Discrete Solder Segmentation for Circuit Device Dewetting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for manufacturing circuit devices suffer from solder dewetting issues due to poor solder wettability caused by the formation of intermetallic alloy layers between the solder and the pad, leading to increased thermal resistance and reduced reliability of solder joints, especially with the use of lead-free solder and rosin-based flux.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming a circuit device with a substrate, pads, and circuit elements attached using solder, where multiple discrete portions of solder are applied to the pad to reduce surface tension and prevent dewetting, and an alloy layer with varying thicknesses is formed at the interface to enhance connection strength and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If solder is applied to the entire surface of a large pad, then sufficient solder volume is provided for connection, but surface tension causes dewetting of the molten solder

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolder volumeVSAvoidsolder joint reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the continuous solder layer into multiple discrete islands or portions on the pad surface. This segmentation reduces the surface area exposed to surface tension forces, preventing dewetting while maintaining sufficient solder volume for reliable connections. The discrete portions are distributed across the pad to ensure adequate coverage without creating continuous molten solder pools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different solder distribution patterns to different regions of the pad. Discrete solder portions are placed at specific locations where connections are needed, while other areas may have reduced or no solder. This local differentiation optimizes solder placement to prevent dewetting in critical areas while ensuring sufficient solder volume where connections are required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If intermetallic alloy layers are formed between solder and pad, then connection strength is improved, but solder wettability deteriorates causing dewetting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsolder wettability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flux coating to the pad surface before solder application. This preliminary action creates a protective layer that prevents premature formation of thick intermetallic alloy layers during the heating process. The flux acts as a barrier that controls the alloying reaction, ensuring strong connections while preventing the excessive alloy layer formation that causes dewetting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the solder paste by incorporating specific flux agents and alloying elements. This changes the reaction characteristics during heating, controlling the formation rate and thickness of intermetallic layers. The parameter adjustment ensures optimal balance between connection strength and wettability by preventing excessive alloy layer development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If lead-free solder is used, then environmental compliance is improved, but alloy layer formation increases causing poor wettability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental harmVSAvoidsolder wettability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces flux as an intermediary substance between the lead-free solder and the pad surface. This flux layer mediates the interaction during heating, controlling the formation of intermetallic alloy layers. The flux acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct excessive reaction between the lead-free solder and pad, thereby maintaining good wettability while using environmentally compliant lead-free solder materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite solder paste formulations combining lead-free solder particles with specific flux agents and alloying elements. This composite material approach optimizes the interaction between solder and pad, controlling intermetallic layer formation to maintain wettability. The composite formulation includes components that specifically address the poor wettability issue associated with lead-free solder while maintaining environmental compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively prevents solder dewetting, maintains connection reliability, and improves the mechanical strength of solder joints by managing the alloy layer thickness, ensuring consistent bonding between the solder and the pad.

Implementation Method 1

heating is performed until the solder for connecting the transistor 104C and the like melts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

a large surface tension acts on the molten solder 109, causing dewetting of the solder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 3

an intermetallic compound of copper and tin is formed, the copper being a material of the pad 108A, the tin being a material of the solder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS9572294B2Circuit device and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC
  • US9572294B2 patent drawing
  • US9572294B2 patent drawing
  • US9572294B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are: a circuit device which has improved connection reliability in a solder joint portion by suppressing the occurrence of sink of solder; and a method for manufacturing the circuit device. In a method for manufacturing a circuit device of the present invention, a plurality of solders (19), which are apart from each other, are firstly formed on the upper surface of a pad (18A), and a chip component (14B) and a transistor (14C) are affixed at the same time. After that, a solder paste (31) is supplied to the upper surface of the pad (18A) using a syringe (30), a heatsink (14D) is mounted on top of the solder paste (31), and melting is caused by a reflow process. There is little risk of sinking of the solders (19) in the present invention since the solders (19) are discretely arranged on the upper surface of the pad (18A).