Electrochemical migration is a failure mechanism in electronic circuits where metal ions, typically from solder or conductive traces, dissolve and migrate under the influence of an electric field, leading to short circuits. This phenomenon is influenced by factors such as humidity, voltage bias, and the presence of ionic contaminants, and is a significant reliability concern in microelectronics and printed circuit boards.

Electrochemical Migration

Failure Mechanism

Electronic circuits are the fundamental building blocks of modern electronic devices, enabling the manipulation and control of electrical signals to perform a wide range of functions. They consist of interconnected components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors, each serving a specific role in the circuit's operation.

Electronic Circuits

Metal ions are tiny pieces of metal that are really important for many things in our bodies and the world around us. They help with making energy, building strong bones, and even making plants grow big and green.

Metal Ions

Solder

Conductive traces are the pathways on a printed circuit board (PCB) that allow electrical signals to flow between components, essentially serving as the wiring for electronic devices. Their design and material composition are critical for ensuring efficient signal transmission and minimizing energy loss.

Conductive Traces

An electric field is a vector field around a charged particle that represents the force exerted on other charges placed within the field. The strength and direction of the electric field are determined by the magnitude and sign of the charge, as well as the distance from the charge.

Electric Field

Short circuits

Humidity is the concentration of water vapor present in the air, which significantly influences weather patterns, human comfort, and various ecosystems. It is typically measured in terms of relative humidity, absolute humidity, and specific humidity, each providing different insights into atmospheric moisture content.

Humidity

Voltage bias refers to the application of a constant voltage to a circuit or device to establish a reference point for its operation, often used to control the behavior of semiconductor devices like diodes and transistors. It ensures that the device operates in the desired region of its characteristic curve, optimizing performance and stability.

Voltage Bias

Ionic contaminants are charged particles that can interfere with the performance and reliability of electronic devices by causing corrosion or electrical leakage. They originate from various sources, including manufacturing processes, environmental exposure, and materials used in device construction, necessitating stringent control and cleaning protocols to ensure device integrity.

Ionic Contaminants

Reliability concern

Microelectronics is the branch of electronics that deals with the design and manufacture of very small electronic components and circuits, typically at the micrometer scale or smaller. It plays a crucial role in the development of modern technology, enabling the miniaturization and enhanced performance of electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, and medical equipment.

Microelectronics

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are essential components in modern electronic devices, providing a platform for mounting electronic components and establishing electrical connections between them. They are designed using specific software tools and manufactured through processes that include etching, drilling, and soldering to create complex electronic circuits on a compact substrate.

Concepts

Relevant Degrees

Your Lessons