Technical Library | 2022-09-12 14:07:47.0
Unique component handling issues can arise when an assembly factory uses highly-moisture sensitive surface mount devices (SMDs). This work describes how the distribution of moisture within the molded plastic body of a SMD is an important variable for survivability. JEDEC/IPC [1] moisture level rated packages classified as Levels 4-5a are shown to require additional handling constraints beyond the typical out-of-bag exposure time tracking. Nitrogen or desiccated cabinet containment is shown as a safe and effective means for long-term storage provided the effects of prior out-of-bag exposure conditions are taken into account. Moisture diffusion analyses coupled with experimental verification studies show that time in storage is as important a variable as floor-life exposure for highly-moisture sensitive devices. Improvements in floor-life survivability can be obtained by a handling procedure that includes cyclic storage in low humidity containment. SMDs that have exceeded their floor-life limits are analyzed for proper baking schedules. Optimized baking schedules can be adopted depending on a knowledge of the exposure conditions and the moisture sensitivity level of the device.
Technical Library | 2024-09-02 18:48:58.0
The conversion to higher temperature "Lead Free" assembly reflow conditions has created an increased awareness that entrapped or absorbed moisture is a frequent root cause of thermally induced delamination at assembly reflow. There are two connected failure modes from entrapped moisture; incomplete resin cross-linking resulting in premature resin decomposition and also severe Z axis expansion from "explosive vaporization of the entrapped moisture at elevated temperatures at assembly reflow". Ultimately, both result in delamination failure. Other papers have shown the negative effects of entrapped moisture before lamination including delamination, red color, reduced thermal reliability and increased high speed signal loss. In this paper, various materials were tested for moisture sensitivity during lamination. Tests were performed at varying lamination conditions including a pre-vacuum step and "kiss" step. Pressure and cure temperature parameters were evaluated for minimizing or eliminating the effect of trapped moisture. Also included are the results of inner layer moisture removal baking conditions and their effect on peel strength and thermal reliability.
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