B-52 CRET kit for process cleanliness testing

The test boards and components follow guidelines associated with the IPC-B-52 Test Vehicle.

There are several ways to measure residues and their effects on electrical performances - the two most common are ionic cleanliness testing, for determination of ionic residues, and surface insulation resistance (SIR) testing, for the evaluation of electrochemical failures in humid environments.

Of the various methods for determination of ionic residues, the method of choice is ion chromatography, which determines both the type of ionic residue and the amount of the residue.

The IPC method for ion chromatography is IPC-TM-650, method 2.3.28.

For SIR testing, the most modern test method, involving frequent or continuous monitoring, is IPC-TM-650, method 2.6.3.7.

Consequently, a test vehicle was needed that could be used for both ion chromatography and surface insulation resistance testing, but that was more representative of mainstream manufacturing materials and processes.

The IPC-B-52 Test Vehicle was the result.

The Practical B-52 CRET test vehicle is divided into four primary segments: the main SIR test board; the ion chromatography (IC) test coupon; the solder mask adhesion coupons; and the SIR mini-coupons.

Practical Components provides the test vehicles, components, Gerber files, and Aegis Circuit CAM files.

If the goal of testing is to perform an engineering evaluation of the manufacturing process, then stock IPC-B-52 boards can be used, but should be as representative as possible.

If the goal of the testing is process qualification, per J-STD-001 or IEC 61189-5, then the test vehicles should be procured from the customer's existing PCB vendor using the same material set as for manufactured hardware.

Practical will offer both tin-lead and lead-free versions of the PCB052 B-52 CRET kit.