A power cycling in-test monitoring system has been constructed to test the
reliability of eight different lead-free surface mount assemblies. The asse
mblies included SnAg3.8Cu0.7 and SnAg3.8Cu0.7X solder joints on OSP-Cu (org
anic solderability preservative on Cu), electroless NiAu, immersion Ag and
immersion Sn board metallizations, One Pb containing assembly, Sn62PbAg2 on
OSP-Cu board metallization, was included for comparison. The components on
the assemblies were 1206 resistors (Sn100 metallization on the end termina
ls) and 100 lead QFP with gullwing leads (SnPb15 metallization), All assemb
lies experienced up to 5000 power cycles of ambient to 100 OC,vith a 15 min
dwell at each temperature. Solder joint reliability was evaluated by monit
oring electrical resistance after each power cycle and examining mechanical
strength and microstructure with number of power cycles. The 1206 resistor
s on four of the assemblies (one of which was the Pb containing assembly) e
xhibited electrical resistance increases after 4000 power cycles. All resis
tor samples decreased in strength by more than 70% at 5000 cycles and crack
s appeared after 1000 power cycles. All gullwing lead solder joints exhibit
ed good reliability over 5000 power cycles, with no resistance increase and
no strength reduction. Small cracks appeared after 3000 power cycles.