Soldering is a process that establishes an electrical connection between two components on a printed circuit board. How effective this connection is ultimately depends on the quality of solder and the soldering process. A good solder joint has a good electrical reliability that does not give out even if the application is subjected to situational extremes. This blogpost will help you in understanding the concept of electrical reliability.
What to expect from solder joints?
Solder joints are designed to last long. In sensitive applications like computers and surveillance systems, solder joints must outlast the life of the device in order to make sure the device keeps working until the last moment. The electrical reliability of a good solder joint enables:
• Good conductivity of current across the joint
• Homogeneity of the joint to offer less resistance to current flow
• Durability and endurance for long life and optimal performance
Joint reliability – tests performed to understand it
Solder joints need to perform on certain parameters if they are to be considered reliable. The thermal cycle test is performed on a solder joint to determine its reliability based on fatigue. In this test, a transition rate of 20°C per minute or less is applied to a solder joint to assess failure. When 63% failure has occurred in the solder joint, graphs are plotted to understand the patterns.
In moving applications of printed circuit boards, it is necessary that electrical conductivity of a joint be maintained with full integrity even if the board experiences vibration loads, which typically happens in automobiles, avionics and other transportation PCBs. Solder joints also need to have certain mechanical strength in order to save the connection in case the device experiences mechanical shock.
Electrical reliability of a solder joint determines how well current passes through the joint, which impacts the overall functioning of the device.
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