Technical Library | 2012-12-13 21:20:05.0
First published in the 2012 IPC APEX EXPO technical conference proceedings. We investigated the micro-void formation of solder joints after reliability tests such as preconditioning (precon) and thermal cycle (TC) by varying the thickness of Palladium (Pd) in Electroless Nickel / Electroless Palladium / Immersion Gold (ENEPIG) surface finish. We used lead-free solder of Sn-1.2Ag-0.5Cu-Ni (LF35). We found multiple micro-voids of less than 10 µm line up within or above the intermetallic compound (IMC) layer. The number of micro-voids increased with the palladium (Pd) layer thickness. Our results revealed that the micro-void formation should be related to (Pd, Ni)Sn4 phase resulted from thick Pd layer. We propose that micro-voids may form due to either entrapping of volatile gas by (Pd, Ni)Sn4 or creeping of (Pd, Ni)Sn4.
Technical Library | 2023-09-26 19:14:44.0
The transition from tin-lead to lead free soldering in the electronics manufacturing industry has been in progress for the past 10 years. In the interim period before lead free assemblies are uniformly accepted, mixed formulation solder joints are becoming commonplace in electronic assemblies. For example, area array components (BGA/CSP) are frequently available only with lead free Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) solder balls. Such parts are often assembled to printed circuit boards using traditional 63Sn-37Pb solder paste. The resulting solder joints contain unusual quaternary alloys of Sn, Ag, Cu, and Pb. In addition, the alloy composition can vary across the solder joint based on the paste to ball solder volumes and the reflow profile utilized. The mechanical and physical properties of such Sn-Ag-Cu-Pb alloys have not been explored extensively in the literature. In addition, the reliability of mixed formulation solder joints is poorly understood.
Technical Library | 2018-03-21 22:44:30.0
Solder paste printing is the first step in the surface mount manufacturing process for PCBA assembly. When the solder paste printing process is uncontrolled, defects can be produced, which may not become apparent until the PCBA is downstream. (...)This paper will discuss how Lean Six Sigma techniques were used to optimize the solder paste printing process. It will highlight how a cross-functional team used the structured Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) methodology to identify and control the critical inputs. The advantage of the Lean Six Sigma methodology is that it guides the team through the rigorous structured process so that all possible inputs are considered and the critical ones can be identified.
Technical Library | 2017-10-26 01:18:49.0
Nano-coatings have been introduced by various manufacturers, with the promise of addressing some of the challenges relative to solder paste printing. Stated benefits include: Reduced underside cleaning, reduced bridging, improved solder paste release and improvements in yield. With several nano technologies already on the market and more likely to be introduced, how can the performance be quantified? How robust are these coatings? How can an assembler approach the ROI of these coatings? What hidden benefits or negative impacts should be considered? This paper will present a rigorous method for evaluating the performance and economic benefits of solder paste stencil nano-coatings.
Technical Library | 2023-09-05 21:00:53.0
The head on pillow defect is becoming more common. This paper describes one such occurrence for an OEM and explains how it was dealt with. In this particular case it was solved by application of problem solving skills by the OEM, component supplier and the solder paste provider
Technical Library | 2011-06-29 14:44:52.0
High yields in the stencil printing process are essential to a profitable SMT assembly operation. But as circuit complexity continues to increase, so do the challenges of maintaining a successful solder paste deposition process. To help assemblers address
Technical Library | 2014-10-16 16:39:12.0
Key points are: *Long-term storage of BGA & QFP products may be required due to: Fab and assembly factory transfers Product obsolescence requiring customers make lifetime/EOL purchases Providing extended service (10+ years) on vehicles Other program needs * Integrity of EOL products in terms of solderability needs to be verified.
Technical Library | 2014-11-06 16:43:24.0
This paper summarizes the results of recent investigations to examine the effect of electroless nickel process variations with respect to Pb-free (Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu) solder connections. These investigations included both ENIG and NiPd as surface finishes intended for second level interconnects in BGA applications. Process variations that are suspected to weaken solder joint reliability, including treatment time and pH, were used to achieve differences in nickel layer composition. Immersion gold deposits were also varied, but were directly dependent upon the plated nickel characteristics. In contrast to gold, different electroless palladium thicknesses were independently achieved by treatment time adjustments.
Technical Library | 2020-10-18 19:35:05.0
Interconnect reliability especially in BGA solder joints and compliant pins are subjected to design parameters which are very critical to ensure product performance at pre-defined shipping condition and user environment. Plating thickness of compliant pin and damping mechanism of electronic system design are key successful factors for this purpose. In additional transportation and material handling process of a computer server system will be affected by shock under certain conditions. Many accessories devices in the server computer system tend to become loose resulting in poor contact or solder intermittent interconnect problems due to the shock load from the transportation and material handling processes.
