Description

Supplier of Stress Testing Instruments

In the ever-evolving world of electronics manufacturing, ensuring the reliability and durability of printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) is paramount. As a leading supplier of stress testing instruments, we provide comprehensive solutions for PCBA strain measurement, a critical aspect of maintaining the integrity of electronic components throughout their lifecycle.

PCBA Strain Measurement Background

During various stages of Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Dual In-line Package (DIP) assembly, and reliability testing, PCBAs are subjected to mechanical stresses that can lead to failure. Common failure modes include cracked solder balls, circuit damage, warped pads, and substrate cracks. These issues not only result in material losses but also impact investments in research and development, production, and joint investigations. As such, understanding and mitigating these stresses is crucial for manufacturers.

Industry Standards and Guidelines

With the active promotion by global manufacturers such as Intel, IBM, HP, and Apple, PCBA strain measurement has become a standardized practice, as outlined in the IPC/JEDEC-9704A guidelines. First issued in 2005 and revised in 2012, these guidelines provide systematic steps for identifying defective assembly and test processes, thereby establishing a benchmark for the industry.

Measurement Purpose and Importance

Strain gage testing is essential because solder joints are particularly sensitive to mechanical stress. As the use of lead-free PCB laminate materials increases and interconnect density rises, the potential for damage due to warpage also grows. Incomplete cracking may not immediately cause PCBA failure, making it difficult to detect through functional tests alone. By effectively monitoring and controlling mechanical stresses during testing and assembly, manufacturers can significantly reduce the incidence of defective products reaching end customers.

Cost Implications

The cost implications of addressing PCBA issues at different stages of production are significant. A problem identified during the design phase might cost as little as one dollar to resolve, whereas the same issue could cost ten dollars during manufacturing and a hundred dollars or more during production. This 1-10-100 rule underscores the importance of early detection and intervention, making PCBA strain measurement a crucial component of the manufacturing process.

Akemond Dynamic Strain Sensor for PCB Warpage Tester with USB Data Export

Specifications

Device Funtion: Strain Gauge
Measurement Range: -55500 – 55500 uE
Accuracy: -0.3 – 0.3 %
Stability: 6 ppm/degC
Sampling Frequency: 10 KHz (per channel)
Operational Temperature Range: -40 – 70 degC
Gauge Type: Uniaxial
Impedance: 120 Ohm
Grid Length: 0.5 x 0.5 mm
Base Size: 1.3 x 1.5 mm
Insulated Wire: 2 cm
Extension Wire: 100 cm

Got questions about specs? Use the inquiry form to ask.

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Features

  • Comprehensive Stress Testing Instruments: Our product serves as a reliable supplier of stress testing instruments, ensuring precise and accurate measurements.
  • PCBA Strain Measurement Expertise: We specialize in providing solutions for measuring strain on Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBA), crucial for maintaining product integrity.
  • Industry-Standard Compliance: Adheres to IPC/JEDEC-9704A guidelines, the industry benchmark for PCBA strain gage testing, ensuring compliance with global standards.
  • Wide Range of Applications: Suitable for various processes including SMT assembly, panel cutting, manual operations, rework and repair processes, connector installation, and PCB testing.
  • Prevention of Common Failures: Helps identify and prevent common mechanical stress-induced failures such as cracked solder balls, circuit damage, and substrate cracks.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: Early detection of strain issues can save significant costs, adhering to the 1-10-100 rule, where early design phase solutions are most economical.
  • Enhanced Product Reliability: By monitoring and controlling mechanical stresses, manufacturers can reduce defective products, ensuring higher reliability for end customers.
  • Advanced Measurement Standards: Developed with input from leading global manufacturers like Intel, IBM, HP, and Apple, ensuring cutting-edge technology and reliability.
  • Purposeful Strain Gage Testing: Essential for detecting strain-sensitive solder joint issues and preventing warpage-related damages, especially with the rise of lead-free PCB materials.

Applications

  • Typical Processing Needs Strain Measurement:
    • SMT Assembly
    • Panel Cutting
    • Manual Operation
    • All Rework and Repair Process
    • Connector Installation
    • PCB Testing
    • ICT, FCT, or Equivalent Functional Test
    • Mechanical Assembly:
      • Heat Sink Assembly
      • PCI or Daughterboard Installation
      • DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module) Installation
  • Printed Circuit Assembly Strain Gage Test Guideline:
    • IPC/JEDEC-9704A
  • Common Modes of Failure Due to Mechanical Stress:
    • Cracked Solder Balls
    • Circuit Damage
    • Warped Pads
    • Cracked Substrates
    • Capacitor Y-cracks and 45° Cracks
  • PCBA Strain Gage Test:
    • Issued by IPC and JEDEC in 2005
    • Revised Version A in 2012
    • Identify Defective Assembly and Test Processing
    • Provide Systematic Steps to Perform PCBA Strain Testing
  • Measurement Purpose:
    • Solder Joints Sensitivity to Strain
    • Damage from Warpage with New PCB Laminate Materials
    • Incomplete Cracking and Detection Challenges
    • Reducing Defective Products for End Customers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of PCBA strain measurement?
The purpose of PCBA strain measurement is to monitor and control mechanical stresses during manufacturing and assembly to prevent failures such as cracked solder balls, circuit damage, and warped pads, thereby reducing defective products for end customers.
What are some common modes of failure due to mechanical stress in PCBAs?
Common modes of failure due to mechanical stress in PCBAs include cracked solder balls, circuit damage, warped pads, cracked substrates, capacitor Y-cracks, and 45° cracks.
What is the IPC/JEDEC-9704A guideline?
The IPC/JEDEC-9704A guideline is a standard for Printed Circuit Assembly Strain Gage Testing, issued by IPC and JEDEC, which provides systematic steps to perform PCBA strain testing and identify defective assembly and test processing.
Why is strain gage testing important for solder joints?
Strain gage testing is important for solder joints because they are sensitive to strain, which can lead to warpage deformation and fracture mechanisms, especially as lead-free PCB laminate materials and interconnect density increase.
How does the cost of addressing PCBA issues change over time?
The cost of addressing PCBA issues increases significantly over time, with a problem costing 1 dollar to solve during the design phase, 10 dollars during manufacturing, and 100 dollars during production.
What are some typical processes that require strain measurement?
Typical processes that require strain measurement include SMT assembly, panel cutting, manual operation, rework and repair processes, connector installation, PCB testing, ICT, FCT, and mechanical assembly such as heat sink assembly and PCI or daughterboard installation.
Which global manufacturers promote the use of strain measurement standards?
Global manufacturers such as Intel, IBM, HP, and Apple actively promote the use of strain measurement standards, which have become part of the IPC and JEDEC guidelines.

Got more questions? Use the inquiry form to ask the supplier directly.

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