Description

The electronics manufacturing process is often very complex, with dozens of variables that impact the quality and reliability of the manufactured assemblies in the end use environment. Two of the important variables for consideration are the kinds of residues which remain on the electronic assembly and the effects that these residues have on reliability. These two variables are most often referred to in discussions on assembly “cleanliness”. While there are several different ways to measure residues and their effects on electrical performance, the two most common approaches in the industry are ionic cleanliness testing, for determination of ionic residues, and surface insulation resistance (SIR) testing, for the evaluation of electrochemical failures in humid environments.