Abstract
The solder joint microstructures of immersion Ag with Sn-xZn (x = 0 wt.%, 1 wt.%, 5 wt.%, and 9 wt.%) solders were analyzed and correlated with their drop impact reliability. Addition of 1 wt.% Zn to Sn did not change the interface microstructure and was only marginally effective. In comparison, the addition of 5 wt.% or 9 wt.% Zn formed layers of AgZn 3 /Ag 5 Zn 8 at the solder joint interface, which increased drop reliability significantly. Under extensive aging, Ag-Zn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) transformed into Cu 5 Zn 8 and Ag 3 Sn, and the drop impact resistance at the solder joints deteriorated up to a point. The beneficial role of Zn on immersion Ag pads was ascribed to the formation of Ag-Zn IMC layers, which were fairly resistant to the drop impact, and to the suppression of the brittle Cu 6 Sn 5 phase at the joint interface.
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