JOINT
INDUSTRY
STANDARD
Solderability Tests for
Component Leads,
Terminations, Lugs,
Terminals and Wi r e s
INTERIM FINAL
IPC/EIA J-STD-002A
October 1998
Original Publication April 1992
Notice EIA and IPC Standards and Publications are designed to serve the public interest
through eliminating misunderstandings between manufacturers and purchasers,
facilitating interchangeability and improvement of products, and assisting the pur-
chaser in selecting and obtaining with minimum delay the proper product for his
particular need. Existence of such Standards and Publications shall not in any
respect preclude any member or nonmember of EIA or IPC from manufacturing or
selling products not conforming to such Standards and Publications, nor shall the
existence of such Standards and Publications preclude their voluntary use by those
other than EIA or IPC members, whether the standard is to be used either domesti-
cally or internationally.
Recommended Standards and Publications are adopted by EIA and IPC without
regard to whether their adoption may involve patents on articles, materials, or pro-
cesses. By such action, EIA and IPC do not assume any liability to any patent
owner, nor do they assume any obligation whatever to parties adopting the Recom-
mended Standard or Publication. Users are also wholly responsible for protecting
themselves against all claims of liabilities for patent infringement.
The material in this joint standard was developed by the EIA Soldering Technology
Committee (STC) and the IPC Component and Wire Solderability Specification
Task Group (5-23b).
For Technical Information Contact:
Electronic Industries Association
Engineering Department
2500 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone (703) 907-7500
Fax (703) 907-7501
IPC
2215 Sanders Road
Northbrook, IL 60646
Phone (847) 509-9700
Fax (847) 509-9798
Please use the Standard Improvement Form shown at the end of this
document.
©Copyright 1998. The Electronics Industries Alliance, Arlington, Virginia, and the IPC, Northbrook, Illinois. All rights reserved under both
international and Pan-American copyright conventions. Any copying, scanning or other reproduction of these materials without the prior
written consent of the copyright holder is strictly prohibited and constitutes infringement under the Copyright Law of the United States.
J-STD-002A
Solderability Tests for
Component Leads,
Terminations, Lugs,
Terminals and Wires
A joint standard developed by the EIA Soldering Technology Committee
(STC) and the Component and Wire Solderability Specification Task
Group of IPC
Users of this standard are encouraged to participate in the
development of future revisions.
Contact:
EIA
Engineering Department
2500 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone (703) 907-7500
Fax (703) 907-7501
IPC
2215 Sanders Road
Northbrook, IL 60062-6135
Phone (847) 509-9700
Fax (847) 509-9798
JOINT
INDUSTRY
STANDARD
Acknowledgment
Members of the EIA Soldering Technology Committee (STC) and the IPC Soldering Subcommittee (5–22) have worked
together to develop this document. We would like to thank them for their dedication to this effort.
Any Standard involving a complex technology draws material from a vast number of sources. While the principle members
of the Soldering/Solderability Specifications Task Group are shown below, it is not possible to include all of those who
assisted in the evolution of this Standard. To each of them, the members of the EIA and IPC extend their gratitude.
Assembly & Joining
Processes Committee
Component and Wire Solderability
Specification Task Group
EIA Soldering Technology
Committee
Chair
Jim Reed
Raytheon TI System
Chair
Dave Hillman
Rockwell
Chair
Mark Kwoka
Harris Corporation
Component and Wire Solderability Specifications Task Group
L. Abbagnaro, Pace Inc.
D. Adams, Rockwell International
F.C. Albers, Unisys Corp.
P.J. Amick, Mc Donnell Douglas
Elec. Sys Co.
J.E. Andrews, Hadco Corp.
F. Anglade, Metronelec
H.R. Armfield, Litton Data Systems
A. Astbury, Altron Incorporated
J. Baker, Repco Inc.
C. Barrett, Pace Inc.
G. Bates, Sherwood Medical
A. Beikmohamadi, E I DuPont De
Nemours & Co.
J.G. Bernauer, Unisys Corp.
D.F. Bernier, Kester Solder Division
W. Bibins, AlliedSignal Aerospace
R. Boerdner, EJE Research
S.T. Bora, Smiths Industries
E. Bradley, Motorola Inc.
C. Bradshaw, Memorex Telex Corp.
P. Bratin, ECI Technology Inc.
C. Brill, AMP Inc.
Dr. J. Brous, Alpha Metals Inc.
K. Brown, Bourns Inc.
T. Burnette, Motorola
R. Burress, SEHO USA Inc.
S.F. Caci, Raytheon Co.
L.W. Canarr, Rockwell International
J. Cannis, Amkor Elecronics
T. Carroll, Raytheon Systems
Company
M. Carrozzo, Express Test Corp.
G. Carter, MEC Inc.
A. Cash, Northrop Grumman
Corporation
K.C. Chao, Lockheed Missiles &
Space Co.
W.A. Clark, AT&T Bell Laboratories
H. Collins, AMP Incorporated
E. Colokathis, Exotic Plating Lab
Inc.
D. Cotosky, Kester Solder Division
L.A. Crouch,
D. Currie, Teledyne Systems Co.
G. Cushman, Eptac Corporation
D. D’Andrade, The Surface Mount
Technology Centre Inc.
R. Dehne, OEM Worldwide
J.A. DeVore, General Electric Co.
M.D. Dillie, Magnavox
R.J. Edgington, National Standard
Co.
D.A. Elliott, Electrovert Ltd.
G. Estvander, Sundstrand Aerospace
G.P. Evans, Indium Corp. of America
J.W. Evans, NASA HQ
H.S. Feldmesser, Johns Hopkins
University
J.R. Felty, Texas Instruments Inc.
R. Fields, E I DuPont De Nemours &
Co.
J.R. Finnell, National Semiconductor
A.D. Flaten, AT&T Information
Systems
D. Fritz, MacDermid Inc.
J. Gamalski, Siemens AG
J. Gechter, Delco Systems Operations
P. Gildehaus, Allied Signal Aerospace
C. Gonzalez, SCI Manufacturing Inc.
J. Gordon Davy, Northrop Grumman
Electronic Sensors & Systems Div
C. Grimes, Thomson Consumer
Electronics/RCA
B. Gulati, Parker/Gull Electronic Sys
Div
V. Gundotra, Motorola Inc.
W.B. Hampshire, Tin Information Ctr
of N Amer
C. Handwerker, U.S. Department of
Commerce
L. Hargreaves, DC. Scientific Inc.
R. Hartbauer, Kester Solder Division
J. Herard, IBM Corp./Endicott
Electronic Packaging
S. Herrberg, Hughes Defense
Communications
D. Hillman, Rockwell International
P.E. Hinton, Hinton ‘‘PWB’’
Engineering
R.R. Holmes, AT&T Microelectronics
J.B. Hoppke, Alliant Techsystems
Inc.
J. Hudson, Sandia National Labs
Albuquerque
C. Hunt, National Physical
Laboratory
L. Hymes, Plexus Corp.
R.C. Ihling, Lockheed Missiles &
Space Co.
B. Inpyn, Pitney Bowes Inc.
A. Irvine, IRC
M Jawitz, Litton Guidance & Control
Sys.
L.G. Johnson, General Electric Co.
J-STD-002A October 1998
ii
S.A. Jones, Wilcox Electric Inc.
M. Kasilag, Aerojet Electrosystems
Co.
C. Kemp, Evenflo Company Inc.
C. Kemp, General Electric Co.
G.W. Kenealey, Control Data Corp.
W.G. Kenyon, E I DuPont De
Nemours & Co.
K. Kirby, CAE-Link Corp.
L.P. Knowles, Librascope Corp.
T. Kokocinski, Northrop Corp.
J. Koon, Raytheon TI Systems Inc.
C. Korth, Hibbing Electronics Corp.
R. Kraszewski, Kester Solder
Division
J. Kukelhan, SAIC
V. Kumar, Martin-Marietta
Electronics
E.J. Kuntz, Alcatel Network Systems
Inc.
V. Kuo, EMPF
M. Kwoka, Harris Corp.
P. Kyne, DESC
B. Lamb, GenCorp-Aerojet
Electronic Systems
L. Lambert, EPTAC Corporation
J.P. Langan, Enthone-Omi Inc.
F. Lee, Northrop Grumman Norden
Systems
D. LeMay, Cray Research Inc.
R.B. Lomerson, General Dynamics
K. Lin, Lucent Technologies Inc.
L. Lynch, AT&T Microelectronics
S.C. Mackzum, Ericsson GE
J.E. Madison, CTS Corp.
J.F. Maguire, Boeing Aerospace &
Electronics
J.R. Maki, Harris Corp.
S. Mansilla, Robisan Laboratory Inc.
C. Martin, Hewlett Packard
Laboratories
R. Martinez, Magnavox West Coast
Operations
R.E. Mc Lean, Storage Technology
Corp.
S. Meeks Jr., Lexmark International/
IBM Corp.
J.H. Moffitt, U.S. Navy
Marsha Moore, Lytton Inc.
G. Munie, Lucent Technologies Inc.
R.D. Nicholas, London Chemical Co
Inc.
R.L. Nielsen, Fastman Kodak Co
Kad
R.B. Officer, Lockheed Sanders Inc.
R. Parker, Hewlett Packard
Laboratories
J.L. Parker, Viasystems Technologies
Corp.
H.E. Parkinson, Digital Equipment
Corp.
R. Payne, Sundstrand Data Control
Inc.
K. Pfrimmer, OMG Americas
R.J. Phillips, Lorain Products
P.J. Plonski, Photocircuits Corp.
R. Pond, Texas Instruments Inc.
J. Porter, Multicore Solders
P.J. Quinn, General Electric Co.
M. Qurashi, U.S. Navy
J. Raby, Soldering Technology
International
R. Ramos, Trace Laboratories—East
J. Reed, Raytheon TI Systems Inc.
J.R. Reed, Texas Instruments Inc.
P.M. Rehm, Intel Corp.
M. Reithinger, Siemens AG
Tony Reyes, AMD
N. Reynolds, Kemet Electronics
Corp.
W. Reynolds, Texas Instruments
D.E. Robertson, Pace Inc.
D. Romm, Texas Instruments
J.G. Rosser, Hughes Aircraft Co.
A.B. Rotman, DCMR Boston (Dept
of Defense)
M. Rubin, Sprague Electric
Dr. W. Rubin, Multicore Solders
D. Rudy, AT&T Bell Laboratories
D.W. Rumps, AT&T Technology
Systems
N. Rusignuolo, Hexacon Electric Co.
H.J. Russell, Defense General Supply
Center
W.R. Russell, Texas Instruments Inc.
A. Scarcella, DCMDE - QTDP (Dept.
of Defense)
D. Scheiner, Kester Solder Division
A. Schneider, Alpha Metals Inc.
D. Schoenthaler, AT&T Bell
Laboratories
Gene Schrader, Motorola
R. Sengupta, Electronics Regional
Test Lab
W. Sepp, Technic Inc.
J.T. Slanina, Allied Signal Aerospace
Ed Small , Multicore
W.A. Smith, General Dynamics
N. Socolowski, Alpha Metals Inc.
B. Sonia, Texas Instruments
J.R. Sovinsky, Indium Corp. of
America
A. Starosta, Eldec Corp.
W.N. Stover, Philips Components
(MEPCOPAL)
C.J. Sworin, Kester Solder Division
C. Sworin, Kester Solder Division
K. Tellefsen, Alpha Metals Inc.
G. Theroux, Honeywell Inc.
P.A. Thibodeau, Digital Equipment
K. Thorson, Unisys Corporation
E. Tidwell, DSC Communications
Corporation
S. Todd, Berg Electronics
Dr. L.J. Turbini, Georgia Institute/
Technology
H. Underwood, U.S. Air Force
D. Varnell, Hercules Inc.
D.A. Vaughan, E I DuPont De
Nemours & Co.
N. Virmani, NASA/Goddard Space
Flight Center
E. Vollmar, Methode Electronics Inc.
B. Waller, Texas Instruments Inc.
K. Warren, Corlund Electronics Corp.
K. Wengenroth, Enthone-OMI Inc.
C.E.T. White, Indium Corp. of
America
R. N. Wild, IBM Corp.
D. Wolf, Hadco Corp.
M. Wolverton, Texas Instruments Inc.
Dr. T. S. Won, Allied Signal
Aerospace
R. Woodgate, Woodcorp Inc.
J.R. Wooldridge, Rockwell
International
J. Wyatt, EIA
R.O., Young, Rockwell International
W., Younger, PC World—Orange
County
October 1998 J-STD-002A
iii
Table of Contents
1 SCOPE......................................................................... 1
1.1 Scope .................................................................... 1
1.2 Purpose................................................................. 1
1.3 Method Classification .......................................... 1
1.3.1 Tests with Established Accept/Reject
Criterion ............................................................... 1
1.3.2 Test without Established Accept/Reject
Criterion ............................................................... 1
1.4 Coating Durability ............................................... 1
1.5 Referee Verification Solder Dip for
Tests A, B, C........................................................ 1
1.6 Limitation............................................................. 1
1.7 Contractual Agreement ........................................ 2
2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS ...................................... 2
2.1 Industry ................................................................ 2
2.1.1 IPC........................................................................ 2
2.2 Government.......................................................... 2
2.2.2 Federal.................................................................. 2
3 REQUIREMENTS ........................................................ 2
3.1 Terms And Definitions......................................... 2
3.2 Materials............................................................... 2
3.2.1 Solder ................................................................... 2
3.2.2 Flux ...................................................................... 2
3.2.3 Flux Removal....................................................... 2
3.2.4 Standard Copper Wrapping Wire ........................ 3
3.3 Equipment ............................................................ 3
3.3.1 Steam Aging Apparatus ....................................... 3
3.3.2 Solder Pot............................................................. 3
3.3.3 Optical Inspection Equipment ............................. 3
3.3.4 Dipping Equipment.............................................. 3
3.3.5 Timing Equipment ............................................... 3
3.4 Preparation for Testing ....................................... 3
3.4.1 Specimen Preparation and Surface
Condition.............................................................. 3
3.4.2 Steam Aging......................................................... 4
3.4.3 Surfaces To Be Tested ......................................... 4
3.5 Solder Bath Requirements ................................... 4
3.5.1 Solder Temperatures ............................................ 4
3.5.2 Solder Contamination Control............................. 4
4 TEST PROCEDURES ................................................. 5
4.1 Application of Flux.............................................. 5
4.2 Tests with Established Accept/Reject
Criterion ............................................................... 5
4.2.1 Test A – Solder Bath/Dip and Look Test
(Leads, Wires, etc.) .............................................. 5
4.2.2 Test B – Solder Bath/Dip and Look Test
(Leadless Components)........................................ 7
4.2.3 Test C – Wrapped Wire Test (Lugs, Tabs,
Terminals, Large Stranded Wire) ........................ 7
4.2.4 Test D – Resistance to Dissolution of
Metallization Test................................................. 9
4.2.5 Test S – Surface Mount Process
Simulation Test .................................................... 9
4.3 Tests without Established Accept/Reject
Criterion ............................................................. 10
4.3.1 Test E – Wetting Balance Test (Leaded
Components) ...................................................... 10
4.3.2 Test F – Wetting Balance Test (Leadless
Components) ...................................................... 11
5 NOTES ...................................................................... 13
5.1 Test Equipment Sources .................................... 13
5.1.1 Tests A, B, C, D ............................................... 13
5.1.2 Tests E & F ....................................................... 13
5.1.3 Steam Aging Equipment .................................. 13
5.1.4 Grid Reticles ..................................................... 13
5.2 Use of Non-Activated Flux ............................... 13
5.3 Massive Components ......................................... 13
5.4 Sampling Plans .................................................. 13
5.5 Safety Notes....................................................... 13
5.6 Correction for Buoyancy ................................... 13
5.7 Test Specimens................................................... 14
5.8 Accelerated Steam Aging Limitations .............. 14
5.9 Referee Magnification........................................ 14
Appendix A ................................................................. 15
Appendix B ................................................................ 22
Appendix C ................................................................. 27
Appendix D ................................................................. 28
Figures
Figure 1 Example Reticle................................................. 4
Figure 2 Dipping Schematic............................................. 6
Figure 3 Solder Dipping Angle for Surface Mount
Leaded Components ......................................... 6
Figure 4 Solder Dipping Depth for Through-Hole
Components....................................................... 7
Figure 5 Leadless C omponent Immersion Depth........... 7
Figure 6 ........................................................................... 8
J-STD-002A October 1998
iv
Figure 7 Wetting Balance Apparatus.............................. 11
Figure 8 Set A Wetting Curve ........................................ 12
Figure 9 Set B Wetting Curve........................................ 12
Figure A-1 ‘‘J’’ Leaded Components.................................. 15
Figure A-2 Passive Components....................................... 16
Figure A-3 Gull Wing Components.................................... 17
Figure A-4 Leadless Chip Carrier...................................... 18
Figure A-5 ‘‘L’’ Leaded Component ................................... 19
Figure A-6 Pin-In-Hole Component ................................... 20
Figure A-7 Pin-In-Hole Component ................................... 21
Figure B-1 Defect Size Aid ................................................ 22
Figure B-2 Types of Solderability Defects ......................... 23
Figure B-3 Aids in Evaluation of 5% Allowable
Area of Pin Holes ............................................ 24
Figure B-4 Aid in Evaluation of 5% Allowable
Area of Pin Holes ............................................ 25
Figure B-5 Solderability Coverage Guide.......................... 26
Figure C-1 Lead Periphery and Volume for a
132 I/O PQFP .................................................. 27
Tables
Table 1 Steam Aging Categories for
Component Leads and Terminations ................... 1
Table 2 Steam Temperature Requirements ...................... 3
Table 3 Solderability Test Selection Component Type...... 5
Table 4 Maximum Limits of Solder Bath Contaminant ..... 5
Table 5 Stencil Thickness Requirements........................ 10
Table 6 Reflow Parameter Requirements ....................... 10
Table 7 Wetting Balance Parameter and Suggested
Evaluation Criteria .............................................. 12
October 1998 J-STD-002A
v
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J-STD-002A October 1998
vi
T
October 1998 J-STD-002A
These methods are included for evaluation purposes only.
Data collected should be submitted to the IPC-Wetting Bal-
ance Task Group for correlation and analysis.
1.4 Coating Durability The following are guidelines for
determining the needed level of steam age category assur-
procedure, examination interpretation, or of poor compo-
nent quality.
1.6 Limitation This standard shall not be construed as a
production procedure for the pretinning of leads and termi-
nations.
Solderability Tests fo
Terminations, Lugs,
1 SCOPE
1.1 Scope This standard prescribes test methods, defect
definitions, acceptance criteria, and illustrations for assess-
ing the solderability of electronic component leads, termi-
nations, solid wire, stranded wire, lugs, and tabs. This stan-
dard is intended for use by both vendor and user.
1.2 Purpose Solderability evaluations are made to verify
that the solderability of component leads and terminations
meets the requirements established in this standard and that
subsequent storage has had no adverse effect on the ability
to solder components to an interconnecting substrate.
Determination of solderability can be made at the time of
manufacture, at receipt of the components by the user, or
just before assembly and soldering.
The resistance to dissolution of metallization determination
is made to verify that metallized terminations will remain
intact throughout the assembly soldering processes.
1.3 Method Classification This standard describes meth-
ods by which component leads or terminations may be
evaluated for solderability. Test A, Test B, or Test C and
Test D, unless otherwise agreed upon between vendor and
user, are to be used for each application as a default.
1.3.1 Tests with Established Accept/Reject Criterion
Test A – Solder Bath/Dip and Look Test (Leaded Compo-
nent