Graham,
Since you are looking at SIR/EM type testing an not solder joint testing, then things like spacing and voltage gradient, etc are more important than part type.  So to cut cost (if you have not already bought your coupons), design a board with fewer component types, use all surface finishes and run it as a DOE so you do not have to use every different combination of variables.
 
regards,
Bev Christian
Research in Motion
-----Original Message-----
From: Graham Naisbitt [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: October 15, 2001 6:52 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Lead Free Surface finishes

Techies and (I guess - Leadies?)
 
We are about to carry out some reliability test work, examining the influences of electro-chemical reactions using SIR techniques.
 
The manufacturing process that will be employed involves lead-free soldering materials, water based fluxes and water based conformal coatings. The methodology we shall employ shall be as drafted in a new IEC draft spec 6-1189.
 
The coupon we will use is intended to model mixed technology as closely as possible. We include through-hole connectors, J lead SOIC's, BGA 225, SMT Capacitors and QFP 160.
 
We will use an LPIM resist and were going to examine 4 different surface finishes:
 
NiAu (ENIG)
ImSn - Immersion Tin
ImAg - Immersion Silver
OSP
 
However, and to get to the question: We can't afford all these permutations so, we shall select only one surface finish. Can you folks advise the most popular surface finish that is likely to be used for lead-free processing?
 
Please, we would REALLY like a simple answer rather than to open a huge dialogue - 'cos we have to get the testing done by Mid November and we have yet to have the coupons made!!
 
Awaiting your replies with interest.

Regards, Graham Naisbitt

[log in to unmask]
www.concoat.co.uk

For instant access to Product Data Sheets register on the Tech-Shot area of http://www.concoat.co.uk

Concoat Limited                    
Alasan House, Albany Park
CAMBERLEY GU16 7PH UK
Phone: +44 (0)1276 691100
Fax: +44 (0)1276 691227
Mobile: +44 (0)79 6858 2121
 

Attention: This message is for the named person's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information. No confidentiality or privilege is waived or lost by any mistransmission. If you receive this message in error, please immediately delete it and all copies of it from your system, destroy any hard copies of it securely and notify the sender. You must not, directly or indirectly, use, disclose, distribute, print, or copy any part of this message if you are not the intended recipient. Concoat Ltd and any of its subsidiaries each reserve the right to monitor all e-mail communications through its networks.

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the message states otherwise and the sender is authorised to state them to be the views of Concoat Ltd or one of its subsidiaries.

Although this message has been scanned for known viruses and inappropriate content, we recommend that recipients employ appropriate measures on their systems to intercept any such material.

Thank You - Concoat Ltd