Effect of Intermetallic Growth on Durability of High Temperature Solders (SnAg, SAC305, SAC+Mn, SnAg+Cu Nano) in Thermal and Vibration Environments

Abstract

The RoHS ban of lead from electronics has pushed the industry to find lead free alternatives. In high temperature environments, high lead solders have typically been used. A suitable lead free replacement alloy is required. In this study quad flat packages (QFP) and 2512 chip resistors soldered with commercially available Sn3.5Ag and SAC305, and experimental SAC+Mn and SnAg+Cu Nano alloys on ENIG finished copper were subjected to three tests. Isothermal aging at 185°C for up to 1000 hours and at 200°C for up to 500 hours were performed to measure the interfacial intermetallic thickness, assess intermetallic compounds, and view the microstructure. A durability assessment was performed featuring thermal cycling ranges of -40 to 185°C and -40 to 200°C intermixed with 50G vibration cycling to determine the most durable solder alloy. Failure analysis was performed to understand the durability results. Finally, shear testing was performed to determine a correlation between shear strength and durability. The results show SAC305 is the most reliable solder under these conditions.