Possibility of Wetting Voltage Analysis for Risk Assessment of Electronic PCBs in the Event of Particle Exposure
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[Dr. Helmut Schweigart; Freddy Gilbert]
Uncover a crucial component within a comprehensive cleanliness strategy – the critical risk assessment of particles through Wetting Voltage Analysis. This article offers insights into practical implementation according to the ZVEI guideline “Bauteilsauberkeit” and highlights its application through a practical case study.
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Article number: EN-2308-05
Possibility of Wetting Voltage Analysis for Risk Assessment of Electronic PCBs in the Event of Particle Exposure
Continuous developments and growing requirements in the field of e-mobility are increasingly bringing technical cleanliness into focus when it comes to assessing the reliability of electrical systems. In the past, the requirements for electronic PCBs with regard to Technical Cleanliness focused on the specification of the number and size of metallic particles. There is a move away from specifying sizes and quantities towards risk assessments of all particles, as non-metallic particles and fibres can become conductive under higher stresses and humidity.
One component of a cleanliness concept, which must include the risk assessment of particles, is the analysis of the breakdown voltage or the so-called wetting voltage analysis.
By means of this evaluation, the critical voltage at which particles become conductive can be determined. In addition to the voltage, the humidity and temperature can also be varied and thus the dielectric strength of the particles can be tested with regard to target/ actual requirements based on
the conditions of use. The article describes the procedure for wetting voltage analysis based on the ZVEI guidelines on component cleanliness and presents a case from practice.
Dr. Helmut Schweigart
Head of Reliability & Surfaces, ZESTRON Europe
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.
Freddy Gilbert
Technology Analyst, ZESTRON Europe
Freddy Gilbert studied material sciences at the Graduate School of engineering of the University of Montpellier and the Technical University of Berlin. In his position as Technology Analyst in the ZESTRON Reliability & Surfaces team, he organises and conducts Technology Coachings focused on failure analysis, surface analysis as well as risk assessment.