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SOR 1029 Thermal HALT

SOR 1029 Thermal HALT

Thermal HALT

Abstract

Kirk and Fred discuss a paper Kirk wrote about how thermal HALT can be a tool for finding marginal signal integrity issues.

Key Points

Join Kirk and Fred as they discuss Kirk’s paper on the use of thermal HALT, initially posted on Kirk’s website, acceleratedreliabilitysolutions.com, in 2018, and a re-edited version that Fred recently posted on Accendo Reliability’s website. You can find a link to the article in the show notes below.

Topics include:

  • Kirk found little when he researched for information and data about how the physical electronics, especially the PWBA (printed wiring board assemblies) in high-speed digital systems, the variations in the board layers, and the surface roughness of the wiring traces affect the quality of the signal integrity (SI).  
  • As data bus speeds increase, effects causing errors in data transmission that were not significant at the time (when bus frequencies were in the megahertz range) became dominant at the gigahertz frequencies of today’s digital systems. Interconnect resistance, capacitance, and inductance are frequency-dependent, and as bus speeds increase and geometries continue to shrink, these variables may prove difficult– if not impossible– to model accurately.  
  • Thermal HALT and varying voltage and  clock margins may simulate the lot-to-lot parametric variations in semiconductors and PWBA’s, resulting in SI errors, but since few companies disclose their most useful methodologies, published data remains scarce

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SOR 1025 Getting Started with Vibration Testing

SOR 1025 Getting Started with Vibration Testing

Getting Started with Vibration Testing

Abstract

Chris and Fred discuss how we get started with vibration testing. We are often told (or feel like) we need to conduct vibration testing on new products and components. But what does that mean? Where do we start?
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QDD 157 How Engineers Changed Thanksgiving

QDD 157 How Engineers Changed Thanksgiving

How Engineers Changed Thanksgiving

An artist's rendering of 16 cans and jars with various fruit and vegetable labels. Designed by brgfx / Freepik

Have you ever stopped to consider the engineering marvels that make festive meals like Thanksgiving possible? Engineering has played a crucial role in ensuring we can enjoy fresh-tasting vegetables and perfectly preserved foods all year round.

Beyond the realm of food preservation, this episode serves as a tribute to the unsung heroes of our holiday tables: engineers. These individuals are responsible for the seamless functioning of everyday items that enhance our lives. By shedding light on these engineering feats, we hope to inspire a greater appreciation for the engineering community’s contributions to making life safer, easier, and more enjoyable.

As a fellow engineer, I am proud to be part of a profession that has such a profound impact on the world. By sharing stories of innovation and success, we can foster a deeper understanding of the vital role engineers play in shaping our daily experiences. Whether it’s through the development of new technologies or the improvement of existing processes, engineers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring that our holiday feasts are as delicious, healthy, and convenient as ever.

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RM 157: What’s On Your Workbench? Critical Steps to Avoid Contamination of PCA’s During the Rework Process

RM 157: What’s On Your Workbench? Critical Steps to Avoid Contamination of PCA’s During the Rework Process

What’s On Your Workbench? Critical Steps to Avoid Contamination of PCA’s During the Rework Process

On today’s episode, we’ll be exploring the critical steps to avoid contamination on circuit assemblies during the rework process with our expert guest, Gayle Towell.

Gayle is the Content Marketing Specialist at AIM Solder, a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry. She holds master’s degrees in both mathematics and physics from the University of Oregon and has nearly two decades of experience in higher education, technical writing, and creative writing.

In her role at AIM Solder, Gayle is instrumental in producing technical and research-based materials, while also collaborating with industry partners on various projects.  She has contributed articles to industry publications, such as the Printed Circuit Engineering Association Magazine, where she discusses topics like solder paste powder sizes and mixing methods.

Gayle has also participated in industry events, including the SMTA International conference, where she shared her expertise in sessions covering soldering technologies and solder paste advancements. Additionally, she has appeared on podcasts discussing the development of new solder products.
Her extensive background in technical communication and her role at AIM Solder highlight her significant contributions to the electronics manufacturing industry, and today she’ll be sharing her insights from a recent technical article “What’s on Your Rework Bench.”

In this discussion, we’ll review the rework station and the essential practices that can make or break circuit reliability. Gayle will walk us through the common pitfalls she’s seen—from the dangers of unapproved fluxes to mismatched cleaning solvents—and explain how these mistakes lead to long-term failures in the field.

She’ll also share practical advice on maintaining a contamination-free bench, the importance of selecting compatible chemistries, and why regular audits and operator education are key to preventing unintended residues and contaminants.

Gayle will help us prevent one problem, rework, while not creating another, contamination.

Gayle’s Contact Information
Gayle Towell
gtowell@aimsolder.com
https://www.aimsolder.com

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