Influence of pH-Value on the Mechanism of Electrochemical Migration
Dr. Helmut Schweigart, Dr. Markus Meier
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Brief Insight
Electrochemical Migration is a key failure mechanism in electronics under moisture.
This study reveals new insights into its stages and effects, highlighting risks for both signal and power electronics.
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Article number: EN-2202-02
White paper
Influence of pH-Value on the Mechanism of Electrochemical Migration
Abstract
Electrochemical Migration remains one of the most common failure mechanisms in electronic assemblies exposed to moisture and condensation. This study investigates the pH-value development during electrochemical migration using real-time video microscopy and correlates it with the electrochemical properties of tin. The mechanism is subdivided into three stages: initial stage, corrosion, and dendrite growth.
The extreme pH values and gas development observed in the initial stage provide insights into polymer degradation processes relevant for CAF, anodic migration, and water-treeing. As these mechanisms increasingly affect power electronics, a deeper understanding of electrochemical migration is essential beyond signal electronics.
The paper discusses the pH value and gas formation based on real-time videos of Electrochemical Migration.
Key Topics
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Prerequisites for electrochemical migration occurring
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Mechanism of electrochemical migration
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Corrosion & Dendrite growth
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Conclusion & outlook
Category: Electrochemical Migration & Corrosion / Power Electronics | Request: Bookmark this
Dr. Helmut Schweigart
Head of Reliability & Surfaces
Dr. Helmut Schweigart obtained his doctorate for research into the reliability of electronic sub-assemblies, and he has been employed at ZESTRON Europe since the early days of the company. He is now Head of Reliability & Surfaces Team. He is also a member of the Board of Management at GfKORR (Gesellschaft für Korrosionsschutz - a company specialising in corrosion inhibitors) as well as an active member of GUS (Gesellschaft für Umweltsimulation - an environmental simulation company) and of the IPC. He has already published numerous technical articles.
Dr. Markus Meier
Group Leader Reliability & Surfaces
After his study of chemistry at the Technical University Munich, Markus Meier worked among others on the ageing of cement and earned a PhD on the topic crystallization of cement-hydrate-phases under microgravity conditions. He is experienced in the areas interfacial chemistry and surface analytics. He is part of the Reliability & Surfaces Team in which he is responsible for the coordination of research projects as well as the organization of technology coachings.
