Technical Library | 2019-06-05 11:11:06.0
As electronic products increase in functionality and complexity, there is an emphasis on affordability, miniaturization, and energy efficiency. The telecommunications, automotive, and commercial electronic markets are the leading drivers for these trends. These markets see high volume manufacturing with millions of units priced to the fraction of the cent. The choice of the packaging material for the electrical components for these markets can have a substantial effect on the cost of the final product. Therefore plastic encapsulated components are almost universally used in non-military applications over the conventional ceramic or metal electronic packages.
Technical Library | 2019-08-01 10:58:32.0
Optical fibers transmit information in the form of pulses of light. The advantages of optical fibers over traditional copper wires include: higher throughput, greater signal distance and speed, smaller cable mass and diameter, greater pull tension limit, and resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference(RFI). The disadvantages of fiber optics when compared to copper wires include: end-face defects, cleanliness, and the ease of attaching connectors to electronics assemblies (Figure 1).
Technical Library | 1999-08-27 09:24:56.0
Dispensing conductive adhesives in an automated factory environment creates some special challenges. A robust production process starts with understanding the adhesives in their fluid state and which important parameters must be controlled. Developing this understanding requires experience with a large number of materials and valves over time. Common uses of conductive adhesives in surface mount applications, die attach applications, and gasketing are addressed. As vendors of dispensing equipment, the authors see a constant stream of such applications. Dispensing requirements, techniques, and equipment resulting from this experience are discussed. Guidelines for optimizing quality and speed are given.
Technical Library | 2019-05-31 14:19:24.0
ACI Technologies (ACI) characterized the reliability of surface mount RF components. The RF frequency band of interest was the X band (10.7 to 11.7GHz). A two pronged test for reliability of circuit card assemblies (CCA) was designed for both extreme thermal cycling and vibration. The rapid thermal cycling and extreme vibration testing simulates the total stress encountered by the assembly over the life of the product but accomplishes it in a relatively short period of time. In order to perform the reliability testing, a test vehicle consisting of a printed circuit board with test structures and components, was designed, fabricated, and assembled at ACI.
Technical Library | 2019-05-30 10:59:13.0
In the current economic environment, the ability to reuse ball grid array(BGA) components that have failed due to solder defects may be an efficient way for electronics manufacturers to reduce costs. Cost may not be the only driving factor in the decision to engage in this recycling practice. The increasing demands placed upon the complexity of microprocessors and integrated circuits (ICs) has decreased the availability of some components, and increased their lead time. Because of this, reballing may provide a means to meet schedule, reduce rework turn-around time, and give a manufacturer a decisive advantage over other companies in an ever increasingly competitive market. This article will discuss the process of reballing BGA components (Figure 1), examining preparation (the preform method, the screen method), and cleaning and bake-out.
Technical Library | 2019-06-07 14:49:54.0
ACI Technologies was contacted in regards to poor solder joint reliability. The customer submitted an assembly that was exhibiting intermittent opens at multiple locations on a ball grid array (BGA) component. The assembly’s functionality did not survive international shipping, essentially shock and vibration failures, immediately making the quality of the solder joints suspect. The customer was asked about the contract manufacturer and the reflow oven profile as well as the solder paste and surface finish used. The ACI engineering staff evaluated the contract manufacturer’s technique and determined that they were competent in the methods they used for placing thermocouples in the proper locations and developing the reflow oven profile. The surface finish was unusual, but not unheard of, in that it was hard gold over hard nickel, rather than electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG). The customer was able to supply boundary scan testing data which showed a diagonal row of troublesome BGA pins.
Technical Library | 2020-04-14 15:49:38.0
The number of through-hole components on printed circuit boards (PCB) has declined significantly over the last decade. Miniaturization in electronics has resulted in less THT (through-hole technology) and leads with a finer pitch. For this reason, the soldering of these components has also changed from wave soldering to Point-to-point selective soldering. Soldering these small, fine-pitch components is a challenge when surface mount components (SMD) are positioned very close to THT components on the PCB layout. This study, done in cooperation with a large automotive EMS customer, defines the process windows for through-hole technology for fine-pitch components. It determines what is feasible to solder and defines layout design parameter that make soldering possible with SMD areas and other components on the assembly.
Technical Library | 2020-12-07 15:26:06.0
Temperature cycling testing is a method of accelerated life testing done to PCCs that are exposed to normal operation temperature variations over its lifetime. During the testing, intermittent "open" failures can first occur at the hot and cold extremes of the test, exposing weaknesses in the design and assembly. A poor/weak solder joint fatigues, a via trace or barrel cracks, loose connections or a component fails all causing an intermittent open. When not at extreme temperatures, the PCC assembly relaxes, the "open" closes creating electrical connectivity. If you are monitoring the PCC under test in-situ you will know that an intermittent failure has occurred, and the test could be stopped for inspection. If in-situ monitoring was not implemented, you would not know if there were intermittent failures or not. The PCC gets powered up and works fine at room temperature.
Technical Library | 2019-05-23 10:30:22.0
Increasing I/O numbers, device complexity, and product miniaturization requires high precision bonding tools, and sophisticated equipment. Careful consideration should be given to wedge geometry while selecting the tool for a fine pitch wire bonding application. Wire bonding is a process that creates an electrical connection between a die and a substrate or lead typically using gold or aluminum wire. Wedge bonding is a specific type of wire bonding that uses a wedge shaped tool to create the welds. The design of the wedge tool has changed very little over the past decade. The wire is fed at an angle through the back of the wedge. This angle is typically 30 to 60 degrees and is application dependent. Some applications require a higher feed angle due to package clearance issues. Some deep access applications require a 90 degree feed angle. In this configuration, the wire is fed through a hole in the shank of the wedge tool. Wire feed is shown in Figure 1.
Technical Library | 2024-02-26 09:08:23.0
Precision Control in Electronic Assembly: Selective Wave Soldering Machine Discover the technical features of I.C.T's Selective Wave Soldering Machines, including precision flux application and innovative preheating systems. Learn how these machines redefine efficiency and reliability in electronic assembly. Introduction: Enhancing Precision Soldering: Technical Features of Selective Wave Soldering Machines by I.C.T Explore the innovative design and operation of I.C.T's Selective Wave Soldering Machines, featuring a seamless PCB handling system and modular design for enhanced assembly line flexibility. Experience precision control and efficiency with comprehensive PC controls, allowing easy adjustment of solder parameters like temperature and flux type. Automatic calibration and CCD mark positioning ensure consistent soldering quality. Detail Excellence: Enhancing Selective Wave Soldering Technology Flux System Mastery German high-frequency pulse injection valve ensures precise flux application. Optional flux nozzle jam detection simplifies maintenance. Pressure tank and precision pressure flow meter ensure consistent flux control. Preheat System Excellence Bottom IR preheating system ensures stability and efficiency. Maintenance is simplified with a tool-free mode and plug-in design. Soldering System Innovation Swedish "PRECIMETER" electromagnetic pump coil ensures stability. Stainless steel soldering pot prevents tin liquid leakage. N2 online heating system reduces solder dross. Transmission System Mastery Specially designed material profiles ensure operational stability. Thickened customized rails guarantee flawless operation. Control and Intelligence Keyence PLC+module high-end bus control system ensures stability. Industry 4.0 compliance allows guided programming and real-time data visualization. Market Promotion and Success Stories: Elevating Selective Wave Soldering Machine I.C.T's strategic market positioning has led to global success across diverse industries. Success stories from European clients highlight reliability and trust in the machine. Over 70 units sold across 20+ countries since 2022, establishing its industry-leading position. Conclusion Conclusion: I.C.T's Selective Wave Soldering Machine combines technical excellence with global market success, solidifying its leadership in precision soldering technology.
