Certain types of nano-coated stencils dramatically improve the transfer efficiency of solder paste during paste printing. These nano-coatings also refine the solder paste brick shape giving improved print definition. These two benefits combine to help the solder paste printing process produce an adequate amount of solder paste in the correct position on the circuit board pads. Today,stencil aperture area ratios from 0.66 down to 0.40 are commonly used and make paste printing a challenge. This paper presents data on small area ratio printing for component designs including 01005 Imperial (0402 metric) and smaller 03015 metric and 0201 metric chip components and 0.3 mm and 0.4 mm pitch micro BGAs. The aperture area ratios studied range from 1.06 down to 0.30. The effects of nano-coatings are studied and compared to uncoated laser cut,fine grain steel stencils. Stencil thicknesses are varied from 0.003 inch (75 µm) to 0.004 inch (100 µm) and to 0.005 inch (125 µm). Solder paste powder size is varied including IPC Types 3,4 and 5. The effects of all of these variables are examined in relation to small aperture area ratios. Based on the results of the work a set of guidelines for stencil thickness,stencil nano-coating and solder paste type will be proposed in order to achieve good solder paste printing results.

As a surface finish for PCBs,Electroless Nickel/Electroless Palladium/Immersion Gold (ENEPIG) was selected over Electroless Nickel/Immersion Gold (ENIG) for CMOS image sensor applications with both surface mount technology (SMT) and gold ball bonding processes in mind based on the research available on-line. Challenges in the wire bonding process on ENEPIG with regards to bondability and other plating related issues are summarized. Gold ball bonding with 25um diameter wire was performed. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) were surface mounted prior to the wire bonding process with Pb-free solder paste with water soluble organic acid (OA) flux. The standard gold ball bonding process (ball / stitch bonds) was attempted during process development and pre-production stages,but this process was not stable enough for volume production due to variation in bondability within one batch and between PCB batches. This resulted in the standard gold ball bonding process being changed to stand-off-stitch bonding (SSB) or the ball-stitch-on-ball (BSOB) bonding process,in order to achieve gold ball bonding successfully on PCBs with an ENEPIG finish for volume production. Another area of concern was pad metal lifting (PML) experienced on some PCBs,and PCB batches,where the palladium (Pd) layer was completely separated from nickel (Ni) either during wire bonding or during sample destructive wire pull tests,indicating potential failures in the remainder of the batch. Evaluation of failed PCBs was performed using cross-section analysis,X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF),and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)/Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDS),which identified process issues,such as inclusions,or hyper corrosion which caused either localized or complete separation of the Pd from Ni layer. Through extensive investigation,using 8D and Kepner-Tregoe problem solving methods,solutions to the problem were discovered in the majority of cases,even though the exact root cause remained unclear due to multiple PCB manufacturing variables being changed at the same time.

Wire bonded packages using conventional copper leadframe have been used in industry for quite some time. The growth of portable and wireless products is driving the miniaturization of packages resulting in the development of many types of thin form factor packages and cost effective assembly processes. Proper optimization of wire bond parameters and machine settings are essential for good yields. Wire bond process can generate a variety of defects such as lifted bond,cracked metallization,poor intermetallic etc. NSOP – non-stick on pad is a defect in wire bonding which can affect front end assembly yields. In this condition,the imprint of the bond is left on the bond pad without the wire being attached. NSOP failures are costly as the entire device is rejected if there is one such failure on any bond pad. The paper presents some of the failure modes observed and the efforts to address NSOP reduction.

Portable electronics demand that inductors and transformers be implemented in low profile surface mount packages. In communication systems,magnetic components are used for impedance matching,voltage isolation,energy storage,noise filtering,and combining signals. Inductors can be implemented on ferrite bobbins with semi-automatic winding equipment. The inductance value and performance is constrained by the low inductance factor (AL) of the bobbins and resistance of the fine gauge wires used to construct the windings. RF transformers are usually wound on either ring or binocular shaped core structures. Small size defies automated winding and the majority of devices are wound manually using low cost labor. With manual construction there are issues with consistency and reliability. Embedded magnetics provides a new approach for fabricating the small transformers and inductors used in RF circuits. Ferrite elements are embedded into a FR-4 substrate and the device windings are realized using printed circuits techniques. This approach provides highly consistent performance and eliminates the need to dress fine wires and welding or soldering them to the package I/O pads. Additionally,the devices are fabricated in an automated and batch process. Rather than winding one at a time,devices are fabricated in a panel array format. With automation comes improved consistency and reliability. This paper describes the device composition and fabrication on a printed circuit line. A design example is presented to show the circuit layout and test results.

The electronics industry is experiencing a renaissance in semiconductor package technology. A growing number of innovative 3D package assembly methodologies have evolved to enable the electronics industry to maximize their products functionality. By integrating multiple die elements within a single package outline,product boards can be made significantly smaller than their forerunners and the shorter interconnect resulting from this effort has contributed to improving both electrical performance and functional capability. Multiple die packaging commonly utilizes some form of substrate interposer as a base. Assembly of semiconductor die onto a substrate is essentially the same as those used for standard I/C packaging in lead frames; however,substrate based IC packaging for 3D applications can adopt a wider range of materials and there are several alternative processes that may be used in their assembly. Companies that have already implemented some form of 3D package technology have found success in both stacked die and stacked package technology but these package methodologies cannot always meet the complexities of the newer generation of large-scale multiple function processors. A number of new semiconductor families are emerging that demand greater interconnect densities than possible with traditional organic substrate fabrication technology. Two alternative base materials have already evolved as more suitable for both current and future,very high-density package interposer applications; silicon and glass. Both materials,however,require adopting unique via formation and metallization methodologies. While the infrastructure for supplying the glass-based interposer is currently in development by a number of organizations,the silicon-based interposer supply infrastructure is already well established. This paper outlines both positive and negative aspects of current 3D package innovations and addresses the challenges facing adopters of silicon and glass based interposer fabrication. The material presented will also reference 3D packaging standards and recognize innovative technologies from a number of industry sources,roadmaps and market forecasts.

Traceability has grown from being a specialized need for certain safety critical segments of the industry,to now being a recognized value-add tool for the industry as a whole. The perception of traceability data collection however persists as being a burden that may provide value only when the most rare and disastrous of events take place. Disparate standards have evolved in the industry,mainly dictated by large OEM companies in the market create confusion,as a multitude of requirements and definitions proliferate. The intent of the IPC-1782 project is to bring the whole principle and perception of traceability up to date. Traceability,as defined in this standard will represent the most effective quality tool available,becoming an intrinsic part of best practice operations,with the encouragement of automated data collection from existing manufacturing systems,integrating quality,reliability,predictive (routine,preventative,and corrective) maintenance,throughput,manufacturing,engineering and supply-chain data,reducing cost of ownership as well as ensuring timeliness and accuracy all the way from a finished product back through to the initial materials and granular attributes about the processes along the way. Having the proper level of traceability will also help ensure counterfeit components do not end up in a product. Through effective policing in the use of any and all components,any material found to be counterfeit will be immediately traceable to source,and hence responsibility is assigned. IPC 1782 will work hand in glove with the U.S. Department of Defense’s current counterfeit component effort. The goal of this project is to create a single flexible data structure that can be adopted for all levels of traceability that are required across the industry. The scope includes support for the most demanding instances for detail and integrity such as those required by critical safety systems,all the way through to situations where only basic traceability,such as for simple consumer products. A key driver for the adoption of the standard is the ability to find a relevant and achievable level of traceability that exactly meets the requirement following risk assessment of the business. The wealth of data accessible from traceability for analysis can yield information that can raise expectations of very significant quality and performance improvements,as well as providing the necessary protection against the costs of issues in the market. Taking a graduated approach will enable this standard to succeed where other efforts have failed.

With technology these days,we often find solutions without a problem,rather than the other way around. The concept of the “Internet of Manufacturing” (IoM),combined with the evolution toward automated and computerized factories,is an exciting subject for engineers. However,managers who are responsible for the business side of manufacturing,need a solid business case for change that is driven either by need from the customer or by a compelling internal performance enhancement. The decision to purchase new equipment today is a catch-22 — with requirements to be “future-proof” just in case the factory will become a computerized operation as put forward by the proponents of Industry 4.0,but without really knowing the full implication of what that might be. Let us take a look at these two potential business cases. First,we will look at the likely reasons that would compel customers to change their demands and requirements from factories,whether OEM or EMS. Second,we will look at what is the “state of the art” today for automated factories that have a controlling layer of computerization,understand the challenges and potential costs,as well as direct operational benefits. We will see if we can find the balance point between the two. Lastly,we will look forward at what needs to be done to provide a practical and economical way to address the various challenges to implementing an Internet of Manufacturing,with solutions and benefits for both manufacturers and customers. If these areas are addressed,the adoption of computerization and the creation of more automated factories could then become mainstream.

The highly-automated and connection-driven methods in Electronics Manufacturing is a more and more important topic in the industry today. Advances in modern manufacturing technologies make factories smarter,safer and more environmentally sustainable. Get Manufacturing Functions connected with Real Time Information Systems to enable a predictive approach in all functions to serve Higher Reliability and HMLV (high-mix low-volume) services solutions. In this paper,we will share our experience with a current project called “Smart Factory”,especially for Phase I of the project. Our objective is that Get Manufacturing Functions connected with real time information systems enable predictive approaches in all functions to serve Higher Reliability and High-Mix Low-Volume (HMLV) services solutions. Through establishment of a KOI (Key Operation Indicator) structure with visualization eDashboard,we have realized the alarming abnormalities in real time and failure analysis mining from top symptoms to bottom root cause with processes correlation. Collecting the parameters of machine and process data in real time automatically makes the connection between machines and processes to get higher efficiency for quality and production monitoring and control. Color coding for different level abnormalities gives visualization control. The real time data captured from machines and process is loaded into a central factory SPC (Statistical Process Control) system that makes predictions for taking action before failures. Real time data was sent to mobile phones to improve communication between operators and machines which has increased production efficiency. We have seen significant achievements for the Phase I: Average yield (Final Pass Yield) increased from 99.1%to 99.44%,NDF (No Defect Found) decreased from 2% to 0.9%,and also have SPC to be more predictive. Prevention is always better than detection [2].

While flex and rigid flex (IPC-6013 Types 1 through 4i[1]) have always been important in 3D packaging to help resolve space constraints and meet other design requirements,the continued push for denser packaging and higher performance has only increased the demand for more complex interconnects. Often we forget that a flex is more than a mechanical solution but that it is a critical part in controlling signal integrity and meeting other electrical performance requirements. Any design must be manufacturable,reliable and meet cost constraints. We will be examining a packaging solution for a server application that met all requirements thru a combination of key design points including:
-Rigid Flex (IPC-6013 type 4)
-15 layer cross section-Unbonded/loose leaf construction
-Bookbinder construction
-Backdrill
-LGA (Land Grid Array) interconnect
Cost,manufacturability,reliability,signal integrity,thermal and mechanical requirements were all considered during development. The collaborative efforts of mechanical development,signal integrity modeling and input,qualification engineering,production engineering,cost engineering,sourcing team support and manufacturability and cost feedback from the fabricator were key to creating a final design that was an optimum balance considering various trade-offs. More than a simple stack of circuit materials,the unbonded/looseleaf,bookbinder cross section and LGA interconnect was able to meet the tight rigid flex mechanical bend radius requirements and the small interconnect footprint requirements. The flexibility of the rigid flex met the system mechanical requirements related to tolerances between the two mating LGA interconnect areas. Critical signal integrity requirements were met thru the selected cross section,backdrill and the utilizing an LGA interconnect solution. This paper includes details as to how we went from concept to initial development,to design iterations and prototyping,thru qualification into a final product in volume production. While this product may look very much like a technology test vehicle,it successfully and elegantly solved a real world challenge.

With the rapid development of the information industry,increasing attention is being paid to the dielectric performance of base materials including copper-clad laminates (CCL) and prepregs. In addition to the increasingly high performance requirements of CCL’s,the present global attention to less toxic products is leading to an increase in the use of halogen-free flame retardants in electronics. The main flame retardants used in halogen-free CCL’s are phosphorus-containing phenolic resins,phosphonitriles,phosphorus containing epoxy resins,and several additive type compounds. Flame retardant additives like phosphates have low or no reactivity with epoxy resins,which typically results in lower glass transition temperature (Tg),higher moisture absorption,reduced dielectric performance and lower heat resistance. This paper introduces a new phosphonate oligomer which can be used as a reactive flame retardant in epoxy based resin systems. Suitable conditions for the complete reaction between the phosphonate oligomer and epoxy resin are described and the resulting halogen-free laminates with improved properties such as low Df,low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE),high peel strength,and good toughness are presented. The significance of this paper is not only to introduce a new halogen-free,mid-Tg,low loss CCL,but also to highlight a novel kind of halogen free reactive flame retardant for CCL. Comparison performance data to other commercial halogen-free base materials will be presented.