Where can I test a PCB for ionic contamination?
ROSE (resistivity of solvent extract) gives a bulk ionic screening value; ion chromatography (IC) identifies and quantifies specific ions such as chloride, bromide and weak organic acids. IPC test methods describe both.
What the method covers
Bare boards and assemblies; IC per IPC-TM-650 methods for ion-specific results; SIR testing for electrochemical reliability.
Applicability caveats
- ROSE averages over the board and can miss localized residues under components.
- Cleanliness acceptance is now generally objective-evidence based under IPC J-STD-001 rather than a single universal limit.
- Contamination found does not alone prove it caused a field failure.