Feb 06, 2009 There are several ways to measure residues and their effects on electrical performances � the two most common in the industry are ionic cleanliness testing, for determination of ionic residues, and surface insulation resistance (SIR) testing, for the evaluation of electrochemical failures in humid environments.
Of the various methods for determination of ionic residues, the method of choice is ion chromatography, which determines both the type of ionic residue and the amount of the residue. The IPC method for ion chromatography is IPC-TM-650, method 2.3.28. For SIR testing, the most modern test method, involving frequent of continuous monitoring, is IPC-TM-650, method 2.6.3.7. Consequently, a test vehicle was needed that could be used for both ion chromatography and surface insulation resistance testing, but that was more representative of mainstream manufacturing materials and processes. The IPC-B-52 Test Vehicle was the result.
The Practical B-52 CRET test vehicle is divided into four primary segments:
- The main SIR test board
- The Ion Chromatography (IC) test coupon
- The solder mask adhesion coupons
- The SIR mini-coupons
Additional technical information specifications and guidelines can be found on the Practical Components Web site at http://www.practicalcomponents.com. Practical Components provides the test vehicles, components, Gerber files, and Aegis Circuit CAM files. If the goal of testing is to perform an engineering evaluation of the manufacturing process, then stock IPC-B-52 boards can be used, but should be as representative as possible. If the goal of the testing is process qualification, per J-STD-001 or IEC 61189-5, then the test vehicles should be procured from the customer's existing PCB vendor using the same material set as for manufactured hardware.
Practical will offer both Tin-Lead and Lead-Free versions of the PCB052 B-52 CRET Kit.
Practical Components' products are designed to help engineers qualify their technology, and train and grow their business while making significant cost savings. Special attention is given to lead-free availability and formulations.
Dummy components are exact mechanical equivalents of live components used only when the physical properties of the components are required. These components can cost as much as 80 percent less than live components, making them ideal for testing solder processes, machine setup and other process evaluations.
About Practical Components
Practical Components is the worlds leading supplier of dummy components and test boards, which are exact mechanical equivalents of live components, used when only the physical properties of the components or boards are required. These components and boards are ideal for testing of solder processes, machine setup thermal, CPK, test and other process evaluations. Practical Components is headquartered in Los Alamitos, CA. with distributors worldwide.
