JSTD 020 A
JSTD 020 A
APRIL 1999
JOINT
INDUSTRY
STANDARD
Moisture/Reflow
Sensitivity Classification
for Nonhermetic
Solid State Surface
Mount Devices
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Contents
Page
1 Pupose 1
2 Scope 1
3 Background 2
4 Applicable documents 2
5 Apparatus 2
5.1 Temperature humidity chambers 2
5.2 Solder Rreflow Equipment 3
5.3 Ovens 3
5.4 Microscopes 3
5.5 Cross-sectioning 3
5.6 Electrical test 3
5.7 Weighing apparatus (Optional) 4
6 Classification/reclassification 4
6.1 Reclassification 4
7 Procedure 5
7.1 Sample requirements 5
7.2 Electrical test 6
7.3 Initial inspection 6
7.4 Bake 6
7.5 Moisture soak 6
7.6 Reflow 7
7.7 External visual 8
7.8 Electrical test 8
7.9 Acoustic microscopy 8
8 Criteria 9
8.1 Failure criteria 9
8.2 Criteria requiring further evaluation 9
8.3 Failure verification 11
Contents (concluded)
Page
Tables
1 Package reflow conditions 5
2 Moisture sensitivity levels 7
3 Classification reflow profiles 8
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 1
(From JEDEC Board Ballot JCB-98-104, formulated under the cognizance of the IPC Plastic Chip
Carrier Cracking Task Group, B-10a, and the JEDEC JC-14.1 Subcommittee on Reliability Test Methods
for Packaged Devices.)
1 Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to identify the classification level of nonhermetic solid state Surface
Mount Devices (SMDs) that are sensitive to moisture-induced stress so that they can be properly
packaged, stored, and handled to avoid subsequent thermal/mechanical damage during the assembly
solder reflow attachment and/or repair operation.
This standard may be used to determine what classification level should be used for initial reliability
qualification.
If an initial qualification exists and no major changes have been made, this method may be used for
reclassification to an improved level (longer floor life up to level 2). The reclassification level cannot be
improved by more than one level without additional reliability testing.
Passing the reject criteria in this test method is not sufficient by itself to provide assurance of long term
reliability.
2 Scope
The classification procedure applies to all nonhermetic solid state Surface Mount Devices (SMDs) in
packages which, because of absorbed moisture, could be sensitive to damage during solder reflow. The
term SMD as used in this document means plastic encapsulated packages and other packages made with
moisture-permeable materials. The categories are intended to be used by SMD producers to inform users
(board assembly operations) of the level of moisture sensitivity of product devices, and by board
assembly operations to ensure that proper handling precautions are applied to moisture/reflow sensitive
devices.
NOTE The procedures in this document may be used on packaged devices not included in the scope. The failure
criteria for such packages must be agreed upon by the device supplier and the end user.
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 2
3 Background
The vapor pressure of moisture inside a plastic package increases rapidly when the package is exposed to
the high temperature of solder reflow. Under certain conditions, this pressure can cause internal
delamination of the plastic from the die and/or leadframe, internal cracks that do not extend to the outside
of the package, bond damage, wire necking, bond lifting, die lifting, thin film cracking, or cratering
beneath the bonds. In the most severe case, the stress can result in external package cracks. This is
commonly referred to as the "popcorn" phenomenon because the internal stress causes the package to
bulge and then crack with an audible "pop". SMDs are more susceptible to this problem than through-
hole parts because they are exposed to higher temperatures during reflow soldering. The reason for this
is that the soldering operation must occur on the same side of the board as the SMD device. For through-
hole devices, the soldering operation occurs under the board that shields the devices from the hot solder.
Also, SMDs have a smaller minimum plastic thickness from the chip or mount pad interface to the
outside package surface that has been identified as a critical factor in determining moisture sensitivity.
4 Applicable documents
EIA 625 Requirements for Handling Electrostatic Discharge Sensitive (ESD) Devices
IPC-TM-650 Test Methods Manual
IPC-SM-786 Procedures for Characterizing and Handling of Moisture/Reflow Sensitive ICs
JEP113 Symbol and Labels for Moisture Sensitive Devices
JESD 47 Stress Test Driven Qualification Specification
JESD22-A112 Moisture Induced Stress Sensitivity for Plastic Surface Mount Devices
JESD22-A113 Preconditioning Procedures of Plastic Surface Mount Devices Prior to Reliability
Testing
J-STD-035 Acoustic Microscopy for Nonhermetic Encapsulated Electronic Components
5 Apparatus
Moisture chamber(s), capable of operating at 85 °C/85% RH, 85 °C/60% RH, 60 °C/60% RH, and
30 °C/60% RH. Within the chamber working area, temperature tolerance must be ± 2 °C and the RH
tolerance must be ± 3% RH.
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 3
5 Apparatus (cont’d)
(a) (Preferred) - 100% Convection reflow system capable of maintaining the reflow profiles required
by this standard.
(b) VPR chamber capable of operating from 215-219 °C and/or 235 +5/-0 °C with appropriate fluids.
The chamber must be capable of heating the packages without collapsing the vapor blanket and
recondensing the vapor to minimize loss of the vapor phase soldering liquid. The vapor phase
soldering fluid must vaporize at the appropriate temperature specified above.
(c) Infrared (IR)/Convection solder reflow equipment capable of maintaining the reflow profiles
required by this standard. It is recommended that this equipment use the IR to heat the air and not
directly impinge upon the components under test.
NOTE The moisture sensitivity classification test results are dependent upon the package body temperature (rather
than board or lead temperature). Convection and VPR are known to be more controllable and repeatable than IR.
When there are correlation problems between VPR, IR/Convection, and Convection, the convection results shall be
considered as the standard.
5.3 Ovens
5.4 Microscopes
(a) Optical Microscope (40X for external and 100X for cross-section exam).
Note 1 The Scanning Acoustic Microscope is used to detect cracking and delamination. However, the presence of
delamination does not necessarily indicate a pending reliability problem. The reliability impact of delamination must
be established for a particular die/package system.
5 Apparatus (cont’d)
Weighing apparatus capable of weighing the package to a resolution of 1 microgram. This apparatus
must be maintained in a draft-free environment, such as a cabinet. It is used to obtain absorption and
desorption data on the devices under test (see Section 10).
6 Classification/Reclassifaction
Engineering studies have shown that small volume components reach body temperatures greater than
225 °C when reflow soldered to boards profiled for larger components. Therefore technical and/or
business issues might require small thin packages (reference Table 1) to be classified at 235 °C.
However, where it is known that certain small thin packages are used on boards without larger packages,
these small packages, may be classified at 220 °C. Table 1 defines the transition thickness/volume where
data have shown these SMDs can reach 235 °C when reflowed on boards with larger components.
Note 1 Previously classified SMDs will not reflect this higher temperature until reclassified by the manufacturer.
As a result users should refer to the “Moisture Sensitivity” Label on the bag to determine at which reflow
temperature the components were classified.
Note 2 Level 1 devices should be considered to have a maximum reflow temperature of 220 °C unless labeled as
capable of reflow at 235 °C.
6.1 Reclassification
In order to minimize testing, the results from a given SMD package may be accepted to cover all other
devices in the same SMD package, mold compound, fab technology, and same or smaller die pad
dimensions.
The following attributes could affect the moisture sensitivity of a device and may require reclassification:
6 Classification/Reclassifaction (cont’d)
Note 1 Package volume is defined as the body height x width x length but excludes external leads and non-integral
heatsinks.
Note 2 The maximum component temperature reached during reflow depends on package thickness and volume.
Smaller, thinner components typically reach higher temperatures during board assembly, particularly in IR based
reflow processes. Use of 100 % convection reflow processes reduces the thermal gradients between packages.
However, thermal gradients due to differences in thermal mass of components still exist.
Note 3 The 235 °C reflow temperature applies primarily to peripherally leaded package types that are mounted on
boards with mixed sized components. BGAs shall be classified at 220 °C, unless otherwise specified by the supplier.
7 Procedure
The recommended procedure is to start testing at the lowest moisture sensitivity level the evaluation
package is reasonably expected to pass (based on knowledge of other similar evaluation packages).
For a qualified package being reclassified without additional reliability testing select a minimum sample
of 22 units for each moisture sensitivity level to be tested. A minimum of two nonconsecutive assembly
lots must be included in the sample with each lot having approximately the same representation. Sample
units shall have completed all manufacturing processing required prior to shipment. Sample groups may
be run concurrently on one or more moisture sensitivity levels.
Select a minimum sample of 11 units for each moisture sensitivity level to be tested. A minimum of two
nonconsecutive assembly lots must be included in the sample with each lot having approximately the
same representation. Sample units shall have completed all manufacturing processes required prior to
shipment. Sample groups may be run concurrently on one or more moisture sensitivity levels. Testing
must be continued until a passing level is found.
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 6
7 Procedure (cont’d)
Test appropriate electrical parameters, e.g., data sheet values, in house specifications, etc. Replace any
devices that fail to meet tested parameters.
Perform an external visual and acoustic microscope examination to establish a baseline for the
cracking/delamination criteria in 8.2.1.
Note This standard does not consider or establish any time zero requirements for delamination.
7.4 Bake
Bake the sample for 24 hours minimum at 125 +5/-0 °C. This step is intended to remove moisture from
the package so that it will be "dry."
Note This time/temperature may be modified if desorption data on the particular device under test
shows that a different condition is required to obtain a "dry" package when starting in the wet condition
for 85 °C /85% RH. See 10.3.
Place devices in a clean, dry, shallow container so that the package bodies do not touch or overlap each
other. Submit each sample to the appropriate soak requirements shown in Table 2. (At all times parts
should be handled using proper ESD procedures in accordance with EIA 625).
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 7
7 Procedure (cont’d)
Note 1 To use the “Accelerated Equivalent” soak requirements; correlation of damage response, including
electrical, after soak and reflow must be established with the “Standard” soak requirements. Accelerated soak times
may vary due to material properties, i.e., Mold compound, encapsulant, etc.
Note 2 Standard soak time, which includes a default value for semiconductor Manufacturer's Exposure Time
(MET) between bake and bag plus the maximum time allowed out of the bag at the distributor's facility, of 24 hours.
If the actual MET is less than 24 hours the soak time may be reduced. For soak conditions of 30 °C/60%
RH the soak time is reduced by 1 h. for each hour the MET is less than 24 hours. For soak conditions of
60 °C/60% RH, the soak time is reduced by 1 h. for each 5 hours the MET is less than 24 hours.
If the actual MET is greater than 24 hours the soak time must be increased. If soak conditions are
30 °C/60% RH, the soak time is increased 1 h. for each hour that the actual MET exceeds 24 hours. If
soak conditions are 60 °C/60% RH, the soak time is increased 1 h. for each 5 hours that the actual MET
exceeds 24 hours.
7.6 Reflow
Not sooner than fifteen (15) minutes and not longer than four (4) hours after removal from the
temperature/humidity chamber, subject the sample to three (3) cycles of the appropriate reflow
conditions as defined in Table 3.
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 8
7 Procedure (cont’d)
Note All temperatures refer to top side of the package, measured on the package body surface. The devices shall be
allowed to cool down for five (5) minutes minimum between Convection, IR/Convection, or VPR cycles.
Examine the devices using an optical microscope (40X) to look for external cracks.
Perform appropriate electrical testing on all devices, e.g., data sheet values, in-house specifications, etc.
8 Criteria
If one or more devices in the test sample fail, the package shall be considered to have failed the tested
level.
(c) Internal crack that intersects a bond wire, ball bond, or wedge bond
(d) Internal crack extending from any lead finger to any other internal feature (lead finger, chip, die
attach paddle)
(e) Internal crack extending more than two-thirds (2/3) the distance from any internal feature to the
outside of the package
(f) Changes in package body flatness caused by warpage, swelling or bulging visible to the naked
eye. If parts still meet coplanarity and standoff dimensions they shall be considered passing.
Note 1 If internal cracks are indicated by acoustic microscopy, they must either be considered a failure or verified
good using polished cross sections through the identified site.
Note 2 Failing components must be evaluated to the next level of moisture sensitivity using a new set of samples.
Note 3 If the components pass the requirements of 8.1, and there is no evidence of delamination or cracks observed
by acoustic microscopy or other means, the component is considered to pass that level of moisture sensitivity.
To evaluate the impact of delamination on device reliability, the semiconductor manufacturer may either
meet the delamination change requirements shown in 8.2.1 or perform reliability assessment using
JESD22-A113 and JESD47 or the semiconductor manufacturer's in-house procedures. The reliability
assessment may consist of stress testing, historical generic data analysis, etc. Annex A shows the logic
flow diagram for the implementation of these criteria.
If the components pass electrical tests and there is delamination on the back side of the die paddle, heat
spreader, die back side (lead on chip only) but there is no evidence of cracking, or other delamination,
and still meet specified dimensional criteria, the components are considered to pass that level of moisture
sensitivity.
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 10
8 Criteria (cont’d)
8.2.1 Delamination
The following delamination changes are measured from premoisture soak to post reflow. A measurable
delamination change is defined as a 10% absolute change between pre- and post- reflow. The absolute
percent (%) delamination change is calculated in relation to the total area being evaluated. For this
criterion, the equipment must be capable of measuring a minimum absolute delamination change of 10 %.
(b) No measurable delamination change on any wire bonding surface of the die paddle (downbond
area) or the leadframe of LOC (Lead On Chip) devices.
(c) No measurable delamination change along any polymeric film bridging any metallic features that are
designed to be isolated (verifiable by through transmission acoustic microscopy).
(d) No measurable delamination/cracking change through the die attach region in thermally
enhanced packages or devices that require backside electrical contact.
(e) No surface-breaking feature delaminated over its entire length. A surface-breaking feature
includes: lead fingers, tie bars, heat spreader alignment features, heat slugs, etc.
(b) No measurable delamination change on any wire bonding surface of the laminate
(c) No measurable delamination change along the polymer potting or molding compound/laminate
interface for cavity and overmolded packages
(d) No measurable delamination change along the solder mask/laminate resin interface
(g) No measurable delamination/cracking change between underfill resin and chip or underfill resin
and substrate/solder mask.
(h) No surface-breaking feature delaminated over its entire length. A surface-breaking feature
includes lead fingers, laminate, laminate metallization, PTH, heat slugs, etc.
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 11
8 Criteria (cont’d)
Note On BGAs, the C-mode acoustic image is not easy to interpret. Through transmission acoustic imaging is
recommended because it is easier to interpret and more reliable. If it is necessary to verify results or determine at
what level in the package the cracking/delamination is occurring, cross-sectional analysis should be used.
All failures should be analyzed to confirm that the failure mechanism is associated with moisture
sensitivity. If there are no reflow moisture-sensitive-induced failures in the level selected, the component
meets the tested level of moisture sensitivity.
If the acoustic microscope scans show failure to any of the criteria listed in 8.2.1, the components shall
be tested to the next level of moisture sensitivity or subjected to a reliability assessment using
JESD22-A113 and JESD47 or the semiconductor manufacturer's in-house procedures.
(a) If a device passes level 1, it is classified as not moisture sensitive and does not require dry pack.
(b) If a device fails level 1 but passes a higher numerical level, it is classified as moisture sensitive
and must be dry packed. Labeling should be in accordance with JEP113.
(c) If a device will only pass level 6, it is classified as extremely moisture sensitive and dry pack will
not provide adequate protection. If this product is shipped, the customer must be advised of its
classification. The supplier must also include a warning label with the device indicating that it either
be socket mounted, or baked dry within time on label before reflow soldering. The minimum bake
time and temperature should be determined from desorption studies of the device under test. See
10.3.
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 12
Weight gain analysis (absorption) can be very valuable in determining estimated floor life (the time from
removal of a device from dry pack until it absorbs sufficient moisture to be at risk during reflow
soldering). Weight loss analysis (desorption) is valuable in determining the bake time required to remove
excess moisture from a device so that it will no longer be at risk during reflow soldering. Weight
gain/loss is calculated using an average for the entire sample. It is recommended that ten (10) devices be
used in the sample.
"Wet" is relative and means the package is exposed to moisture under specific temperature and humidity
conditions.
"Dry" is specific and means no additional moisture can be removed from the package at 125 °C .
The X-axis (time) read points should be selected for plotting the absorption curve. For the early
readings, points should be relatively short (24 hours or less) because the curve will have a steep initial
slope. Later readings may be spread out further (10 days or more) as the curve becomes asymptotic. The
Y-axis (weight gain) should start with "0" and increase to the saturated weight gain. Most devices will
reach saturation between 0.3% and 0.4% when stored at 85 °C/85% RH. Use the formula in 10.1.
Devices shall be kept at room ambient between removal from the oven or chamber and weighing and
subsequent reinsertion into the oven or chamber.
The dry weight of the sample should be determined first. Bake the sample for 48 hours minimum at
125 +5/-0 °C to ensure that the devices are dry. Within one (1) hour after removal from the oven, weigh
the devices using the optional equipment in 5.7 and determine an average dry weight per 10.1. For small
SMDs (less than 1.5 mm total height), devices should be weighed within thirty (30) minutes after
removal from oven.
Within one (1) hour after weighing, place the devices in a clean, dry, shallow container so that the
package bodies do not touch each other. Place the devices in the desired temperature/humidity condition
for the desired length of time.
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 13
10.2.4 Readouts
Upon removal of the devices from the temperature/humidity chamber, allow devices to cool for at least
15 minutes. Within one (1) hour after removal from the chamber, weigh the devices. For small SMDs
(less than 1.5 mm total height), devices should be weighed within thirty (30) minutes after removal from
the chamber. After the devices are weighed, follow the procedure in 10.2.3 for placing the devices back
in the temperature/humidity chamber. No more than two (2) hours total time should elapse between
removal of devices from the temperature/humidity chamber and their return to the chamber.
Continue alternating between 10.2.3 and 10.2.4 until the devices reach saturation as indicated by no
additional increase in moisture absorption or until soaked to the maximum time of interest.
The desorption curve can be plotted using devices that have reached saturation as determined in 10.2.
The suggested read points on the X-axis are 12 hour intervals. The Y-axis should run from "0%" weight
gain to the saturated value as determined in 10.2.
10.3.2 Baking
Within one (1) hour (but not sooner than fifteen (15) minutes) after removal of the saturated devices from
the temperature/humidity chamber, place the devices in a clean, dry, shallow container so that the
package bodies do not touch each other. Place the devices in the bake oven at the desired temperature for
the desired time.
10.3.3 Readouts
At the desired read point, remove the devices from the bake oven. Within one (1) hour after removal of
the devices from the bake oven, remove the devices from the container and determine their average
weight using the optional equipment in 5.7 and formula in 10.1.
Within one (1) hour after weighing the devices, place them in a clean, dry, shallow container so that the
package bodies do not touch each other. Return the devices to the bake oven for the desired time.
Continue until the devices have lost all their moisture as determined by the dry weight in 10.2.2.
Joint IPC/JEDEC Standard J-STD-020A
Page 14
(d) Any reject criteria (including Scanning Acoustic Microscope criterion) in addition to those
shown in clause 8.
Pass NO
Electrical Test
?
YES
External Visual Inspection
YES
External Cracks
?
NO
Evaluate/Obtain Internal Damage Information
Acoustic Microscopy Images
Cross-sections, etc.
Crack
NO
or
Delamination
?
YES
Crack or
NO Delamination Change
(Other Than Heat
Spreader or Backside
Paddle)
?
YES
Assess Crack by X-section
or Other Means
FAIL
Crack Criteria
?
PASS
Reliability YES
Assessment
Planned
NO
PASS
Delamination
Criteria
FAIL
Reliability Assessment
YES NO
Pass Reliability
PASS ?
Classification FAIL
For Level Tested Classification
For Level Tested