Technical Library | 2023-01-17 17:19:44.0
A test program was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of vacuum reflow processing on solder joint voiding and subsequent thermal cycling performance. Area array package test vehicles were assembled using conventional reflow processing and a solder paste that generated substantial void content in the solder joints. Half of the population of test vehicles then were re-processed (reflowed) using vacuum reflow. Transmission x-ray inspection showed a significant reduction in solder voiding after vacuum processing. The solder attachment reliability of the conventional and vacuum reflowed test vehicles was characterized and compared using two different accelerated thermal cycling profiles. The thermal cycling results are discussed in terms of the general impact of voiding on solder thermal fatigue reliability, results from the open literature, and the evolving industry standards for solder voiding. Recommendations are made for further work based on other void reduction methods and additional reliability studies.
Technical Library | 2023-01-17 17:58:36.0
Heterogeneous integration has become an important performance enabler as high-performance computing (HPC) demands continue to rise. The focus to enable heterogeneous integration scaling is to push interconnect density limit with increased bandwidth and improved power efficiency. Many different advanced packaging architectures have been deployed to increase I/O wire / area density for higher data bandwidth requirements, and to enable more effective die disaggregation. Embedded Multi-die Interconnect Bridge (EMIB) technology is an advanced, cost-effective approach to in-package high density interconnect of heterogeneous chips, providing high density I/O, and controlled electrical interconnect paths between multiple dice in a package. In emerging architectures, it is required to scale down the EMIB die bump pitch in order to further increase the die-to-die (D2D) communication bandwidth. Aa a result, bump pitch scaling poses significant challenges in the plated solder bump reflow process, e.g., bump height / coplanarity control, solder wicking control, and bump void control. It's crucial to ensure a high-quality solder bump reflow process to meet the final product reliability requirements. In this paper, a combined formic acid based fluxless and vacuum assisted reflow process is developed for fine pitch plated solder bumping application. A high-volume production (HVM) ready tool has been developed for this process.
Technical Library | 2008-10-01 14:02:27.0
This paper proposes an integrated system for film application process than consists of closed loop mass calibration to assure film thickness, a noncontact fast jetting process with high edge definition capable of applying films for highly selective areas and patterns. A system to obtain homogeneity of the solid-fluid mix is described and results are shared.
Technical Library | 2023-12-01 11:08:12.0
Choosing the Right Model I.C.T SMT Coating Machine In the realm of SMT Coating Machine, I.C.T offers an extensive array of advanced models tailored to diverse production needs. The choice of the right machine significantly influences the efficiency and precision of your conformal coating process. This article will provide an in-depth exploration of I.C.T's PCB conformal coating spray machine models, specifically the I.C.T-T550, I.C.T-T550U, I.C.T-T600, and I.C.T-T650, assisting you in making an informed decision aligned with your specific requirements. I.C.T PCB Conformal Coating Spray Machines Overview I.C.T, renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and safety, ensures all models hold CE certification. Let's delve into the key distinctions between these models and the essential factors to consider when selecting the ideal machine for your needs. I.C.T-T550: Precision in Simplicity The I.C.T-T550 SMT Coating Machine model features two critical valves: the atomization valve and the precision valve. If you're interested in exploring a variety of coating valves, simply click here for more information. Ideal for applications where fixed valves suffice, the I.C.T-T550, lacking rotation or tilting capabilities, ensures consistent and reliable results for straightforward conformal coating requirements. I.C.T-T550U: Unleash Flexibility For those requiring more versatility, the I.C.T-T550U SMT Coating Machine model is designed to meet your needs. The addition of a rotating U-axis empowers the valves to rotate a full 360 degrees and tilt up to 35 degrees, enabling precise coating in challenging, intricate areas. The I.C.T-T550U's flexibility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications. I.C.T-T600: Doubling Efficiency Closely resembling the I.C.T-T550 SMT Coating Machine, the I.C.T-T600 boasts a unique feature – equipped with two atomization valves. This dual-valve setup enables simultaneous coating of two PCBs, effectively doubling production efficiency. Ideal for applications prioritizing speed and efficiency, the I.C.T-T600 SMT Coating Machine streamlines the coating process. I.C.T-T650: Versatility Redefined In cases requiring different valves for comprehensive coating, the I.C.T-T650 SMT Coating Machine is the solution. This model features two atomization valves and two precision valves, offering exceptional flexibility for diverse conformal coating applications. The I.C.T-T650 SMT Coating Machine ensures precise and reliable results for even the most complex coating needs. Conclusion: PCB Conformal Coating Spray Machines Selecting the right I.C.T PCB conformal coating spray machine is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of your production process. Consider factors such as the size, complexity, and coating requirements of your PCBAs. Rest assured, I.C.T's unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and safety guarantees the perfect solution to elevate your conformal coating endeavors. If you need further guidance or wish to tap into the expertise of I.C.T professional engineers for designing a customized coating production line, do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you achieve optimal results while meeting European safety standards. If uncertain about whether your product requires a PCB dispensing machine or coating machine, feel free to reach out directly or click here to read our comprehensive guide for further insights: Differences Between Coating & Dispensing.
Technical Library | 2007-06-21 17:03:16.0
The rapid assimilation of Ball Grid Array (BGA) and other Area Array Package technology in the electronics industry is due to the fact that this package type allows for a greater I/O count in a smaller area while maintaining a pitch that allows for ease of manufacture (...) While there have been several studies comparing these two attachment methods, this study highlights the effect of rework technique on the electrical characteristics and reliability of reworked BGAs.
Technical Library | 2010-05-06 18:46:29.0
Stencil printing technology has come a long way since the early 80’s when SMT process gained importance in the electronics packaging industry. In those early days, components were fairly large, making the board design and printing process relatively simple. The current trend in product miniaturization has led to smaller and more complex board designs. This has resulted into designs with maximum area utilization of the board space. It is not uncommon, especially for hand held devices, to find components only a few millimeters from the edge of the board. The board clamping systems used in the printing process have become a significant area of concern based on the current board design trend.
Technical Library | 2023-11-20 18:10:20.0
The electronics production is prone to a multitude of possible failures along the production process. Therefore, the manufacturing process of surface-mounted electronics devices (SMD) includes visual quality inspection processes for defect detection. The detection of certain error patterns like solder voids and head in pillow defects require radioscopic inspection. These high-end inspection machines, like the X-ray inspection, rely on static checking routines, programmed manually by the expert user of the machine, to verify the quality. The utilization of the implicit knowledge of domain expert(s), based on soldering guidelines, allows the evaluation of the quality. The distinctive dependence on the individual qualification significantly influences false call rates of the inbuilt computer vision routines. In this contribution, we present a novel framework for the automatic solder joint classification based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), flexibly reclassifying insufficient X-ray inspection results. We utilize existing deep learning network architectures for a region of interest detection on 2D grayscale images. The comparison with product-related meta-data ensures the presence of relevant areas and results in a subsequent classification based on a CNN. Subsequent data augmentation ensures sufficient input features. The results indicate a significant reduction of the false call rate compared to commercial X-ray machines, combined with reduced product-related optimization iterations.
Technical Library | 2022-10-31 17:30:40.0
This paper presents a quantitative analysis of solder joint reliability data for lead-free Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) and mixed assembly (SnPb + SAC) circuit boards based on an extensive, but non-exhaustive, collection of thermal cycling test results. The assembled database covers life test results under multiple test conditions and for a variety of components: conventional SMT (LCCCs, resistors), Ball Grid Arrays, Chip Scale Packages (CSPs), wafer-level CSPs, and flip-chip assemblies with and without underfill. First-order life correlations are developed for SAC assemblies under thermal cycling conditions. The results of this analysis are put in perspective with the correlation of life test results for SnPb control assemblies. Fatigue life correlations show different slopes for SAC versus SnPb assemblies, suggesting opposite reliability trends under low or high stress conditions. The paper also presents an analysis of the effect of Pb contamination and board finish on lead-free solder joint reliability. Last, test data are presented to compare the life of mixed solder assemblies to that of standard SnPb assemblies for a wide variety of area-array components. The trend analysis compares the life of area-array assemblies with: 1) SAC balls and SAC or SnPb paste; 2) SnPb balls assembled with SAC or SnPb paste.
Technical Library | 2007-08-02 13:24:23.0
This paper presents the results of a joint - three way study between Amkor Technology, Panasonic Factory Solutions and Spansion in the area of package on package (PoP) board level reliability (BLR) (...) The scope of this paper is to cover the already popular 14 x 14mm PoP package size that provides a 152 pin stacked interface which supports a high level of flexibility in the memory architecture for multimedia requirements.
Technical Library | 2011-10-20 22:03:30.0
Results of FEM modelling of thermal stress analysis in printed circuit boards are given in the article. It is shown that thermal stress alone is not solely caused by differences in coefficients of thermal expansion of individual layers. The emergence of thermal stress is subject to both the layered structure of the wall and given boundary conditions, as well as the existence of a temperature gradient in the direction normal to the surface of the wall. A practical application focuses on the issue of recycling of PCB with the effort to achieve separation of layers due to thermal stress. Role modelling of thermal stress in this area lies in predicting the possibility of separation, depending on the type of thermal stress and material parameters.
