Interface Analysis

An optional Studio software package that calculates the resulting warpage characteristics  of two independent mating surfaces. 

Surface-mount components warp during the reflow process, and the area where they attach also changes shape during assembly. This interface between components is where solder, paste, and gaps created due to thermal expansion combine to create 100% good products, or defects such as Head-in-Pillow, Shorts, and Opens. Fully understanding that critical interface between surfaces is more important than ever.

While standard Akrometrix software allowed the analysis of an individual surface, such as a PCB or BGA, Interface Analysis enables 3D, 2D, and statistical review of a complete interface. Users can now visualize and quantify exactly how two surfaces will mate together. By combining this feature with the ability to measure surfaces at each temperature point during reflow, solder joint formation or failure can be predicted much more easily.

Interface Analysis works with data supplied by any of the 350+ TherMoiré systems in use throughout the worldwide Electronics supply chain today. Introducing unique features such as Pass/Warning/Fail maps, and various gap and surface gauge information, Interface Analysis lets users see what is happening between two dynamic surfaces through the reflow process. Applications include SMT Assembly Planning and Troubleshooting, Failure Analysis, Supplier Qualification and Comparison, Ongoing SPC, Package Design, and FEA Modeling Validation.

Two Important Application Areas

Package-on-Package Design and Assembly:

  • Many Technical Papers describe warpage as critical to PoP design
  • Thinner Devices lead to thinner PoP layers
  • Warpage of Top and Bottom ‘Attach’ Surfaces is Critical
  • Interface Analysis allows ‘easy’ shape comparison at all temperatures
  • User can set Limits and ‘see’ problem areas in PWF Maps
  • More Layers (such as with PoPi) make warpage more important

Package-to-PCB Design and Assembly

“One of the major contributors to the supplier issues is the integrity of the BGA component. The main component integrity issue that contributes to head-in-pillow defects is component warpage during the product manufacturing reflow process. If the component begins to warp during the soldering process, the component spheres will separate from the solder paste and not wet to the bulk solder. Component package design, materials and integrity all contribute to the potential warpage of the part. Internal verification testing should be completed to understand the potential component warpage prior to the implementation of a new package into the manufacturing process.

Interface Analysis works with both shadow moiré and DFP data sets and can mix and match data from the two techniques.

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