Technical Library | 2021-01-03 19:24:52.0
Reflow soldering is the primary method for interconnecting surface mount technology (SMT) applications. Successful implementation of this process depends on whether a low defect rate can be achieved. In general, defects often can be attributed to causes rooted in all three aspects, including materials, processes, and designs. Troubleshooting of reflow soldering requires identification and elimination of root causes. Where correcting these causes may be beyond the reach of manufacturers, further optimizing the other relevant factors becomes the next best option in order to minimize the defect rate.
Technical Library | 2019-10-21 09:58:50.0
An ACI Technologies customer inquired regarding printed circuit board(PCB) failures that were becoming increasingly prevalent after the SMT (surface mount technology) manufacturing process. The failures were detected by electrical testing, but were undetermined as to the location and specific devices causing the failures. The failures were suspected to be caused predominately in the BGA (ball grid array) devices located on specific sites on this 16 layer construction. Information that was provided on the nature of the failures (i.e., opens or shorts) included high resistance shorts that were occurring in those specified areas. The surface finish was a eutectic HASL (hot air solder leveling) and the solder paste used was a water soluble Sn/Pb(tin/lead).
Technical Library | 2023-11-25 07:46:13.0
In the dynamic realm of Surface Mount Technology (SMT), where efficiency and precision are paramount, I.C.T, a renowned SMT equipment manufacturer, proudly unveils its latest innovation – the I.C.T-910 Automatic IC Programming System. Crafted to cater to the intricate demands of SMD chip programming, this cutting-edge device vows to redefine your programming experience and elevate production capabilities. Programming system.png The Power of IC Programming System: As a beacon of excellence in IC Programming Systems, the I.C.T-910 seamlessly integrates advanced technology with user-friendly features. This system empowers manufacturers in the SMT industry, offering versatility in programming needs by accommodating a wide range of SMD chips. Precision Programming: The I.C.T-910 boasts unparalleled precision in programming SMD chips, ensuring accuracy in every generated code. In the SMT industry, where even the slightest error can lead to setbacks, this precision is indispensable. Efficiency Redefined: Accelerate your production timelines with the I.C.T-910's efficient programming capabilities. Engineered to optimize workflows, this system ensures rapid programming without compromising quality, recognizing that time is money in the SMT industry. User-Friendly Interface: Navigating the complexities of IC programming is simplified with the I.C.T-910's intuitive user interface. Operators, even without extensive programming expertise, can harness the system's power, minimizing the learning curve and maximizing productivity. Compatibility and Adaptability: The I.C.T-910 breaks free from limitations, supporting a wide array of SMD chip models. It is a versatile solution for diverse programming requirements, allowing you to stay ahead of technological advancements. Why Choose I.C.T-910 IC Programming System? 8 sets of 32-64sit burners Nozzle: 4pcs Camera: 2pcs (Component camera + Marking camera) UPH: 2000-3000PCS/H Package type: PLCC, JLCC, SOIC, QFP, TQFP, PQFP, VQFP, TSOP, SOP, TSOPII, PSOP, TSSOP, SON, EBGA, FBGA, VFBGA, BGA, CSP, SCSP, and so on. Compatibility: Adapters provided based on customer products. Simple operation interface: Modular and layered interface with pictures and texts for easy operation. System upgrade: Free software upgrade service. Reliability: Trust in the I.C.T-910, a programming system that prioritizes reliability. Rigorous testing ensures consistent and dependable performance, reducing the risk of programming errors and downtime. Elevate Your Competitiveness: Incorporate the I.C.T-910 into your production line to elevate competitiveness in the market. Stay ahead with a programming system designed to meet the demands of the fast-paced SMT industry. Embrace the Future with I.C.T-910: In a landscape where precision, efficiency, and adaptability are non-negotiable, the I.C.T-910 Automatic IC Programming System emerges as the game-changer for SMT manufacturers. Revolutionize your programming processes, enhance productivity, and future-proof your operations with the I.C.T-910. Choose I.C.T-910 and stay ahead in the SMT industry, ushering in the next era of IC programming excellence.
Technical Library | 2024-02-02 07:48:31.0
Maximizing Efficiency: The High-Speed SMT Line With Laser Depanelizer In today's rapidly evolving electronics manufacturing landscape, optimizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and precision remains paramount. Businesses engaged in producing industrial control boards, computer motherboards, mobile phone motherboards, and mining machine boards face ongoing challenges in streamlining production processes. The integration of expensive equipment strains budgets, making the creation of an efficient, cost-effective high-speed SMT line a daunting task. However, a solution exists that seamlessly combines these elements into a singular, high-performance, and cost-effective SMT line. Let's delve into the specifics. A Comprehensive High-Speed SMT Line Our innovative solution amalgamates two pivotal components: a cutting-edge SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production line and a laser cutting line equipped with a depanelizer. The SMT Production Line The high-speed SMT line comprises several essential components, each fulfilling a unique role in the manufacturing process: 1. PCB Loader: This initial stage involves loading boards onto the production line with utmost care. Our Board Loader prioritizes safety, incorporating various safety light curtains and sensors to promptly halt operations and issue alerts in case of any anomalies. 2. Laser Marking Machine: Every PCB receives a unique two-dimensional code or barcode, facilitating comprehensive traceability. Despite the high-temperature laser process potentially leading to dust accumulation on PCB surfaces, our dedicated PCB Surface Cleaner swiftly addresses this issue. 3. SMT Solder Paste Printer: This stage involves applying solder paste to the boards, a fundamental step in the manufacturing process. 4. SPI (Solder Paste Inspection): Meticulous inspections are conducted at this stage. Boards passing inspection proceed through the NG (No Good) Buffer Conveyor to the module mounters. Conversely, "No Good" results prompt storage of PCBs in the NG Buffer Conveyor, capable of accommodating up to 25 PCBs. Operators can retrieve these NG boards for rework after utilizing our specialized PCB Mis Cleaner to remove solder paste. 5. Module Mounters: These machines excel in attaching small and delicate components, necessitating precision and expertise in the module mounting process. 6. Standard Pick And Place Machines: The selection of these machines is contingent upon your specific BOM (Bill of Materials) list. 7. Pre-Reflow AOI (Automated Optical Inspection): Boards undergo examination for component quality at this stage. Detected issues prompt the Sorting Conveyor to segregate boards for rework. 8. Reflow Oven: Boards undergo reflow soldering, with our Lyra series reflow ovens recommended for their outstanding features, including nitrogen capability, flux recycling, and water cooling function, ensuring impeccable soldering results. 9. Post-Reflow AOI: This stage focuses on examining soldering quality. Detected defects prompt the Sorting Conveyor to segregate boards for further inspection or rework. Any identified defects are efficiently addressed with the BGA rework station, maintaining the highest quality standards. 10. Laser Depanelizer: Boards advance to the laser depanelizer, where precision laser cutting, often employing green light for optimal results, ensures smoke-free, highly accurate separation of boards. 11. PCB Placement Machine: Cut boards are subsequently managed by the PCB Placement Machine, arranging them as required. With this, all high-speed SMT line processes are concluded. Efficiency And Output This production line demonstrates exceptional productivity when manufacturing motherboards with approximately 3000 electronic components, boasting the potential to assemble up to 180 boards within a single hour. Such efficiency not only enhances output but also ensures cost-effectiveness and precision in your manufacturing processes. At I.C.T, we specialize in crafting customized SMT production line solutions tailored to your product and specific requirements. Our equipment complies with European safety standards and holds CE certificates. For inquiries or to explore our exemplary post-sales support, do not hesitate to contact us. The I.C.T team is here to elevate your electronics manufacturing to new heights of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Technical Library | 1999-05-06 11:18:25.0
The trend toward surface-mount assembly processes is making ball-grid array (BGA) packaging a popular choice for many types of devices, forcing designers to re-examine cooling of these large packages. While devices in BGAs transfer more heat to the board than leaded devices, the style of BGA packages has a large influence on the ability to transfer heat through other pathways, such as a top-mounted heat sink. Physical characteristics of the BGA further constrain the thermal designer. It takes forethought in board design to successfully accommodate devices that require significant heat dissipation. Multiple solutions exist, however, for BGA packages of all types.
Technical Library | 2021-12-16 01:45:05.0
In the 1990's, both BGA (Ball Grid Array) and CSP (Chip Size Package) are entering their end in the front-end packaging materials and process technology. Both BGA and CSP like SMD (Surface Mount Device) from the I 980's and THD (Through-Hole mount Device) from the 1970's are reaching its own impasse in terms of maximizing its electrical, mechanical, and thermal performances, size, weight, and reliability.
Technical Library | 2018-08-22 14:05:42.0
Glass substrates are emerging as a key alternative to silicon and conventional organic substrates for high-density and high-performance systems due to their outstanding dimensional stability, enabling sub-5-µm lithographic design rules, excellent electrical performance, and unique mechanical properties, key in achieving board-level reliability at body sizes larger than 15 × 15 mm2. This paper describes the first demonstration of the board-level reliability of such large, ultrathin glass ball grid array (BGA) packages directly mounted onto a system board, considering both their thermal cycling and drop-test performances.
Technical Library | 2021-09-08 14:03:55.0
There is need in the industry to understand the effects of silver presence in solders from various applications perspective. This article will attempt to present a review of the key published results on the silver containing alloys along with results of our internal studies on wave soldering, surface mount and BGA/CSP applications. Advantages and disadvantages of silver at different levels will be discussed. Specifically this report will focus on the effect of silver on process conditions, drop shock resistance, solder joint survivability in high strain rate situations, thermal fatigue resistance, Cu dissolution and effects of silver in combination with other alloy additives. Specific application problems demanding high silver level and other requiring silver level to the minimum will be discussed.
Technical Library | 2015-02-12 16:57:56.0
Electronic systems are known to be affected by the environmental and mechanical conditions, such as humidity, temperature, thermal shocks and vibration. These adverse environmental operating conditions, with time, could degrade the mechanical efficiency of the system and might lead to catastrophic failures.The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanical integrity of lead-free ball grid array (BGA) solder joints subjected to isothermal ageing at 150°C for up to 1000 hours. Upon ageing at 150°C the Sn-3.5Ag solder alloy initially age-softened for up to 200 hours. This behaviour was linked to the coarsening of grains. When aged beyond 200 hours the shear strength was found to increase up to 400 hours. This age-hardening was correlated with precipitation of hard Ag3Sn particles in Sn matrix. Further ageing resulted in gradual decrease in shear strength. This can be explained as the combined effect of precipitation coarsening and growth of intermetallic layer. The fractured surfaces of the broken solder balls were also investigated under a Scanning Electron Microscope. The shear failures were generally due to ductile fractures in bulk solders irrespective of the ageing time.
Technical Library | 2020-09-23 21:37:25.0
The need to minimise thermal damage to components and laminates, to reduce warpage-induced defects to BGA packages, and to save energy, is driving the electronics industry towards lower process temperatures. For soldering processes the only way that temperatures can be substantially reduced is by using solders with lower melting points. Because of constraints of toxicity, cost and performance, the number of alloys that can be used for electronics assembly is limited and the best prospects appear to be those based around the eutectic in the Bi-Sn system, which has a melting point of about 139°C. Experience so far indicates that such Bi-Sn alloys do not have the mechanical properties and microstructural stability necessary to deliver the reliability required for the mounting of BGA packages. Options for improving mechanical properties with alloying additions that do not also push the process temperature back over 200°C are limited. An alternative approach that maintains a low process temperature is to form a hybrid joint with a conventional solder ball reflowed with a Bi-Sn alloy paste. During reflow there is mixing of the ball and paste alloys but it has been found that to achieve the best reliability a proportion of the ball alloy has to be retained in the joint, particular in the part of the joint that is subjected to maximum shear stress in service, which is usually the area near the component side. The challenge is then to find a reproducible method for controlling the fraction of the joint thickness that remains as the original solder ball alloy. Empirical evidence indicates that for a particular combination of ball and paste alloys and reflow temperature the extent to which the ball alloy is consumed by mixing with the paste alloy is dependent on the volume of paste deposited on the pad. If this promising method of achieving lower process temperatures is to be implemented in mass production without compromising reliability it would be necessary to have a method of ensuring the optimum proportion of ball alloy left in the joint after reflow can be consistently maintained. In this paper the author explains how the volume of low melting point alloy paste that delivers the optimum proportion of retained ball alloy for a particular reflow temperature can be determined by reference to the phase diagrams of the ball and paste alloys. The example presented is based on the equilibrium phase diagram of the binary Bi-Sn system but the method could be applied to any combination of ball and paste alloys for which at least a partial phase diagram is available or could be easily determined.
