Effective voiding control of QFN via solder mask patterning

Mikołajek²

2017

SSMT

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate selected methods of reduction voidings in lead-free solder joints underneath thermal pads of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), using X-ray inspection and Six Sigma methodology. Design/methodology/approach On the basis of cause and effect diagram for solder voiding, the potential causes of voids and influence of process variables on void formation were found. Three process variables were chosen: the type of reflow soldering, vacuum incorporation and the type of solder paste. Samples of LEDs were mounted with convection and vapour phase reflow soldering. Vacuum was incorporated into vapour phase soldering. Two types of solder pastes OM338PT and LFS-216LT were used. Algorithm incorporated into X-ray inspection system enabled to calculate the statistical distribution of LED thermal pad coverage and to find the process capability index (Cpk) of applied soldering techniques. Findings The evaluation of selected soldering processes of LEDs in respect of their thermal pad coverage and statistical Cpk indices is presented. Vapour-phase soldering with vacuum is capable (Cpk > 1) for OM338PT and LFS-216LT paste. Convection reflow without vacuum with LFS-216LT paste is also capable (Cpk = 1.1). Other technological soldering processes require improvements. Vacuum improves radically the capability of a reflow soldering for an LED assembly. When vacuum is not accessible, some improvement of capability to a lower extent is possible by an application of void-free solder pastes. Originality/value Six Sigma statistical methodology combined with X-ray diagnosis was used to check whether applied methods of void reduction underneath LED thermal pads are capable processes.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

X-ray inspection and Six-Sigma in analysis of LED thermal pad coverage

Mikołajek²

2017

SSMT

“…O'Neill and Seelig (2016) find that for the bottom-terminated components (BTC), the lowest voiding performance was obtained with lower peak temperatures and shorter TAL. Herron et al (2011) and Qu (2011) investigate the effective voiding control through various solder-mask patterning. For components with large solder pads, it is recommended to divide them into smaller subpads.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Low-voiding solder pastes in LED assembly

Sobolewski²,

Mikołajek³

et al. 2020

SSMT

Purpose This paper aims to investigate voiding phenomena in solder joints under thermal pads of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) assembled in mass production environment by reflow soldering by using seven low-voiding lead-free solder pastes. Design/methodology/approach The solder pastes investigated are of SAC305 type, Innolot type or they are especially formulated by the manufacturers on the base of (SnAgCu) alloys with addition of some alloying elements such as Bi, In, Sb and Ti to provide low-void contents. The SnPb solder paste – OM5100 – was used as a benchmark. The solder paste coverage of LED solder pads was chosen as a measure of void contents in solder joints because of common usage of this parameter in industry practice. Findings It was found that the highest coverage and, related to it, the least void contents are in solder joints formed with the pastes LMPA-Q and REL61, which are characterized by the coverage of mean value 93.13% [standard deviation (SD) = 2.72%] and 92.93% (SD = 2.77%), respectively. The void diameters reach the mean value equal to 0.061 mm (SD = 0.044 mm) for LMPA-Q and 0.074 mm (SD = 0.052 mm) for REL61. The results are presented in the form of histograms, plot boxes and X-ray images. Some selected solder joints were observed with 3D computer tomography. Originality/value The statistical analyses are carried out on the basis of 2D X-ray images with using Origin software. They enable to compare features of various solder pastes recommended by manufacturers as low voiding. The results might be useful for solder paste manufacturers or electronic manufacturing services.

“…Previti et al (2010) consider void reduction by optimizing a reflow profile – extending the preheat times and increasing the time above liquidus. Herron et al (2011) and Qu (2011) investigate the effective voiding control through various solder mask patterning. For components with large solder pads, dividing these into smaller subpads is recommended.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental approach to thermal conductivity of macro solder joints with voids

Sobolewski¹,

2019

SSMT

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to experimentally evaluate the impact of voids on thermal conductivity of a macro solder joint formed between a copper cylinder and a copper plate by using reflow soldering. Design/methodology/approach A model of a surface mount device (SMD) was developed in the shape of a cylinder. A copper plate works as a printed circuit board (PCB). The resistor was connected to a power supply and the plate was cooled by a heat sink and a powerful fan. A macro solder joint was formed between a copper cylinder and a copper plate using reflow soldering and a lead-free solder paste SAC305. The solder paste was printed on a plate through stencils of various apertures. It was expected that various apertures of stencils will moderate the various void contents in solder joints. K-type thermocouples mounted inside cylinders and at the bottom of a plate underneath the cylinders measured the temperature gradient on both sides of the solder joint. After finishing the temperature measurements, the cylinders were thinned by milling to thickness of about 2 mm and then X-ray images were taken to evaluate the void contents. Finally the tablets were cross-sectioned to enable scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. Findings There was no clear dependence between thermal conductivity of solder joints and void contents. The authors state that other factors such as intermetallic layers, microcracks, crystal grain morfologyof the interface between the solder and the substrate influence on thermal conductivity. To support this observation, further investigations using metallographic methods are required. Originality/value Results allow us to assume that the use of SAC305 alloy for soldering of components with high thermal loads is risky. The common method for thermal balance calculation is based on the sum of serial thermal resistances of mechanical compounds. For these calculations, solder joints are represented with bulk SAC305 thermal conductivity parameters. Thermal conductivity of solder joints for high density of thermal energy is much lower than expected. Solder joints’ structure is not fully comparable with bulk SAC305 alloy. In experiments, the average value of the solder joint conductivity was found to be 8.1 W/m·K, which is about 14 per cent of the nominal value of SAC305 thermal conductivity.