Is this PCB mounted component a fuse?

Thread Starter

DickCappels

Joined Aug 21, 2008
10,153
A friend sent this to me. Assembly part is on the board that is inside a battery operated appliance.

1590921582132.png
(Above) The board

1590921662895.png
(Above) The strange component next to R1.

Does the strange component next to R1 with what looks like a hole in it a look like a fuse?

Thank you in advance.
 

jpanhalt

Joined Jan 18, 2008
11,087
You say "component." Does that mean it looks like it can be removed?

On the top, it appears to be completely surrounded by solder mask. What does the bottom show? Could it be a Test Point that is connected by an untented via to whatever is on the bottom?

The absence of any silkscreen might weigh against it being that.
 

Thread Starter

DickCappels

Joined Aug 21, 2008
10,153
You say "component." Does that mean it looks like it can be removed?
I'm pretty sure it is soldered into place.


1590942373562.png

Can't tell much from the back of the board.

Thank you for those ideas. Agreed, if it doesn't have a designator on the silkscreen that's a suspicion.

I will ask my friend to probe around with an ohmmeter.
 

jpanhalt

Joined Jan 18, 2008
11,087
I couldn't detect any traces around the top. Considering how small things are getting, it could be a gas sensor (the hole) in a BGA package. But there would have to be at least 2 and probably 3 connections on the bottom. Does that hole goes clear through the board? (I can't tell from that picture.)
 
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