1. Presentation Overview
Basics of Lead Free VP reflow
Vapor Phase History
Vapor Phase Explained
Reflow Soldering Development
Challenges and Solutions
Convection versus Vapor Phase
Vapor Phase Profiling
Vapor Phase Samples
Conclusions
Questions
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2. Basics of Lead Free VP reflow
• Understanding Reflow Variation – Peak temp
Planning a Lead Free reflow profile requires understanding
variation in the component material and process:
Lead free BGA’s can be shipped with many different alloy types
Most common are SAC305 and SAC105.
It has been found that BGA’s changing from SAC105 to SN100 and
suspected pure tin.
Why?
Because the cost of Silver is increasing, and to remove silver lowers the
cost to produce
Packaging suppliers are doing this without advising manufacturers.
We need to develop reflow for the worst case scenario: Pure Tin Balls
It is very important to study and understand the variation of the reflow system from load to load.
Typical in industry is to ensure that peak temperature is at 15 degrees above melt temperature of the solder.
Since we are dealing with a solder bump on the BGA – We also need to consider its melting temperature
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3. Basics of Lead Free VP reflow
• What Time/Temp do we need?
First off – We need to generate soldering reflow
profiles using a thermocouple probe through the middle
of the BGA devices into the balls.
Second – We need to make sure that our solder
reflow peak temperature PT is above 232 C according to
the BGA bumps solder chemistry, and then also consider the variation of the Oven and the reflow profile.
The worst case scenario should be a PT=240 C
Third – We have to ensure that our solder time above 240 C is maintained at least 30 seconds for good
soldering, but the time above 217 C must not be longer than 150 Seconds per J-STD-020D
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4. Basics of Lead Free VP reflow
• But how Hot is Too Hot?
J-STD-020D advises the peak temperature (PT)
of devices for Lead free reflow is:
245 C for large plastic components, and
260 C for smaller plastic components
SO – If we stay under 245 C, then we don’t need
to review of the component manufacturers
specifications
BUT – If we go over 245 C, then we need to pull
spec sheets on all parts to ensure we are not
exceeding temperatures.
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5. Basics of Lead Free VP reflow
• Why is Vapor Phase technology an advantage?
In the Vapor Phase – the peak temp (PT)
is set by the fluid boiling temperature point.
The fluid and the generated vapor temperature
is always between 240 C and 245 C
We can be assured the parts are within
J-STD 020D !
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6. Vapor Phase History
Developed in the early 70’s, patented by Robert Christian Pfahl and Hans Hugo Ammann of
Western Electric and Bell Labs.
Used in high quality Military as well as Aerospace programs.
Heat is transferred when the hot, saturated vapor condenses on a surface and gives up its
latent heat of vaporization.
The fluid boiling point is the governing factor in peak temperature.
Patented Vapor Phase (by Two layer vapor phase
Pfahl and Ammann) (by Tze Yao Chu et al.)
Combination of Reflow
Soldering and Wave
Soldering in a Vapor Phase
(by W. Scheel et al.)
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7. Vapor Phase Explained
The vapor encapsulates the entire surface
of the board, resulting in smallest ΔT at
very short dwell times of the board in the
condensing vapor (thermal equilibrium)
The heat transfer coefficients are roughly
ten times greater than the values that are
reached through radiation or convection.
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9. Challenges and Solutions
Past Vapor Phase technology : Today most of the challenges were addressed :
Environmentally-friendly
Environmental concerns of the fluids being
used. CFC free, non-flammable, and non-
toxic.
Lack of fluid selection (few boiling Blood replacement substance.
temperatures).
ION Chromatography and Surface
Insulation Test (SIR) showed no residual
An inherent problem with tombstoning and
contaminates on the PCB post-reflow.
voiding.
Thermally and chemically stable (inert gas
Limited automation capability. atmosphere)
Perfluorinated fluids have a viscosity
Throughput limitations (PCBAs exposed double than H2O ( high molecular weight)
to the vapor process longer than the tact Colorless and electrically non conductive.
time of the placement processes). Large variety of boiling points
selection…PEAK TEMP:
In-line batch carrier machines were more
200, 215, 225, 230, 235, 240, 260 C
mechanical, and prone to more
maintenance.
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10. Challenges and Solutions
No more vapor phase related tombstoning
The main driving force controlling tombstones is the relative speed of the solder's wetting
action (ramp rate) at the each end of the component.
Vapor phase soldering have variable gradient control so the appropriate dropping depth is
determined for every product using patented SVP (Soft Vapor Phase) and SolderAutomatic
resulting in a very accurate slope and reduced tombstones failures.
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11. Challenges and Solutions
Integration of a local vacuum chamber reduces void presence
Gases and flux residues are draw off from the joint, as long as the solder is molten
Results in a more robust solder joint.
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12. Challenges and Solutions
Fully automatic due to patented Soldering-Automatic and SVP PLC control.
Vapor phase efficiency improved when changing from product A to product B and completed faster than
the time taken up by the up-stream pick`n`place processes ( high throughput ≤ 15 up to 20
seconds/panel).
Can produce double sided SMT PCB’s at rates comparable to in line convection and IR reflow processes (
max. board size 800 X 650 X 80 mm).
Superior solder joint appearance. In-Line Batch carrier VP systems are capable of processing product B
board size changes while product A is still being soldered. PCB size adjustments can be completed, and
with IR pre-heat followed by VP soldering, there is no delay to change over once the sizing is completed.
Maintenance requirements for cleaning the system is minimized, flux residues are extracted on the
completion of each cycle.
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13. Challenges and Solutions
Vapor Phase maintains a low temperature on the BGA lid (made of a heat/moisture
sensitive plastic).
High convection temperatures causes the lid to warp down in the corners, a major cause
of bridging due to the use of poor BGA substrate materials.
Some component manufacturers have not redeveloped their original lead-processing
packages for lead-free temperatures, but have simply balled them with lead-free solder, or
they are offering a less-expensive, transitional package as they move to lead-free.
Vapor phase ensures that the difference in temperature ΔT between the solder balls is
under 2ºC.
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14. Challenges and Solutions
Conventional convection soldering machines
Capable of delivering the heat required for the lead-free soldering process, but process results vary.
The reflow zone changes are significant between the products.
Increased changeover time.
Larger soldering machines, along with increased necessity for protective gas add to the already high
energy requirements.
The process requires:
Additional energy
Protective gas
Larger machines
Delivered results are:
A high risk of thermal damages
Increased number of cold solder joints
Significantly higher emissions
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15. Challenges and Solutions
In convection ovens soldering track is further increased to avoid solder cracks and enable a smooth overall
temperature ramp up
Solder Crack in L-leaded package Solder Crack in J-leaded package
In line vapor phase machines for high volume production :
Nitrogen Cost
Compact size (Length < 5 meters) Indirect Energy Cost
Delivers an 100% protective gas atmosphere as Direct Energy Cost
part of the soldering process without extra cost
Conventional Reflow Vapour Phase Reflow
Soldering Soldering
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16. Challenges and Solutions
Reduced Cost
1. WPC-Loading 5. WPC-Unloading
3. Vapor Phase
1/3 direct Energy consumption. Soldering
2. IR-Preheating 4. Cooling
No compressed air required.
Reduced heat up of work shop saving
acclimatization cost.
Higher temperature substrate material can add 10 to 15% to PCB cost.
Standard FR-4 used as PCB laminate material rather than (higher cost) FR-406.
Fast setup for new products (wide range of products are processed with identical setup).
Delivers an 100% protective gas atmosphere as part of the soldering process without extra cost.
Low/No emission
Closed loop process prevents the vapor from escaping to the surrounding environment.
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17. Challenges and Solutions
Vapor phase :
Overheating is physically impossible with proper fluid selection.
No cold solder joints due to determined heat transfer and absence of shadowing.
Best possible wetting due to fully inert environment.
Thermal transfer is independent of form, color, mass and mass distribution of
PCBAs.
Fixed peak temperature and superior heat transfer on thermally challenged PCB’s.
Superior thermal equilibrium offers processing advantages ( large mass connectors,
electrolytic capacitors, non-sealed switches and sensor devices)
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18. Challenges and Solutions
Shadowing of lower side of BGA
requires excessive temperature on
top of BGA
Unsoldered balls appear as a result
from shadowing effects
Vapor rises above and below the
BGA.
Heat transfer encapsulates the
whole assembly
No Shadowing
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19. Challenges and Solutions
Tin whiskers are small, thin metallic hair-like growths that naturally emerge from the
surface of solid tin (Sn). On lead-free tin surfaces, tin whiskers may grow to a length
sufficient to short one electronic circuit to another, creating product failure.
Tin melting point = 505.08K (231.93 C, 449.47 F)
With a 235 C fluid the vapor phase will reflow components tin coatings at the lowest
possible temperatures.
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20. Challenges and Solutions
Backward and Forward compatibility
Lead-free components are introduced in lead-based processes
Termination changes require additional modification to solder profiles and flux
chemistries to ensure proper wetting of the solder to the lead-free termination.
Nitrogen in convection reflow is becoming more a requirement than an option,
and nitrogen is expensive.
Backward compatibility – the majority of components are tin/lead, but some are lead
free.
Going with a higher reflow temperature for a few lead-free components will
affect adversely the majority of tin/lead components.
Forward compatibility – most components are lead-free, but some are still tin/lead
Using a lead-free profile may damage some of the tin/lead components
Vapor Phase is being considered as a solution to provide a middle-of-the-road compromise
reflow profile that dissolves the lead into the solder joint in a homogeneous mixture and
offer a higher reliability end-product.
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21. Challenges and Solutions
Convection reflow due to Lead free variables like melting point (between 217 C and 227 C) and the peak reflow
temperature (between 230 C - 260 C) can results in:
Affects reliability of via holes and the reliability of interconnections
The blue, green and red matte mask can peel off the board .
High thermal mass boards push the limits of convection reflow equipment
FR-4 substrate increased temperatures is causing thermal degradation or decomposition
Increased thermal expansion (CTE) compromise the structural integrity of the board ( Z-axis expansion of
FR-4 is greater at lead-free).
PT is causing plated through via barrel cracking, board warpage, and delamination.
Phenolic lead-free laminates are used which increase board cost by 10-15%.
Higher glass transition temperature Tg>170ºC
Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) – lower Z axis expansion before and after Tg
In the Vapor Phase process standard FR-4 is used as PCB laminate material rather than (higher cost) FR-406
due to lower constant boiling temperature of the fluid.
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22. Challenges and Solutions
Vapor Phase reduces the intermetallic compound (IMC) thickness
As the IMC increases, the joint strength is reduced due to the brittle nature of the intermetallic.
It is recommended that SnNi IMC layers be within the range of 0.4 – 1.0 micro-meters and SnCu IMC
layers should be targeted in the range of 0.8 – 2.5 micro-meters.
The use of Vapor Phase Soldering for lead-free processes decreases the IMC thickness and the microstructure
shows finer secondary phases for profiles with peak temperature of 235ºC
Crack at PCB through IMC Layer IMC growth made the joint more brittle
Intermetallic phase at a soldering time T=100s
Thickness of the Cu-
layer in µm
Sn
Soldering temperature in C
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23. Challenges and Solutions
Vapor Phase increases visual appearance of solder joints
Finer structures
Less Oxidation
Better distribution due to increased wetting capabilities
Soldered in Vapor Phase oven Soldered in Convection oven
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24. Challenges and Solutions
Solder Paste can be used after expiration date
Paste within expiration date Paste after expiration date
With inert gas convection reflow no good solder joints could be made only 4 weeks after expiration date of the
paste.
With Vapor Phase soldering good solder joints could be established even 21 weeks after expiration date.
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25. Profiling
Lean principals are applied to new product development.
New products are launched on production lines used in day to day operations.
Prototype lines are becoming harder to justify.
Matrix charts are developed on thermal mass, layer count, and complexity to get the profile close so the
process development time is kept to a minimum.
VP reflow profiling can be classified by chemistry type, minimizing profiling time.
Advances in VP process systems allow machines to profile almost automatically.
Ramp rates and soak times at peak temperature can be defined by the engineer, and controlled by the
systems regardless of the product mix during the process.
In a true one piece flow on a prototype, it is much easier to get it right the first time using VP processing.
The days of inadequate reflow temperature or over temperature on the first piece are virtually eliminated
by use of the VP systems.
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26. Profiling
Pb
RSS (Ramp-Soak-Spike) for lead and RS (Ramp-to-Spike) for lead free are the top reference profiles for many
applications .
These profiles were characterized for each board using thermocouples at multiple locations on and around the
device.
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27. Profiling
Unique profiles were developed for each group of characterized products, based on:
Thermal mass
Distribution of copper planes
Loading patterns (distance between boards as they are loaded in
the oven)
IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 classification.
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28. Profiling
BGAs /CSPs holes are drilled in the inner and outer
rows of BGA pads
BGA ball temperatures of inner and outer rows
must be within 2ºC of each other.
Minimum of 2 thermocouples per BGA/CSP attached to
a RF high temperature resistant recording device PTP
profiler which travels through the vapor phase reflow oven
with the panel under test.
Large components with high thermal mass require higher peak temperature for longer durations and small
temperature sensitive components require lower peak temperatures for shorter durations.
Four to six thermocouples should be attached at various component lead locations to represent the lowest to
highest thermal-mass
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32. Conclusions
Restricted resources, rising energy cost, increased awareness on the environment, increased demand for quality
at low operating cost, and the migration to PB-free components, urge a change towards vapor phase as the process
of choice.
Engineers are being challenged to establishes good processes up front, with minimal interference to operations.
VP soldering process assists the Engineer to get it right the first time, minimizing production interruptions.
VP reflow in inert gas atmosphere is not only a benchmark for other procedures but it defines an own unique
standard.
Vapor Phase reflow soldering is a technology from yesterday that will certainly see its comeback in the Lead Free,
Lean manufacturing environment of today.
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