Scope, Test samples/preparation – A P Products Meritec Through Hole Products Using Lead-Free Solder User Manual
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Meritec • 1359 West Jackson Street • Painesville • Ohio • 44077 • USA
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Scope
To determine acceptable methods and materials for mounting Meritec’s Through Hole
products using lead-free wave processes. The findings will form the basis by which
Meritec can assist it’s customers in making the changeover.
After reviewing the current product line, it was decided that Meritec’s PCI Connector
Product represented the biggest challenge. Of these, we chose the 184 pin right angle
version for our tests.
1...To mount Pb-free Meritec PCI Connectors using a Pb-free printed circuit board and
wave process. Establish a target time/temperature profile from which a recommendation
can be made to Meritec’s customers.
• Target time/temperature will be the profile that confirms good solder characteristics and
causes no damage to the plastic of the connector.
2...Mounting of Pb-free Meritec PCI Connectors will also be done using a 63/37 solder
alloy. This will be done to establish a backwards compatibility of the new plating with a
63/37 lead bearing solder.
Test Samples/Preparation
• Connector...
Meritec P/N
Size/Type
981159-184-2MPF
184 pin right angle PCI
• Printed Circuit Board...A test board (Meritec P/N 600440-02) was manufactured with a
pad pattern for each of the PCI connectors in the product line. Immersion silver was
chosen as a pcb finish for the Pb-free tests and Sn63/Pb37 HASL for the backwards
compatibility tests.
• Solder Alloy...Nihon Superior Solder Product Number SN100C was used for Pb-free
testing and has an alloy composition of Sn/Cu/Ni. Backwards compatibility testing was
done using a Nihon Superior Product Number H63A (Sn63/Pb37).
• Flux...Superior Flux and Mfg Co. Product Number 420-S flux was used for Pb-free
testing. This is a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) free, water based flux. Backwards
compatibility testing was done using a Superior Flux and Mfg Co. Product Number 325,
an alcohol based product. Both products are “No Clean” fluxes.