Original Date: 11/01/2004
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Center for Advanced Life-Cycle Engineering ‘s research on the Characterization of Degradation Behavior of Electronic Materials has led to a better understanding of material characterizations that affect the degradation of materials, not just part functionality.

Characterization of new materials used in the manufacture of electronic parts/assemblies is usually performed by the material supplier. A shortcoming of this process is that the material supplier characterization effort is usually directed at measuring properties that influence part functionality, rather than properties that influence degradation of the component part. Degradation of electronic components can occur from outside environmental stimuli (e.g., temperature, vibration, or humidity). This data, gathered from the understanding of environmental stimuli effects, is a critical foundation to accurate reliability assessment and comprehensive root-cause analysis.

The Center for Advanced Life-Cycle Engineering (EPSC) recognized the need for identifying and analyzing all external stimuli that affect the total lifecycle and performance of any given electronic component. Thus, CALCE developed a comprehensive approach to material characterization, especially with those properties that influence degradation mechanisms. Much care is used to address uncertainty in measurements by using only National Institute of Standards and Technology calibration traceable equipment, and fully trained and certified personnel to perform the tests and analysis. A stringent peer review process is used during material characterization when required, such as when discrepancies in testing are noted and in performing the root-cause analysis to determine the cause or causes of aberrations in testing. During the peer review process, laboratory personnel are required to present multiple values obtained from literature on the same or similar materials and make comparisons to their material characterization results. When applicable, different techniques and/or equipment that can measure the same material properties are used for comparisons. Extensive discrepancies are then subjected to root-cause analysis to understand the effects of the data discrepancies.

Since 2001, CALCE has proven the value of material Characterization of Degradation Behavior in several studies with industry partners. Through these analyses, industry has been able to develop requirements for proper and validated material characterization data, with an appropriate focus on the characterization of material behaviors that influence product degradation and eventual failure.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.