Hello SMTA,
This may be beyond the scope of the SMTA since it does not strictly deal with assembly of electronics, rather, it is about potential solderless methods for manually tuning RF circuits.
Our Engineers & QC have tasked manufacturing with researching new ways for the Test Department to manually tune RF paths that do not involve soldering foil tabs in place. Eliminating flux residue near bond wires, and subsequent cleaning, being the main concern.
Suggestions so far are Au/Ag epoxies, or even conductive paint pens. Some of the engineers have attempted these methods before and determined that there are too many cons. Trace amounts being left on the duroid material after removal, curing wait times, and messy application, to name a few.
My question is if anyone knows of any method to replicate the effectiveness of manually soldering foil tabs to RF lines for tuning purposes.
If anyone knows somewhere else I may need to direct this investigation beyond SMTA, that would be appreciated as well. Thanks!
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