Confused by error codes, model numbers, or repair lingo? You’re not alone. This Samsung CSP glossary breaks down the techy terms so you can book repairs or shop our services with confidence.
Audio Codec IC
The audio codec IC processes sound input and output, enabling you to hear calls, music, or videos and use the microphone. If damaged, it may result in no sound, distorted audio, or failed voice recordings. Board-level repair is typically required.
Authorised Repair
An authorised repair is a service carried out by technicians approved by the device manufacturer, in this case, Samsung. It ensures that only genuine Samsung parts are used and that all repairs meet the brand’s warranty and quality standards. Choosing an authorised repair helps protect your device’s longevity and keeps your warranty intact.
Back Glass Rebonding
Back glass rebonding involves removing and replacing a cracked or shattered rear glass panel on a smartphone. It requires specialised heating and adhesive techniques to avoid damaging internal and external components.
Backlight Failure
Backlight failure happens when a screen’s illumination stops working. The display may still function, but it appears completely dark. It’s often caused by damaged backlight filters, faulty flex cables, or liquid damage. In some cases, you may see a faint image when viewed under direct light.
Backlight Filter
The backlight filter controls the voltage to the screen’s illumination layer. When it fails, you might see a working display that’s too dark to read. Commonly, after drops or power surges, this issue is resolved by replacing the tiny filter component on the board.
Baseband Chip
The baseband chip controls mobile network functions like calls, texting, and data. If it fails, the device may show “No Service” or struggle to connect to cellular networks. This issue is a complex repair often involving reballing or chip replacement at the board level.
Baseband Failure
A baseband failure refers to a fault in the communication processor that handles network functions like calling, texting, and mobile data. Symptoms include “No Service” messages, dropped calls, or inability to connect to a carrier. It typically requires board-level diagnostics or component replacement.
Battery Calibration
Battery calibration is the process of resetting your device’s battery management system, so it accurately reads charge levels. Over time, batteries may show incorrect percentages or shut down early. Calibration helps improve accuracy, but won’t fix underlying battery health issues.
Battery Swelling
Battery swelling occurs when a lithium-ion battery degrades and produces gas, causing it to expand. It’s often seen as a bulging phone back or a lifted screen. This issue is a safety hazard and should be addressed immediately to avoid leaks or fire risk.
Board-Level Repair
Board-level repair refers to diagnosing and fixing faults directly on the logic board or motherboard of a device. Instead of replacing entire boards, technicians may replace tiny chips, repair damaged traces, or reflow soldered joints, saving money and restoring performance.
Boot Loop
A boot loop happens when your phone or appliance turns on, shows the logo, and then restarts repeatedly without ever loading fully. Corrupted updates, failing batteries, or system file errors commonly cause it. A software reflash or component repair usually resolves it.
Capacitor (Start or Run)
Capacitors store and release electrical energy to help motors start or run. Found in fridges, washers, and HVAC units, a failed capacitor can stop the appliance from turning on or cause humming and no movement. Testing and replacing them is a common repair.
Charging IC Failure
A charging IC failure means the integrated chip responsible for power regulation has stopped working, preventing your device from charging. It often mimics battery or charging port issues but requires advanced diagnostics and soldering to replace the chip on the motherboard.
Coaxial Antenna Cable
This tiny cable connects internal antenna modules to the main board, enabling a stable signal for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile data. A loose or broken coax cable can cause weak or lost connections and typically requires reconnection or replacement.
Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your fridge’s cooling system. It compresses refrigerant gas and circulates it through coils to keep the interior cold. If the compressor fails, your fridge won’t cool properly and may make clicking sounds or overheat.
Compressor Failure
Compressor failure in a fridge means the unit can no longer compress refrigerant, resulting in a loss of cooling. Symptoms include warm interiors, clicking noises, or the fridge running constantly.
Cracked Digitiser
A cracked digitiser means the touch-sensitive layer of your screen is damaged, even if the display underneath still shows a clear image. This issue often causes unresponsive or erratic touch behaviour. It typically requires replacing the digitiser or the entire screen assembly, depending on the device design.
Defrost System Fault
A defrost system fault occurs when a fridge’s automatic defrost mechanism stops working. This issue can lead to frost buildup on evaporator coils, blocking airflow and causing temperature issues. The fault may lie in the defrost heater, thermostat, or control board.
Digitiser
A digitiser is the thin, touch-sensitive layer on top of a device’s display that registers finger movements and gestures. If damaged, you might see the screen but not be able to interact with it. Replacing the digitiser restores full touch functionality.
Door Lock Assembly
The door lock assembly secures your washer’s door during operation and signals to the machine that it’s safe to run. If faulty, the machine may not start, or it could stop mid-cycle. It’s a safety-critical part and is often replaced in front-load washers.
Drain Pump
A drain pump removes water from washers and dishwashers at the end of a cycle. If clogged, burnt out, or jammed, it can cause water to remain in the tub or trigger cycle errors. You might hear unusual humming or see standing water when it fails.
Drum Balance Error
A drum balance error occurs when a washing machine detects an uneven load or imbalance during a spin cycle. This issue can cause excessive vibration or halt the cycle. It’s often fixed by redistributing the load or checking for damaged suspension components.
EMMC Storage
EMMC (Embedded MultiMediaCard) storage is a type of internal memory used in many smartphones and smart appliances. It holds system files, apps, and user data. If corrupted, it can cause boot issues, freezing, or data loss, often requiring chip reprogramming or replacement.
ESD Damage (Electrostatic Discharge)
ESD damage refers to harm caused by static electricity, which can zap and degrade sensitive internal components during repairs or handling. It’s a silent killer in electronics; professionals use ESD-safe tools and grounding techniques to avoid this invisible form of damage.
Evaporator Fan Motor
Located in fridges and freezers, the evaporator fan motor circulates cold air around the compartments. If it stops working, you might notice warm fridge temps, frost buildup, or loud humming. Replacing the motor restores proper airflow and cooling.
Flex Cable / Ribbon Cable
A flex cable is a thin, flexible strip of circuitry that connects different parts of a device, like the display, to the motherboard. If bent, torn, or disconnected, it can lead to touch issues, camera failures, or complete device non-response.
Ghost Touch
Ghost touch is when a device registers touches or swipes without user input. This glitch is usually linked to screen damage, faulty digitisers, or grounding issues. If your phone seems “possessed,” ghost touch is the likely culprit, and a screen replacement is often the fix.
Hall Sensor
A hall sensor detects magnetic fields and is commonly used to sense door positions in appliances or cover flips in smart cases. If it fails, your appliance may show door errors, or your phone screen might not auto-wake when opened.
Hall Sensor (Motor Feedback Sensor)
This sensor detects motor position and speed in washing machines. It ensures proper spin cycles and load balancing. When faulty, it may cause a drum to spin erratically or trigger balance errors. It’s often replaced when spin or cycle issues persist.
Hard Brick / Soft Brick
A soft brick is when your device is stuck in a boot loop or frozen on the logo screen due to software issues. A hard brick means the device won’t power on at all, often due to failed firmware flashing or hardware faults. Soft bricks are usually fixable; hard bricks may not be.
IMEI Repair
IMEI repair involves restoring or reprogramming the International Mobile Equipment Identity number, a unique identifier tied to a phone’s network access. If corrupted during repairs or software faults, an invalid IMEI can prevent your device from making calls or connecting to mobile data.
Inverter Board
The inverter board regulates variable-speed motors and compressors in energy-efficient appliances. It allows smooth speed changes rather than on/off cycles. When it fails, your fridge may stop cooling, or your washer may not spin correctly.
Inverter Board Fault
An inverter board fault affects appliances that use variable-speed motors or compressors, like modern fridges and washers. When this board fails, it can cause erratic behaviour, no operation, or excessive energy use. Diagnosis usually requires inspection by an experienced technician.
Liquid Ingress
Liquid ingress is when moisture or liquid gets inside a device or appliance, potentially causing corrosion or short circuits. Unlike simple surface spills, ingress affects internal components and may not show immediate signs of damage. Early intervention can often prevent permanent failure.
Logic Board / Motherboard
The logic board, also known as the motherboard, is the main circuit board that connects all components in a device. It handles processing, storage, and communication. Damage to the board can cause multiple system failures and often requires board-level repair or full replacement.
Main PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
The main PCB is the brain of your appliance; it controls power, programs, and communication between parts. If it fails, the appliance may not power on, respond to inputs, or complete cycles. PCB replacement is one of the most advanced appliance repairs.
Micro-soldering
Micro-soldering is the precise repair of individual components and traces on a circuit board using specialised tools under a microscope. It’s used for tasks like IC replacements, connector pad rebuilds, or logic board repairs, often the last resort when standard part swaps won’t work.
NAND Reballing
NAND reballing is a micro-soldering repair technique that involves removing a NAND storage chip from the logic board, cleaning and replacing its solder balls, and reinstalling it. It’s typically used when the device is unresponsive due to storage chip failure, often in severe software or physical damage cases.
No Power Issue
A no-power issue describes when a device or appliance doesn’t turn on at all, with no lights, no screen, and no signs of life. It can be caused by battery failure, faulty power buttons, motherboard damage, or blown internal fuses. Proper diagnosis is key to pinpointing the exact fault.
OLED Panel
OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panels use self-lighting pixels for rich colour and deep blacks. Found in premium phones and TVs, OLEDs don’t require backlights and offer better contrast, but are also more susceptible to burn-in and pixel degradation over time.
Out-of-Warranty Repair
Out-of-warranty repair refers to fixing a device or appliance that’s no longer covered by the manufacturer’s standard warranty. These repairs are paid for by the customer and often involve common post-warranty issues like battery fatigue, cracked screens, or failing components.
Overheating Protection Trigger
An overheating protection trigger refers to an automatic safety feature that shuts down a device or appliance when internal temperatures rise too high. It’s commonly found in TVs, fridges, and washers to prevent component damage or fire risk.
Power Cycling
Power cycling is when a device or appliance turns off and on repeatedly without input. In TVs or smart devices, this could signal a power supply fault, firmware loop, or failing capacitor. It’s different from a one-time restart and typically needs diagnosis.
Power Management IC (PMIC)
The PMIC is a chip that controls how power flows through your device, including charging, battery output, and voltage regulation. Faulty PMICs can cause devices not to power on, charge erratically, or overheat.
Proximity Sensor
The proximity sensor detects when your face is near the phone, such as during a call and disables the screen to prevent accidental touches. If it fails, your screen may stay on during calls or not wake up properly.
Refurbished Replacement
A refurbished replacement is a part or product that’s been restored to like-new condition after undergoing testing and repairs. In authorised repairs, refurbished parts (like screens or PCBs) often come from original devices and meet strict quality standards, a cost-effective alternative to brand-new parts.
Sensor Calibration Error
A sensor calibration error happens when temperature, moisture, or load sensors give inaccurate readings. This error can confuse your appliance and disrupt normal operation.
Software Flashing
Software flashing is the process of installing a fresh version of the operating system (firmware) onto a device. It’s often used to fix bugs, remove malware, or recover from boot issues. Flashing must be done carefully; incorrect files or methods can lead to system failure or “bricking” the device.
Speaker Module
The speaker module is the component that produces sound in your phone, TV, or appliance. If it’s muffled, distorted, or silent, it may need cleaning or replacement. Some devices have multiple modules for calls (earpiece) and media (bottom speaker).
Taptic Engine / Vibration Motor
The taptic engine (or vibration motor) is the component responsible for producing vibrations and haptic feedback in smartphones and appliances. If it’s faulty, you might not feel alerts, calls, or touch feedback.
Thermal Paste / Pad
Thermal paste or pads are materials placed between chips and heat sinks to help conduct heat away from sensitive components. Over time, dried-out paste can lead to overheating and throttling. Reapplying it restores cooling efficiency.
Thermal Throttling
Thermal throttling happens when a device slows down its processor or screen brightness to prevent overheating. It’s a built-in safety feature triggered by intense use, poor ventilation, or failing thermal paste. If it is frequent, it may indicate a deeper hardware or cooling issue.
Thermistor
A thermistor is a temperature-sensitive resistor used in appliances to monitor heat levels. It tells your fridge when to cool or your washer when to heat water. A faulty thermistor can cause temperature misreads, leading to undercooling, overheating, or error codes.
Touch IC Fault
Touch IC fault refers to a failure in the integrated circuit that controls touchscreen responsiveness. It’s an advanced-level issue often caused by drops, board flex, or solder cracks, and it may require micro-soldering or logic board repair to restore proper function.
U2 IC / Tristar Chip
The U2 IC (also called Tristar) manages charging, USB connection, and accessory detection. If it’s faulty, your phone may not charge, sync, or recognise cables.
Wi-Fi IC
The Wi-Fi IC is the integrated circuit responsible for connecting your device to wireless networks. If it’s faulty, you may see greyed-out Wi-Fi options, dropped connections, or total loss of signal. Repairing this chip usually requires micro-soldering.
Speak Samsung Like a Pro
Now that you’re fluent in the key terms, you’re one step closer to getting the most out of your tech. Whether it’s a repair, part replacement, or just solid advice, Samsung CSP has your back.
Ready to get started? Book a repair with our friendly team today.