Some plastic
encapsulated semiconductors are highly sensitive to moisture. If moisture gets
trapped inside one of these devices and expands when heat is applied, a number
of problems can arise. Compounding the potential for problems is the fact that
semiconductors increasingly are being manufactured in smaller sizes. Components
such as thin fine-pitch devices and ball grid arrays are especially prone to
damage from the expansion of trapped moisture during SMT reflow. Most of this
damage isn’t visible on the surface. It occurs internally. The plastic can
separate (delaminate) from the die or leadframe, the die itself or the wire
bond can be damaged, and internal cracks can develop. In extreme cases, cracks
will extend to the surface of a component. And sometimes, if cracks become
severe, the component will bulge and pop, a condition referred to as “the
popcorn effect.”
Because
of all this, the electronics industry has established a Moisture Sensitivity
Level (MSL) standard. It relates specifically to the way semiconductors are
packaged and handled. What it sets is the time period during which a
moisture-sensitive device can be exposed to ambient room conditions before
problems start to develop. The industries we serve,
and indeed all industries that make use of electronic devices, regularly
conduct Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) Testing.
Our
clients look to us for help with their MSL Testing because we use C-mode
scanning acoustic microscopy (C-SAM®). It’s particularly effective in capturing
internal changes as parts are tested to different moisture sensitivity levels.
The
products most often submitted to us for MSL Testing are…
- PEMs (plastic encapsulated
microcircuits) such as TSSOPs, SOICs, PLCCs, MSOPs, PQFPs/TQFPs, PDIPs,
BGAs/FBGAs, and SOTs as well as
- hybrid devices.
The
standards we follow when using our C-SAM®
process are…
When you
contract with us for help with your MSL Testing, we also provide you with…
- a quick turnaround,
- a detailed yet concise pass/fail
report that notes all defects discovered, and
- a certificate of conformance, and
- a copy of all images captured during testing and inspection.
Beyond
that, we offer you the same professional collaboration and competitive pricing
that complete the benefits of partnership we extend to every AcousTech client.
Questions?
Contact AcousTech. We’ll be happy to
explain more about how our services can be of use in your MSL Testing. And when
you’re ready, be sure to Request a Quote.
C-SAM® is a registered trademark of Sonoscan, Inc.