the test results and much more diffi-
cult to detect are questionable data points unaccompanied by
a notation in the test log. Additionally, it is often useful to per-
form all calculations soon after conducting the test. When
results are suspect, it is almost always easier to perform a root
cause analysis during or immediately after the test. The prob-
lem is to distinguish between a divergent point caused by the
specimen being tested and one caused by improper use of
the test method. Only by an intensive re-examination of the
test set up can this problem be answered. Some of the poten-
tial causes of divergence are:
• Instruments subjected to an environment for which they are
not calibrated
• Thermocouple opening
• Instruments operated without sufficient warm up
• Incorrect sequencing of the test circuit
• Hook ups to the wrong circuit
• Operator error

Material in this Test Methods Manual was voluntarily established by Technical Committees of IPC. This material is advisory only
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Equipment referenced is for the convenience of the user and does not imply endorsement by IPC.