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Wear-out detection methods for printed circuit board assembly components used in downhole oilfield environments

  • US 9,411,913 B2
  • Filed: 10/03/2011
  • Issued: 08/09/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of creating a wear-out model for an electronic component of a downhole tool, comprising:

  • measuring stress levels at a plurality of failure times of prognostic sensors associated with the electronic component during operation of the electronic component in a controlled environment;

    using the measured stress levels and failure times of the prognostic sensors to create a first wear-out model that provides reliability of the electronic component at the plurality of times in the controlled environment;

    operating the electronic component in a downhole environment;

    measuring a downhole stress on the electronic component during operation of the electronic component in the downhole environment;

    comparing the downhole stress to the first wear-out model to select an examination time;

    obtaining an image of a physical condition of the electronic component at the selected examination time corresponding to a selected reliability level from the first wear-out model; and

    creating a second wear-out model for the selected electronic component that relates the image of the physical condition to the selected reliability level of the electronic component from the first wear-out model.

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