PCBs are increasingly being populated with BGA packages.  A few years ago, boards only had one or two, but today, some PCBs have multiple BGAs, on both component and solder sides of the board. Consequently, the process engineer is highly challenged when creating the correct thermal profile, not only for the component side, but especially also for the other side.

It is important for OEMs that special attention is given to thermal profiling, whether their PCB applications are for computer, industrial, mil/aero, medical, or other systems. It is not only because PCBs are increasingly being populated with challenging BGA packages. It is because PCBs are becoming more dense and smaller to comply with portable and wireless applications.

Here are some suggestions OEMs will want to follow to assure their PCB design and assembly are effectively performed as far as having an EMS provider deploy the correct thermal profile.

• First of all, you must keep in mind that a thermal profile is unique and developed specifically for a given PCB assembly project.
• Don’t be fooled into believing there are only three thermal profile classes, one for small boards, another for medium size boards, and a third for large boards.  That may have been true many years ago, but not today.
• Select an EMS provider who has extensive experience in successfully developing and implementing thermal profiles for challenging PCB projects.
• Get a good understanding between lead-free and leaded or eutectic PCB assembly so issues don’t arise in the middle of your project.
• Get assurances from your EMS provider that it has sufficient experience assembling hybrid eutectic and lead-free PCBs.
• A good idea is to also check in with your favorite solder paste supplier who can give you an unbiased explanation of an effective thermal profile.
• Make sure your EMS provider understands the difference between lead-free and eutectic solder paste.  Using the wrong one on your project can cause costly problems.

Considering that PCB applications are continuing to increase in complexity and are becoming denser, it is important for you to get up to speed with newer, more advanced PCB assembly techniques to assure your PCB projects are successfully performed. An equally important point to make is for your EMS provider to apply the correct thermal profile to avoid catastrophic or latent problems with your end product.