Silver oxide is still a very good conductor. After you have achieved a gas tight connection, what difference does it make if it tarnishes? Even when it does tarnish, it is still electrically conductive. We used silver plating for that very reason on some very sensitive electrical measurement machines reading capacitance values in a production environment and the silver holds up very well. Bill Brooks - KG6VVP PCB Design Engineer, C.I.D.+, C.I.I. Tel: (760)597-1500 Ext 3772 Fax: (760)597-1510 Datron World Communications, Inc. _______________________________________ San Diego Chapter of the IPC Designers Council Communications Officer, Web Manager http://dcchapters.ipc.org/SanDiego/ http://pcbwizards.com -----Original Message----- From: Franklin Asbell [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2005 10:03 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] RoHS Pressfit Connector My only experience with immersion silver is minimal, I do remember though when exposed to atmosphere regardless of the anti-tarnish applied it soon oxidizes, my only concern would be what is happening in the barrel 6 mos, 18 mos, 48 mos down the line. Sorry, wasn't the warm fuzzy you were hoping for. If you've completed 2 years of testing then you may know the answer to that already, if corrosion or oxidation is not an issue I would go with the silver. Franklin -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Frank Kimmey Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2005 11:23 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] RoHS Pressfit Connector Franklin, My Tin whisker concern is derived from the connector only. Immersion Tins such as Omikron are unfortunately not a qualified finish for my company. Due to the type of design we do and the fact that it required over 2 years of testing to qualify IAg, I have not tried to add ISn to our finishes. I personally have no concerns of metal migration from the Omikron finish (I have studied up on this), but I also work with a bunch of RF Engineers who seem to feel it will effect their black magic. Have you ever tried to convince a RF Engineer to change their ways (sometimes I think I would rather herd cats)? Unfortunately due to the collapsing window I have for qualification of these new RoHS products I am forced to use what I have and am just looking to find the "warm and fuzzy" feeling that I won't be causing field failure issues with this new combination. Thanks for your input, FNK -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Franklin Asbell Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2005 8:53 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [TN] RoHS Pressfit Connector I'm curious why Immersion Tin is not an alternative for you, or, is that why you wrote tin whiskers? Today's immersion tins, Omikron more so than FST, is a suitable coating for press-fit product that virtually eliminates whiskers. I would say the risk of whiskers with Omikron is no better, or worse, than Enig or IAg...yes, I know what I just wrote... I am surprised Florida Cirtech (and I only mention them as I have not dealt with Enthone's FST since it was Dexter) has not been more vocal about their product. When 35 - 40 micro inches are applied it makes a fine surface for multiple thermal cycles and any press-fit product. Plus, it is less expensive than the other two you mentioned. And no, I am not a spokesman for Florida Cirtech, just someone who has used their product for many years and am familiar with it's capabilities and limitations. I think someone should write an article about this, explaining the differences (chemistry, grain structure, dendritic growth susceptibility , etc) to dispel the fear of today's bath's. Post this article in fabrication and assembly mag's both hard copy and electronic. All testing I've performed, many hours, many designs, I was only able to get growth over the Omikron surface by introducing contaminates "at the completion" of testing. It just would not whisker... Franklin -----Original Message----- From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Frank Kimmey Sent: Tuesday, October 04, 2005 10:37 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [TN] RoHS Pressfit Connector A little help would be appreciated here. I have been tasked with selecting the "right" RoHS finish for our PCBAs. Until now I think it's been pretty easy, just choosing between ENIG and IAg. Now I have run into an issue that has me unsure. Due to a short window (no time to experiment) and materials available here is what I'm up against. I need to convert an assembly that uses a 50+ pin pressfit connector from Sn/Pb over Ni going into HASL. The new connector is Sn over Ni and cannot be sourced elsewhere (customer requirement) The new PCB can be either ENIG or IAg. The connector has a customer required "no solder to be used". My worries are: 1. How bad will tin whisker issue get? And is there anything I can do? 2. Will IAg have more problems due to environmentals (sulfur, etc.) 3. Since we call out 40 to 150 u" of Ni in our ENIG will barrel damage likely rear its ugly head? This connector does require considerable force to install (in this case press fit means equipment to be used). I think that once pressed in, then the connector to copper mechanical connection may be enough. So I am leaning towards IAg. Your thoughts and comments are highly appreciated. Thanks, FNK Frank N Kimmey CID+ Principal PCB Designer Powerwave Technologies Inc Office 916-941-3159 Fax 916-941-3195 Cellular 916-804-2491 --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 ----------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Technet Mail List provided as a service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8e To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL) To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815 -----------------------------------------------------