Equivalent Force Extraction Methodology for Electrical Component Induced PCB Vibration

On-board electrical components can cause printed circuit board (PCB) vibration, thus generating audio noise if the electrical noise is in the audible frequency range. The electrical component-induced vibration can be equated to an external force applied to the PCB. This article presents a novel methodology to extract the equivalent force of electrical components on a PCB to study board vibration and potential acoustic noise problems. The method is based on a combination of measurement and simulation, wherein PCB vibration is used as the medium in the extraction process. The methodology is validated by the correlation of PCB vibration pattern, frequency, and amplitude with a known electromagnetic force applied to the PCB.