Board Level Power Cycler
For Uniform, Precise and Cost-Efficient Thermal Cycling of Multiple Printed Circuit Boards
To better understand the fatigue behavior of PB-free solders, extensive thermal cycling tests should be conducted. However, the number of chambers, space requirements, and cost necessary to conduct such testing makes it unfeasible for most companies.
To solve this problem, DfR Solutions introduces "The Therminator," a unique test apparatus capable of conducting six different thermal cycles simultaneously. To conduct multiple tests at different conditions, conventional thermal cycling chambers require a large amount of space, rack up energy costs, and are difficult to manage. The Therminator uses board power cycling and forced air cooling to provide a faster, more cost-efficient, and simple=to-use alternative to conventional testing. Printed wiring boards (PWBs) are heated via copper traces integrated in the middle layers of the board. A low level DC signal measures the temperature of the board and adjusts the heating pulse or cooling fans accordingly. The result is uniform and precise thermal cycling of each board individually.
Applications
Qualification of new packages, materials, and connectors
Temperature cycling
Constant temperature aging
Solder fatigue testing of SnAgCu, SnNiCu and SnPb solders
Qualification of products
Qualification of high density SMT CPU connectors assembled with SAC solder
Reliability assessment of SAC 2512 resistors reworked with SnNiCu
Key Features
Cycles up to six test boards simultaneously
Each board can be subjected to a different temperature cycle
Uses standard voltage
Rapid thermal response
Maximum temperatures greater than 150°C and heating rates in excess of 100°C per minute
Cooling rates of approximately 40°C per minute
USB Interface
Easy coupon design, more representative of actual products
Benefits
Greater ROI
"Plug & Play" ease-of-use
Smaller footprint
No need for special electrical outlets
Expandable rack configuration
Precise temperature control prevents overshoots
Capabilities
The Therminator's combination of a controlled heating element and complex software algorithms provides a comprehensive capability set. Maximum temperatures are limited only by the current availability and material limits of the printed board. Product qualification tests demonstrated heating up to 200°C for short periods of time with no damage to the printed board or long-term effect on temperature cycling. Complete control over heating and cooling ramp rates is provided, with no potentially damaging overshoots.
To find out more about The Therminator, contact us at 301-474-0607, or via email.