This ESA-authorized training develops understanding, practical skills, and techniques necessary for the repair and modification of electronic equipment and PCBs meeting ESA Specification requirements.
The training according to the ECSS-Q-ST-70-28 standard is called repair and modification of printed circuit boards for space and is intended for Production Inspectors and Operators wishing to extend their certification for Service. The training provides hands-on practice. All necessary tools and equipment are provided, although delegates may bring their own hand tools if they wish.
Training Objectives
- Learn and understand the requirements of the ECSS-Q-ST-70-28 standard.
- Develop skills in identifying errors and selecting and performing approved repair methods.
- Develop skills in applying approved modification methods.
- Achieve a high level of awareness of repair limitations.
Experience and Prerequisites
- Knowledge of electronic components and assembly processes.
- Good practical and observational skills.
- Positive attitude towards high-quality workmanship.
- Unless otherwise specified, students should hold a manual soldering certificate according to the ESA ECSS-Q-ST-70-08 specification and the surface mount soldering certificate according to ECSS-Q-ST-70-38 is recommended.
- Visual acuity certificate according to the ESA STR 258 document.
Training Plan
Day 1
- Complete the Student Registration Form.
- Provide the Visual Acuity Test Certificate.
- Introduction and orientation, including safety, equipment, procedures, and break times.
- Training presentation: what we will learn, how, why, and when.
- Overview of specification structure: relevant ECSS standards; release status and how to access them.
- ESA STR 258 – analysis of general requirements.
Studying the ECSS-Q-70-28 standard:
- 4.1 Basic Requirements.
- 4.2 Repairs.
- 4.3 Modifications.
- 4.4 Rework.
- 4.5 Other Requirements.
- 4.6 Removal of Conformal Coating.
Practical Part:
- 4.6 Removal of Conformal Coating.
- § 4.7 Removal of Soldered Joint and Unbending.
- § 4.15 Removal and Replacement of Axial and Multi-lead Component.
- § 4.16 Removal and Replacement of Flat Pack Component.
Day 2
Practical Part:
- 4.9 Repair of Damaged Conductive Tracks.
- 4.10 Repair of Lifted Conductors.
- 4.11 Repair of Lifted Thermal Pads.
- 4.13 Wire-to-Wire Connections.
- 4.14 Addition of Components.
Day 3
Practical Part:
- 4.17 Modifications of Component Connections.
- 4.18 Cutting Internal Tracks in Multilayer PCB.
Multiple-choice operator test: All students are required to achieve a minimum of 80% on 20 questions, with an open book and multiple-choice answers, 70-28 questions. Practical test: implementation of corrections, repair, and modification of PCBs (candidates must achieve a positive rating in each exercise). Each exercise must also include Instructor notes.
The practical test should include at least:
- removal and installation of 3 SMD chip resistors and/or capacitors,
- removal and installation of 1 SMD Flat Pack (glued),
- removal and installation of 2 axial THT components (glued),
- removal and installation of 1 THT Dual-in-Line component (glued).
Day 4
Practical test: performing rework, repair, and modification on a PCB (candidates must obtain a positive rating for each exercise). Each exercise must also have Instructor notes.
The practical test must include at least:
- repair of 3 cut tracks
- repair of 3 lifted pads
- removal and installation of 2 axial THT components (glued)
- removal and installation of 1 THT Dual-in-Line component (glued)
- addition of an axial THT component connected to 2 leads of THT components mounted on the PCB
- connection (with a single wire) between 2 leads of the dual-in-line component and 2 SMD chip capacitors mounted on the PCB via an attached board
- connection (with a single wire) between 2 THT leads and 2 gull-wing leads
- connection (with a single wire) between 2 leads of the glued THT component and 2 metallized holes
- complete inspection of the test board
- checking the test board inspection with the Instructor
Certificate
According to this document, upon successful completion of the training, a Category 2 Certificate approved by ESA will be awarded. Authorization is valid for two years (see note on a 9-month extension under RECERTIFICATION below).
Duration
4½ days (plus ½ day if retake exams are required).
Recertification
To renew the certificate for another two years, attendance at a two-day recertification course is required. The two-year period can be extended by up to 9 months if previous recertification sessions cannot be attended.