1997 Apr 16

11

Philips Semiconductors

Product specification

4-digit LCD car clock

PCF1171C

SOLDERING

Introduction

There is no soldering method that is ideal for all IC

packages. Wave soldering is often preferred when

through-hole and surface mounted components are mixed

on one printed-circuit board. However, wave soldering is

not always suitable for surface mounted ICs, or for

printed-circuits with high population densities. In these

situations reflow soldering is often used.

This text gives a very brief insight to a complex technology.

A more in-depth account of soldering ICs can be found in

our

“IC Package Databook” (order code 9398 652 90011).

Reflow soldering

Reflow soldering techniques are suitable for all VSO

packages.

Reflow soldering requires solder paste (a suspension of

fine solder particles, flux and binding agent) to be applied

to the printed-circuit board by screen printing, stencilling or

pressure-syringe dispensing before package placement.

Several techniques exist for reflowing; for example,

thermal conduction by heated belt. Dwell times vary

between 50 and 300 seconds depending on heating

method. Typical reflow temperatures range from

215 to 250

°C.

Preheating is necessary to dry the paste and evaporate

the binding agent. Preheating duration: 45 minutes at

45

°C.

Wave soldering

Wave soldering techniques can be used for all VSO

packages if the following conditions are observed:

• A double-wave (a turbulent wave with high upward

pressure followed by a smooth laminar wave) soldering

technique should be used.

• The longitudinal axis of the package footprint must be

parallel to the solder flow.

• The package footprint must incorporate solder thieves at

the downstream end.

During placement and before soldering, the package must

be fixed with a droplet of adhesive. The adhesive can be

applied by screen printing, pin transfer or syringe

dispensing. The package can be soldered after the

adhesive is cured.

Maximum permissible solder temperature is 260

°C, and

maximum duration of package immersion in solder is

10 seconds, if cooled to less than 150

°C within

6 seconds. Typical dwell time is 4 seconds at 250

°C.

A mildly-activated flux will eliminate the need for removal

of corrosive residues in most applications.

Repairing soldered joints

Fix the component by first soldering two diagonally-

opposite end leads. Use only a low voltage soldering iron

(less than 24 V) applied to the flat part of the lead. Contact

time must be limited to 10 seconds at up to 300

°C. When

using a dedicated tool, all other leads can be soldered in

one operation within 2 to 5 seconds between

270 and 320

°C.