As shown in Figure 1, vapor pressure increases rapidly as temperature increases, resulting in a disproportionate increase in pressure for the comparatively small increments of process temperature between the different process types. Expo- sure to atmospheric moisture over even short periods of time can allow enough moisture to be absorbed to have serious effects when the moisture turns to steam during reflow oven heating. The package body is composed of plastic epoxy molding compounds that can absorb moisture and other contaminants. The device packages commonly used throughout the industry, including by Allegro, are nonhermetic. PROCESS TEMPERATURE AND MSLSĪ significant process concern is the absorption of atmospheric moisture by devices before exposure to elevated soldering temperatures such as reflow oven soldering. Parallel bodies of standards and information are available from the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), which is a particularly good source for international and European standards, and from JEITA (Japan). IPC-2221, Generic Standard on Printed Board Design, provides a notation for dimensioning joints. By becoming certified, customers will have the knowledge to evaluate the solder joints for acceptability to international standards. Training courses and certification for IPC-A-610 should be used by all customers performing soldering operations. Standards, with revision G and later including coverage of Pb-free processes. IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, provides detailed workmanship A primary source is IPC J-STD-001, Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies, which is an industry-level consensus standard covering soldering materials and processes, with revision G and later including coverage of Pb-free soldering. The IPC has several publications and course materials that provide information on solder joint evaluation. The characterization of an acceptable solder joint can be somewhat different between Pb-based and Pb-free technologies. In addition, important information on determining optimum soldering process parameters can be found in J-STD-002, Solderability Tests for Component Leads, Terminations, Lugs, Terminals and Wires. It provides information on MSL (moisture sensitivity level) classifications for devices, and the corresponding protocols for device handling. AVAILABLE STANDARDSĪllegro recommends becoming familiar with IPC/JEDEC Joint Industry Standard J-STD-020, Moisture/Reflow Sensitivity Classification for Nonhermetic Solid State Surface Mount Devices.
Both lead (Pb) free and traditional Pb-based technologies are examined. It provides information on SMD (surface mount devices) and through-hole packages. This document describes typical soldering methods that have been proven effective with Allegro products. Soldering Methods for Allegro Products (SMD and Through-Hole)