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Failure Analysis Services
That Find the Real Answer

Root Cause Reporting  ·  Thermal Imaging  ·  RMA Diagnosis  ·  Nationwide

Board came back from the field and no one knows why it failed. Ship it in. We dig in, find the cause, and send back a clear written report with photos and recommended next steps.

Ship-in model  |  Works nationwide  |  NDA-friendly
Request a Quote Email Jerry Back to Main Site
Fortune 500Consumer electronics experience
Medical DeviceRegulated product background
Active R&DCurrent contract lab work
NationwideShip-in, any state
1–3 DaysTypical turnaround

When Teams Need Failure Analysis

Field returns pile up. Engineers are heads down on the next design. Nobody has bench cycles to dig into boards that came back from the field with no obvious damage and no clear failure mode. That's exactly what J-Tech LabWorks is built for.

Board came back from the field with no obvious damage
Failure can't be reproduced on the bench
No visible burned components or physical damage
Customer says it stopped working, no other info
Multiple units failing the same way in the field
Need documented root cause before a design revision
RMA pile growing with no time to investigate
Warranty claim requires a written failure report
Intermittent failure that only shows up under load
Need an independent second opinion on a failure

The Failure Analysis Process

Every failure analysis engagement follows a structured process. Observation first, interpretation second. No conclusions before the evidence.

Step 1
Visual Inspection
Full visual examination of the board under magnification. Component condition, solder joints, PCB surface, connectors, and any physical anomalies documented with photos.
Step 2
Thermal Imaging
Thermal camera scan during power-up. Hot spots, marginal connections, and current crowding that don't show up on a scope identified and documented.
Step 3
Power-Up Characterization
Controlled power-up with current limiting. Rail voltages, current draw, and sequencing measured and compared against expected values.
Step 4
Signal Capture
Oscilloscope and logic analyzer used to capture relevant signals. Communication buses, clock signals, reset behavior, and any anomalies recorded.
Step 5
Fault Isolation
Systematic narrowing of the failure to a specific component, net, or design condition. Controlled variables, one change at a time.
Step 6
Root Cause Report
Written findings with photos, scope captures, and measurement data. Root cause stated clearly with confidence level noted. Recommended next steps included.

Signal Capture Examples

Real work from the bench. The same methodology on every failure analysis engagement.

Thermal camera image showing hot spot on PCB during failure analysis
Thermal scan identifying a 152.8°C hot spot on a board with no visible failure — component identified, root cause confirmed
Close-up of burnt component identified during visual inspection
Burnt component identified during visual inspection — part of a multi-step failure analysis including thermal imaging and signal capture

Lab Instrumentation

A fully equipped investigation lab. Every tool needed to find what actually failed and why.

Thermal: Thermal imaging camera for hot spot identification
Scope: Keysight DSOX1204G, 4-channel, 200MHz
Logic: Dual logic analyzers for bus capture
DMM: Fluke 289 true RMS digital multimeter
RF: Spectrum analyzer with near-field probes
Power: Dual bench power supplies with current limiting
Load: Programmable DC load for load transient testing
DAQ: Keysight 34972A data acquisition unit

What You Get Back

Every failure analysis engagement includes a written report. Not just a pass or fail.

Written summary of findings in plain language
Photos of inspection, test setup, and anomalies
Scope captures and thermal images
Root cause stated with confidence level
Specific recommended next steps
Return of hardware and remaining materials

If the root cause is inconclusive, that is stated clearly with an explanation of what additional testing would resolve it. You never get a confident answer on an uncertain result.

How It Works

01

Scope

Send a brief description of the failure, any known symptoms, and what the board is supposed to do. Schematics and photos helpful but not required to get started.

02

Quote

We confirm the details and provide a clear quote and ETA before any work begins. No surprises on the invoice.

03

Ship

Send the boards to J-Tech LabWorks. Ship-in model, works nationwide. Return shipping at your cost unless arranged otherwise.

04

Report

Written findings, photos, and recommended next steps delivered. Most failure analysis engagements completed in 1 to 3 business days from receipt.

Pricing

A quote is provided before work begins on any engagement.

Failure analysis and root cause reporting$160/hr
Bench and lab work$120/hr
Minimum engagement$500
Rush service — next business day+40%
Rush service — same day+75%

1-hour minimum, 0.5-hour increments. 50% deposit required for first-time customers or quotes over $1,000.

Common Questions

What information do you need to start?

A brief description of the failure and what the board is supposed to do. Schematics, photos, and any known symptoms help speed up the process but are not required to get a quote. Send what you have.

What if you can't find the root cause?

That happens. If the root cause is inconclusive after a reasonable investigation we tell you clearly, explain what was found, and describe what additional testing would be needed to resolve it. You only pay for the work performed.

Do you work with companies outside your area?

Yes. J-Tech LabWorks operates on a ship-in model and works with engineering teams nationwide. You ship hardware and documentation, we do the work, and results come back fast.

Will you sign an NDA?

Absolutely. NDA-friendly by default. Happy to sign yours or provide ours before you send files or hardware.

How many units should I send?

For most failure analysis engagements one to three units is enough. A known-good unit for comparison is helpful when available but not required. Send what you have and we will work with it.

What Engineers Say

Jerry was a critical contributor during my time at Sleep Number, working in the R&D department. His attention to detail with test fixtures, ability to quickly assemble and bring up PCBAs, and troubleshoot PCBs in the prototype phase through to production was essential for the launch of the Climate 360 platform. Jerry's impact on the team was a significant factor toward meeting the expected launch date and ensuring a smooth production run.

Jacob W.
Electrical Engineer

About J-Tech LabWorks

J-Tech LabWorks is a contract electronics lab serving hardware engineering teams nationwide, specializing in failure analysis, PCB bring-up, embedded debug, signal and power integrity, and NPI support.

Founded and run by Jerry Anderson, a hands-on electronics professional with 22 years of experience supporting R&D, product development, validation, and sustaining work at Fortune 500 consumer electronics companies and medical device manufacturers including Starkey Hearing Technologies and Intricon. Current contract work includes R&D support for Sleep Number.

Practical, execution-first support with clear communication and fast turnaround. NDA-friendly by default. Ship-in model, works nationwide.

Get a Quote

Send a brief description of the failure and we will confirm details, provide a quote, and get to work.

Email Jerry Contact Form

612-227-0195    janderson@jtechlabworks.com    jtechlabworks.com