Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) of Electronic Components

Element’s Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) services help you verify the quality, authenticity, and reliability of electronic components with industry-leading testing methods. Our flexible, scalable solutions are designed to uncover production defects, detect counterfeit parts, and ensure components meet critical standards. With decades of expertise and hands-on technical guidance, we help resolve challenges across all stages of product development and provide end-to-end support, ensuring you build superior, reliable products.

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What is Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA) at Element?

Destructive Physical Analysis is a specialized testing process that examines the internal design, materials, construction, and workmanship of your electronic components to ensure they meet the required standards. DPA can also be useful in uncovering process defects, detecting counterfeit parts and identifying production lot problems. At Element, our DPA services combine industry-leading technology with expert analysis to help you resolve production challenges and maintain quality control.

Element testing technician holding SAR head phantom for mobile phone radiation testing and certification

What Can Element Offer You for DPA of Electronic Components?

Components and materials we test

Element's DPA laboratories perform comprehensive testing across electronic components, PCBs, and finished assemblies. We specialize in analyzing internal component design, materials composition, construction quality, and workmanship standards. Our testing capabilities cover both individual components and complete assemblies, ensuring thorough quality verification at every level.

Key tests offered

We offer a complete suite of DPA testing techniques and can test your product to your specifications, but commonly required test techniques include:

external visual inspection
hermeticity testing
acoustic microscopy
Decapsulation/delidding
internal visual inspection
bond pull testing
die shear testing
SEM/EDS analysis
X-ray radiography
XRF analysis
microsection analysis
optical microscopy
Ball Shear Strength
Bond Strength
DC I.V. Curve Tracing
Die Shear Strength
Digital Microscopy
External Visual Inspection
Fluorescence Microscopy
Glassivation Layer Integrity
Sub-Micron Real Time X-ray
Internal Visual Inspection
Cross-Sectioning
Particle Impact Noise Detection
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Inspection
SEM Metallization Inspection
Solder Reflow/Moisture Sensitivity Testing
Glassivation Thickness
Metallization Thickness
Hermeticity Testing
SEM, XRF, and FTIR Elemental Analysis
Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (C Mode)
Ion Milling
Acid De-encapsulation
Sample De-lidding

Which labs offer this service

Our team operates from tech industry hubs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find out where your nearest connected technology industry hub is on our Locations Page.

Industry leading experts

Element’s experts are front of their field in electronic components, with key roles in working groups and committees like the counterfeit component test group and SAE committee which is working to develop the first industry-recognized test method standard for mitigating counterfeit electronic parts risks. So you can be confident when partnering with Element that you are in the most knowledgeable hands.

DPA for Military and Space

Element’s DPA testing techniques align with industry standards and methods used in most military and space program requirements.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

MIL-STD-1580, using the following test methods:
MIL-STD-202
MIL-STD-883
MIL-STD-750

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Ensuring Component Quality

Our comprehensive DPA program combines visual inspection, microscopy, and advanced testing methods to verify internal design, materials, and construction quality of your components.

Production Problem Detection

Using sophisticated analytical techniques and expert analysis, we help identify process defects and production lot problems, enabling quick resolution of manufacturing challenges.

Counterfeit Component Risks

Our dedicated counterfeit component test group, led by industry experts including SAE committee chair, provides uniform testing methods to identify suspect counterfeit parts.

Verifying Reliability

Through bond pull testing, die shear testing, and hermeticity testing, we help ensure your components meet reliability requirements for critical applications.

Why Choose Element

Element testing engineer in anechoic chamber for electromagnetic compatibility and wireless device testing

Industry Leadership

Our experts are not just following DPA standards, but helping create them - serving on key industry committees.

Full-service Laboratory

A comprehensive range of testing from a single provider, offering all major analytical functions including DPA, failure analysis, and counterfeit detection.

Extensive Experience

Decades of experience performing DPA procedures with knowledgeable technicians and industry-leading technology.

Flexible Custom Solutions

The capability to perform both standard industry tests and custom client-specified Destructive Physical Analysis test flows.

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