Time Domain Reflectometry as a Device Packaging Level Failure Analysis and Failure Localization Tool

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damion T. Searls ◽  
Anura Don ◽  
Emilie Dy ◽  
Deepak Goyal
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
Low Voltage ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Stress Tests ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Customer Returns ◽  
Failure Location ◽  
Electrical Connectivity

Abstract Detecting failure in electrical connectivity at the component packaging level is a major expenditure of the industry’s failure analysis (FA) resources. These package failures can result from material/manufacturing excursions, stress tests, and/or customer returns. However, many of the methods employed currently (such as X-ray or crosssectioning) can fall short in terms of throughput time, or success rate. Moreover, many FA techniques can be destructive and therefore leave the sample useless for subsequent tests. On the other hand, time domain reflectometry (TDR) can be used as a component packaging level FA tool which meets the needs of quickly, precisely, and non-destructively locating electrical connectivity problems in signal traces. Once the failure location has been pin pointed, other FA methods (X-ray, cross-section, etc.) can be used more easily to determine why the failure occurred. Since TDR testing involves no physical preparation, the sample will be completely intact for subsequent tests. TDR uses a low voltage, low current, and very short rise time voltage pulse to determine the impedance of a signal trace as a function of time. With a waveform of trace impedance versus time, not only can the presence of a failure be detected, but the distance along the trace to the anomaly can also be quickly determined. This paper presents TDR as a useful tool for package level failure analysis labs. The paper proposes one set of solutions for enabling effective TDR analysis (e.g., TDR test fixturing), and discusses some TDR methodologies for detecting and locating anomalies. The methodologies will be illustrated using three example cases that reflect some commonly used packaging technologies: Flip-Chip Organic Land Grid Array (FC-OLGA), Flip-Chip Pin Grid Array (FC-PGA), and Plastic Land Grid Array (PLGA).

Super-Conducting Quantum Interference Device Technique: 3-D Localization of a Short within a Flip Chip Assembly

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kendall Scott Wills ◽  
Omar Diaz de Leon ◽  
Kartik Ramanujachar ◽  
Charles P. Todd
Keyword(s):  
Form Factor ◽  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Quantum Interference ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Interfacial Region ◽  
Precise Localization ◽  
Super Conducting ◽  
Accuracy Of Measurement

Abstract In the current generations of devices the die and its package are closely integrated to achieve desired performance and form factor. As a result, localization of continuity failures to either the die or the package is a challenging step in failure analysis of such devices. Time Domain Reflectometry [1] (TDR) is used to localize continuity failures. However the accuracy of measurement with TDR is inadequate for effective localization of the failsite. Additionally, this technique does not provide direct 3-Dimenstional information about the location of the defect. Super-conducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) Microscope is useful in localizing shorts in packages [2]. SQUID microscope can localize defects to within 5um in the X and Y directions and 35um in the Z direction. This accuracy is valuable in precise localization of the failsite within the die, package or the interfacial region in flipchip assemblies.

TDR Analysis of Advanced Microprocessors

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Bethke ◽  
Wayland Seifert
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Integrated Circuit ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
Signal Amplitude ◽  
Physical Analysis ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Digital Oscilloscope ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
The Time Domain

Abstract Time Domain Reflectrometry or TDR is an analytical technique used to determine the impedance and electrical length of conductors. This relatively inexpensive technique utilizes a pulse card and digital oscilloscope whereby the reflected signal amplitude from an initiating pulse is measured versus time. The technique is useful for characterizing the impedance of a conductor in the time domain, and has traditionally been employed in board level analysis. More recently, TDR has been shown to be useful in electrically isolating integrated circuit package failures1. Historically, open failures on non-flip chip devices were resolved through relatively straight-forward, low risk methods in a failure analysis lab. Typically, root cause analysis involved simple verification on a curve tracer, non-destructive inspection using X-Ray imaging, chemical, thermal or mechanical decapsulation, optical and electron microscopy and as necessary, the use of mechanical probe isolation. The implementation of advanced flip chip package technology rendered the traditional isolation methodologies inadequate. After verification and X-ray inspection, a decision had to be made prior to subsequent destructive physical analysis as to the most probable failure location. Since the board interconnects, board interposer, and bump locations were not geometrically aligned, isolation of opens through physical cross-sectioning became risky, tedious and lengthy. These constraints were overcome through the use of TDR analysis. The authors have successfully incorporated the TDR technique into AMD’s microprocessor failure analysis flow, improving success rate, reducing risk and decreasing turn-around time. The paper will include a brief description of TDR theory and hardware, technical barriers that the authors encountered during implementation, sample preparation as well as details where the technique was successfully employed in failure isolation. The remaining portion of this paper provides illustrative examples where TDR was effectively utilized in the analysis of slot A cards, ceramic flip chip PGA pins, and internal package trace failures.

Advanced Non-Destructive Fault Isolation Techniques for PCB Substrates Using Magnetic Current Imaging and Terahertz Time Domain Reflectometry

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daechul Choi ◽  
Yoonseong Kim ◽  
Jongyun Kim ◽  
Han Kim
Keyword(s):  
Time Domain ◽  
Quantum Interference ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Fault Isolation ◽  
Magnetic Current ◽  
Isolation Techniques ◽  
Super Conducting ◽  
Non Destructive

Abstract In this paper, we demonstrate cases for actual short and open failures in FCB (Flip Chip Bonding) substrates by using novel non-destructive techniques, known as SSM (Scanning Super-conducting Quantum Interference Device Microscopy) and Terahertz TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) which is able to pinpoint failure locations. In addition, the defect location and accuracy is verified by a NIR (Near Infra-red) imaging system which is also one of the commonly used non-destructive failure analysis tools, and good agreement was made.

Infra-Red Reflectance Microscopy (IRRM) for Daisy Chain Flip Chip Device Failure Analysis

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Grilletto ◽  
Steve Hsiung ◽  
Andrew Komrowski ◽  
John Soopikian ◽  
Daniel J.D. Sullivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Failure Mechanisms ◽  
Simple Metal ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Infra Red ◽  
Cause Of Failure ◽  
Reflectance Microscopy ◽  
Ir Emission

Abstract This paper describes a method to "non-destructively" inspect the bump side of an assembled flip-chip test die. The method is used in conjunction with a simple metal-connecting "modified daisy chain" die and makes use of the fact that polished silicon is transparent to infra-red (IR) light. The paper describes the technique, scope of detection and examples of failure mechanisms successfully identified. It includes an example of a shorting anomaly that was not detectable with the state of the art X-ray equipment, but was detected by an IR emission microscope. The anomalies, in many cases, have shown to be the cause of failure. Once this has been accomplished, then a reasonable deprocessing plan can be instituted to proceed with the failure analysis.

Failure Analysis of Broken Stitch Bonds in TSSOP Packages Using Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) and Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bilal Abd-AlRahman ◽  
Corey Lewis ◽  
Todd Simons
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Mechanical Stress ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Acoustic Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Acoustic Microscopy ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Analysis Application

Abstract A failure analysis application utilizing scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) and time domain reflectometry (TDR) for failure analysis has been developed to isolate broken stitch bonds in thin shrink small outline package (TSSOP) devices. Open circuit failures have occurred in this package due to excessive bending of the leads during assembly. The tools and their specific application to this technique as well as the limitations of C-SAM, TDR and radiographic analyses are discussed. By coupling C-SAM and TDR, a failure analyst can confidently determine whether the cause of an open circuit in a TSSOP package is located at the stitch bond. The root cause of the failure was determined to be abnormal mechanical stress placed on the pins during the lead forming operation. While C-SAM and TDR had proven useful in the analysis of TSSOP packages, it can potentially be expanded to other wire-bonded packages.

Time Domain Reflectometry Technique for Failure Analysis

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teoh King Long ◽  
Ko Yin Fern
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Time Domain ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Fault Isolation ◽  
Reference Plane ◽  
First Case ◽  
Main Emphasis ◽  
Plastic Ball ◽  
Solder Balls ◽  
Non Destructive

Abstract In time domain reflectometry (TDR), the main emphasis lies on the reflected waveform. Poor probing contact is one of the common problems in getting an accurate waveform. TDR probe normalization is essential before measuring any TDR waveforms. The advantages of normalization include removal of test setup errors in the original test pulse and the establishment of a measurement reference plane. This article presents two case histories. The first case is about a Plastic Ball Grid Array package consisting of 352 solder balls where the open failure mode was encountered at various terminals after reliability assessment. In the second, a three-digit display LED suspected of an electrical short failure was analyzed using TDR as a fault isolation tool. TDR has been successfully used to perform non-destructive fault isolation in assisting the routine failure analysis of open and short failure. It is shown to be accurate and reduces the time needed to identify fault locations.

Electronic Package Failure Analysis Using TDR

2000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dima A. Smolyansky
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Fault Location ◽  
Measurement Accuracy ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Acoustic Imaging ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Analysis Techniques ◽  
Bga Packages ◽  
Impedance Profile ◽  
Nature Of Time

Abstract The visual nature of Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) makes it a very natural technology that can assist with fault location in BGA packages, which typically have complex interweaving layouts that make standard failure analysis techniques, such as acoustic imaging and X-ray, less effective and more difficult to utilize. This article discusses the use of TDR for package failure analysis work. It analyzes in detail the TDR impedance deconvolution algorithm as applicable to electronic packaging fault location work, focusing on the opportunities that impedance deconvolution and the resulting true impedance profile opens up for such work. The article examines the TDR measurement accuracy and the comparative package failure analysis, and presents three main considerations for package failure analysis. It also touches upon the goal and the task of the failure analysts and TDR's specific signatures for the open and short connections.

Advanced Fault Isolation Technique Using Electro-Optical Terahertz Pulse Reflectometry (EOTPR) for 2D and 2.5D Flip-Chip Package

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihong Cao ◽  
Manasa Venkata ◽  
Meng Yeow Tay ◽  
Wen Qiu ◽  
J. Alton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Domain ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
Time Domain Reflectometry ◽  
Fault Isolation ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Terahertz Pulse ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Isolation Technique ◽  
Non Destructive

Abstract Electro-optical terahertz pulse reflectometry (EOTPR) was introduced last year to isolate faults in advanced IC packages. The EOTPR system provides 10μm accuracy that can be used to non-destructively localize a package-level failure. In this paper, an EOTPR system is used for non-destructive fault isolation and identification for both 2D and 2.5D with TSV structure of flip-chip packages. The experimental results demonstrate higher accuracy of the EOTPR system in determining the distance to defect compared to the traditional time-domain reflectometry (TDR) systems.

Applications of 3D X-Ray Microscopy for Advanced Package Development

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 (1) ◽  
pp. 001078-001083 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Fahey ◽  
R. Estrada ◽  
L. Mirkarimi ◽  
R. Katkar ◽  
D. Buckminster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Failure Analysis ◽  
Flip Chip ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Development Effort ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Structural Details ◽  
Volumetric Images ◽  
Advanced Packaging ◽  
Solder Fatigue ◽  
Non Destructive

This paper describes the utilization of non-destructive imaging using 3D x-ray microscopy for package development and failure analysis. Four case studies are discussed to explain our methodology and its impact on our advanced packaging development effort. Identifying and locating failures embedded deep inside the package, such as a solder fatigue failure within a flip chip package, without the need for physical cross-sectioning is of substantial benefit because it preserves the package for further analysis. Also of utility is the ability to reveal the structural details of the package while producing superior quality 2D and volumetric images. The technique could be used not only for analysis of defects and failures, but also to characterize geometries and morphologies during the process and package development stage.

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