Circuit for detection and warning of electro-migration on a printed circuit board

A circuit for detection and warning of electro-migration in a region on a printed circuit board between a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element, the circuit comprising:

• a first electrically conductive guard track located in the region between the first and second elements, wherein the first guard track is electrically isolated from the first and second elements;
• a second electrically conductive guard track located in the region between the first and second elements, wherein the second guard track is electrically isolated from the first and second elements;
• an electrical characteristic generator in electrical communication with the first guard track and configured to generate a reference electrical characteristic;
• and
• an electrical characteristic supervisor in electrical communication with the second guard track and configured to detect an electrical characteristic of the second guard track, wherein the second guard track has a normal condition electrical characteristic based on the reference electrical characteristic;
• wherein, in response to electro-migration creating an electrical connection of the first element to the first guard track or creating an electrical connection of the second element to the first guard track or creating an electrical connection of the first element to the second guard track or creating an electrical connection of the second element to the second guard track, the second guard track has an abnormal condition electrical characteristic different than the normal condition electrical characteristic;
• and
• wherein, in response to detecting the abnormal condition electrical characteristic of the guard track, the electrical characteristic supervisor is further configured to effectuate a warning of electro-migration in the region between the first and second electrically conductive elements.