Electromigration is the transport of conductive materials in electrolytes caused by electric current. An electrolyte can form locally due to condensation of air humidity in combination with flux residues on electronic assemblies. The electromagnetic field created between two current-carrying conductors, or solder joints, of different potentials exerts forces on ions. The ions that dissolve at the anode migrate to the cathode, deposit there and grow back toward the anode as electrically conductive dendrites. This can lead to short circuits on electronic assemblies, which can result in failure.

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