Effect of Multiple Reflows on the Mechanical Reliability of Solder Joint in LED Package

The research efforts on GaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) keep increasing due to their significant impact on the illumination industry. Surface mount technology (SMT) is widely used to mount the LED packages for practical application. In surface mount soldering both the device body and leads are intentionally heated by a reflow process. We studied on the effects of multiple reflows on microstructural variation and joint strength of the solder joints between the LED package and the substrate. In this study, Pb-free Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu solder and a finished pad with organic solderability preservatives (OSP) were employed. A Cu6Sn5 intermetallic compound (IMC) layer was formed during the multiple reflows, and the thickness of the IMC layerincreased with an increasing number of reflows. The shear force decreased after three reflows. From the observation of the fracture surface after a shear test, partially brittle fractures were observed after five reflows. (Received May 20, 2010)