|
Featured Articles
|
Book Review
Conductive Adhesives for Electronics Packaging - editor: Johan Liu
by Brian Ellis
Wow! Now this is a book! I can say categorically that, until there is a radical technology change, this is the definitive work on electrically conductive adhesives. So, let's start by mentioning some of the weaknesses (yes, it has a few!). Like all books written by several authors, it is very difficult for the editor to provide a seamless assembly. In this case, there are 18 chapters, written by 24 authors from three continents. There are therefore quite a number of repetitions and, dare I say it?, even a few cases where opinions may diverge. Many of the authors are not of English mother-tongue, but the quality of the edition is such that one would never guess it.
|
Electronic Packaging
|
A New Light-Weight Electronic Packaging Technology Based On Spray-Formed Silicon-Aluminium
by David M. Jacobson, Materials Consultant
A new family of silicon-aluminium (Si-Al) alloys has been developed for electronic applications. These alloys are produced using the Osprey spray deposition process which achieves homogeneous and isotropic properties. Their advantageous physical characteristics, combining low thermal expansivity, high thermal conductivity, and low density make them particularly attractive for packaging of avionics, including RF and microwave circuitry. These alloys are easy to machine to tight tolerances using standard machine tools and they can be electroplated with gold, silver or nickel finishes without difficulty. Being non-toxic, they do not require any special handling.
Microwave amplifier modules designed for space applications have been successfully produced and tested. The packages have gold-plated Si-Al bases and kovar side-walls, supplied with appropriate r.f. and d.c. feedthroughs. The lids are laser-welded by conventional seam sealing. This package configuration provides rigid bases for the circuitry and a weight saving of typically 30% over all-kover packages.
|
PCB Manufacturing
|
HASL: What a Hassle, or HASL'd Again
by Earl Moon - Proof Of Design (POD)
This article updates one I wrote for Printed Circuit Fabrication Magazine in December 1991. Actually, this article trashes that - and about time. I was much too kind then talking about how to control the HASL process. I really couldn't say it was uncontrollable, as no one, at that time, would have believed such an "advanced", save us all technology could be flawed. Well, it's time to dispel that bunk though some still love the stuff, and there are many staunch defenders selling equipment and process elements as well as those using its effects.
|
|
|
Proof Of Design a continuing column (saga) by The MoonMan
|
Installment 3: DFM/CE Design Development Phases
|
Sticking it where you didn't expect, eh? That's my future ex boss floating in space (he also hung out there with other space junk, but much too often) with a little reminder from the MoonMan and DFM/CE. It should be noted I stuck it to him, but I didn't do any serious harm - you know what I mean? Hell, I didn't deflate his space suit - only a little ego.
Sure, that's me now. MoonMan survived the stupid boss trick and has become capable of moving about the universe unencumbered while experiencing minor breathing problems (gasp!) and those associated with irregular paychecks. Wonder if that makes peristalsis irregular too? Only if I can't eat, I guess.
|
AH, FREEDOM TO GO WHERE AND DO AS I CHOOSE - WERE IT NOT FOR RULES
Often I travel about my little corner of the universe, leaving one contract for another. I've already seen all our planets and galaxy. Don't be surprised. I am the MoonMan. Doing so, a feeling of freedom wells up inside. It is almost like sex was at one time (what time is it?), or was that love? Damn, wish I could remember all I forgot.
Traveling this way often provides an opportunity to explore the back roads (when not forced onto a "super-slab" at 80 + miles an hour). I can describe it no better than those of you so fortunate. It's like being liberated from all care, for a time, allowing sights never before seen to excite all senses. Even though the vistas and feelings probably were experienced many times before, it's always great to "get away from it all" - especially the rules.
|
|
|
What's Happening in the Industry
|
|
Upcoming Events
|
|
SMTnet Content Report
|
|
SMTnet is the most informative electronics industry Web site on the Internet. We are constantly adding more content and intend to keep you informed of our progress since the last issue of this newsletter.
Search or browse the sections below for topics of interest to you.
|
|
SMTnet Site News
|
SMTnet Broadens Its Scope With New Forum Topics
SMTnet continues to grow and evolve, based largely on the suggestions of our rapidly growing user base. Our broad-based technical forum, already the most popular in the electronics manufacturing industry, is expanding to include focused discussions in the areas of:
- SMT/Assembly
- Component Design
- Electrical Engineering
- DFM/CE
- Executive/Management
- Purchasing Management
The new forum topics will allow professionals from different disciplines to organize and participate in discussion threads that are relevant to their interests. We expect this to greatly increase participation in the forum section, and make the site and its archives a valuable resource to a broader range of industry professionals. You can help us build value in the site by forwarding the SMT Express to others who could benefit from its new and broader industry perspective!
New Features Added to My SMTnet
My SMTnet, the customizable home page for registered SMTnet users, has seen two new features added in the last month. The new Stock Quotes section allows users to enter a ticker symbol or company name and get instant quotes and other related information. The new Map Search section lets users generate maps based on any street address. Adding these new sections to your My SMTnet page is easy. Simply go to My SMTnet, click the link on the left that says "Edit Layout", and the rest is self-explanatory.
If you are unfamiliar with My SMTnet, the page is made up of blocks of content, containing the most recent additions to each of SMTnet's components, as well as other useful information. Users can choose which blocks should be displayed, how many items to show for each block, and even break blocks down into sub-components. The blocks can also be rearranged on the page however the user wishes. In addition, users may choose to make My SMTnet their default start page when they visit SMTnet.com.
If you are already a registered user, find the "My SMTnet" link in the list of links at the top or bottom of any SMTnet page, or click here.
If you want to register now, click here. It is free.
Publish Your Papers and Promote Your Company
As SMTnet prepares for the next issue of the SMT Express, we are looking to our readers for articles and papers to feature. The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 8th, however, submissions will be accepted any time for future issues. If you have anything you wish to offer, such as papers you have written, book reviews, anecdotes, commentaries, or anything we haven't thought of, please send it to SMTnet.
The SMT Express is sent to thousands of electronics manufacturing professionals worldwide each month. This is a great opportunity to promote yourself and/or your company for free.
|
|
|
Sponsors
|
|
|
About This Newsletter
|
|
The SMT Express is a periodical featuring assembly solutions from your peers and vendors. We, at SMTnet.com, have designed this newsletter to bring useful information to the mailboxes of electronics manufacturing professionals.
Since we are just getting started, we need your help to make this a relevant and welcome publication. We want your feedback, suggestions, complaints, and compliments. We also want your articles. Please read the submission guidelines and Contact Us regarding article and news submissions.
- Thanks in advance
To Subscribe:
Click here to register with SMTnet.com to receive this newsletter and many other benefits. It's absolutley free!
To Unsubscribe:
Click here to send an unsubscribe email message. Be sure to include your email address in the body and include the word "unsubscribe" in the subject line.
Newsletter Archives:
Click here to to visit the SMT Express home page. A list of archives can be found there in the menu on the left.
Board of Editors:
Click here to learn more about the SMT Express Board of Editors.
|
|
Back to Top