Technical Library | 2019-06-18 10:18:00.0
ACI Technologies is tasked with decapsulation of electronics components for testing and investigative purposes. In the normal method of decapsulation, an analyst will drill a small indentation, with a rotary tool, in the hermetic sealant material and then apply Nitric acid to eat through the polymeric encapsulant.
Technical Library | 2019-06-11 09:36:13.0
An experiment was recently performed ACI Technologies for a customer that was interested in comparing the wetting of lead-free solders with varying temperature profiles and atmospheric conditions. In order to deliver an objective measurement of solder wetting (in addition to subjective inspection analysis), a simple wetting indicator pattern was added to the solder stencil in an area on the test vehicle that had exposed and unused copper.
Technical Library | 2019-05-21 17:34:08.0
Flip chip components have been gaining popularity in the electronics industry since their introduction in the 1960s. Advances in attach methods and adhesives, as well as the drive for smaller and faster electronic devices made the technology take off. The basic premise of the flip chip is that the chip (semiconductor device) is mounted flipped from the traditional position. The traditional method of mounting a die is to mount it on a lead frame with the circuit and bond pads face up. The bond pads then receive a bond wire which then connects to the proper lead on the lead frame. Flip chips are mounted face down onto a substrate using small bumps on the bond pads to make direct electrical connection to their respective pads on the substrate. Stay tuned for more information on attachment techniques next month. This article will focus on how to rework flip chips.
Technical Library | 2019-06-03 15:32:40.0
ACI Technologies was pleased to assist a customer by conducting elemental analysis on several assemblies displaying severe corrosion. Several board assemblies had failed in the field and exhibited areas of corrosion in close proximity to onboard components. The most common source of corrosion on electronic assemblies is residual flux. Fluxes are specific chemistries applied during the soldering process which improve the wetting of the solder to both the pad and component when forming the solder joint. They can be highly reactive chemicals that, if left on the assemblies, can lead to corrosion, electrical degradation, and decreased reliability. In the presence of moisture and electrical bias, flux residue can enable dendritic growth as a result of electrochemical migration (ECM).
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 | 2020-08-05 17:13:12.0
A primary issue in electronics reliability for military applications is the ability to ensure long term operability in harsh, extreme environments. This requires more rigid standards, such as the MIL-STD-883 (Department of Defense Test Method Standard for Microcircuits), which commercial grade electronics typically do not satisfy. A solution commonly employed is to package the critical electronic components in hermetically sealed metal or ceramic enclosures which are costly and labor intensive. Not only are the components more expensive, but the assembly process is more difficult to automate, resulting in a substantial cost premium for military grade electronics.
Technical Library | 2012-12-17 22:05:22.0
Package on Package (PoP) has become a relatively common component being used in mobile electronics as it allows for saving space in the board layout due to the 3D package layout. To insure device reliability through drop tests and thermal cycling as well as for protecting proprietary programming of the device either one or both interconnect layers are typically underfilled. When underfill is applied to a PoP, or any component for that matter, there is a requirement that the board layout is such that there is room for an underfill reservoir so that the underfill material does not come in contact with surrounding components. The preferred method to dispensing the underfill material is through a jetting process that minimizes the wet out area of the fluid reservoir compared to traditional needle dispensing. To further minimize the wet out area multiple passes are used so that the material required to underfill the component is not dispensed at once requiring a greater wet out area. Dispensing the underfill material in multiple passes is an effective way to reduce the wet out area and decrease the distance that surrounding components can be placed, however, this comes with a process compromise of additional processing time in the underfill dispenser. The purpose of this paper is to provide insight to the inverse relationship that exists between the wet out area of the underfill reservoir and the production time for the underfill process.
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 | 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 | 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.
