In a message dated 09/28/00 18:23:39, [log in to unmask] writes:
>What I am looking for specifically is a way of determining the strength of a
joint and a
>way of determining the properties (ie: thickness) of the intermetallic layer.

Hi Nick,
Why do you want to know these two parameters? Properly wetted SJs have plenty
of strength for almost anything you might 'throw' at them--in overstress
conditions you are are likely to rip the pads out of their epoxy matrix. And
unless you do something extraordinary (see the e-mail "Re: [TN] Solder Joint
Reliability"), IMC thickness has no bearing on SJ reliability.
Having said that, there pull and shear tests for SJs, and for the IMCs there
is always cross-sectioning.

Werner Engelmaier
Engelmaier Associates, L.C.
Electronic Packaging, Interconnection and Reliability Consulting
7 Jasmine Run
Ormond Beach, FL  32174  USA
Phone: 904-437-8747, Fax: 904-437-8737
E-mail: [log in to unmask], Website: www.engelmaier.com

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