4.7.5 Surface Mount, BGA Pad Repair, Integral Via, Circuit Extension Method

Outline

This method is used to replace damaged BGA pads with new dry film adhesive-backed pads. The new pads are bonded to the circuit board surface using a specially designed bonding press or bonding iron. Electrical connection is made to a via circuit which is originally manufactured integral to the pads.

Note: This method uses replacement BGA pads. The new pads are fabricated from copper foil. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and are generally supplied solder plated. If a special size or shape is needed, they can be custom fabricated.

Minimum Skill Level - Expert

Conformance Level - High

Tools and Materials

Bonding Iron Delivers the optimal heat for curing adhesive bonding film.

Bonding Tips Bonding Tips used to bond adehesive backed Circuit Frames.

Circuit Bond Epoxy Clear, superior strength epoxy in two-compartment plastic packages.

Circuit Bonding System System to repair damaged conductors, BGA pads, and SMT pads.

Circuit Frames Circuit Frames for surface mount pad, BGA pad and conductor repair.

Cleaner General purpose cleaner for removing contamination.

Flex-Rack PCB Holder Sturdy rack for PCBs used for rework and positioning.

High Temp Tape Discs High temperature polyimide tape discs, .50" diameter.

Knife with #16 Blades A must-have tool for precise cutting, scraping and trimming.

Microscope Precision microscope with stand and lighting for work and inspection.

Oven General purpose oven for drying, baking and curing epoxies.

Precision Tool Set Nine precision-crafted tools for detailed circuit board work.

Scraper, Curved Tip Hardened stainless steel tip for scraping solder mask and removing defects.

Soldering Iron Properly maintained soldering iron and properly sized soldering iron tips.

Tweezers Multiple sizes and tip configurations of tweezers for various small parts handling needs.

Wipes Nonabrasive, low-linting wipes for cleanup.

Procedure

Procedure

Note: Before proceeding, determine whether this procedure or 4-7-4 Surface Mount, BGA Pad with Integral Via Repair, is the appropriate method. This method is best used when a connecting circuit or plane runs from the integral via and is close to the board's affected surface to permit exposure of the circuit for the repair connection.

1. Clean the area.
2. Carefully remove the defective pad to avoid damaging the integral via 
3. Use a knife and scrape off any epoxy residue, contamination, or burned material from the board surface.
4. Using a Micro-Drill system and the appropriate ball mill down to the connecting circuit, exposing the copper surface of the etch (See Figure 1). Be careful not to cut through the circuit.
5. Clean the area.
6. Apply a small amount of liquid flux to the circuit connection now exposed beneath the surface of the board. Tin the circuit with solder (See Figure 2). Clean the area.
7. In general, the area for the new pad on the board surface must be smooth and flat. If internal fibers of the board are exposed, or if there are deep scratches on the surface, they should be repaired. Refer to the appropriate procedure.
8. Select a replacement BGA pad that most closely matches the surface mount pad to be replaced. If a special size or shape is needed, they can be custom fabricated. (See Figure 3) Ensure the selected pads attached circuit matches the width and thickness of the circuit to be replaced. Trim the width approximately as needed. The circuit should overlap the existing circuit a minimum of 2 times the circuit width. 
   Note: New BGA pads are fabricated from copper foil. The foil is plated on the top side with solder, and an adhesive bonding film is applied to the bottom side.
9. Before trimming out the new pad, carefully scrape off the adhesive bonding film from the solder joint connection area on the back of the replacement circuit portion of the new pad. To ensure that the final, pressed pad lies flat (and the new circuit is properly connected to the exposed board circuit), it may be necessary to remove the film from the whole length of the connecting circuit up to the pad itself. (See Figure 4) 
   Caution: When handling the replacement pad, avoid touching the epoxy backing with your fingers or other materials that may contaminate the surface and reduce the bond strength.
10. Cut out and trim the new pad. Cut out from the plated side.
11. Place the pad on the board so that the connecting circuit can fit into the notch containing the board's tinned circuit (See Figure 5)
12. Select a bonding tip with a shape to match the shape of the new pad. See the bonding tip chart in the replacement parts section of the manual provided with the repair system or repair kit.  
    Note: The tip used for bonding should be as small as possible, but should completely cover the entire surface of the new pad.
13. Position the circuit board so that it is flat and stable. Gently place the bonding tip directly onto the new pad. Apply pressure as recommended in the manual of the repair system or repair kit for 30 seconds to bond the pad fully. The new pad is fully cured. Carefully clean the area and inspect the new pad for proper alignment. 
    Caution: Excessive bonding pressure may cause measling in the circuit board surface or may cause the new pad to slide out of position.
14. Apply flux to the overlapping connecting circuit at the bottom of the trough. Solder in place. Clean the area.
    Note: The circuit board may be preheated before filling the area with epoxy. A preheated circuit board will allow the epoxy to flow easily and level out. Epoxy applied to an unheated circuit board may settle below the circuit board surface as the epoxy cures.
15. Mix epoxy. If desired, add a color agent to the mixed epoxy to match the circuit board color.
16. Coat the top and sides of the replaced circuit with epoxy. The epoxy bonds the new circuit to the base board material and insulates the circuit. Continue adding epoxy up to the top surface of the circuit board.
    Note: A very slight overfill of epoxy may be desired to allow for shrinkage when the epoxy cures. Additionally, to match the board's appearance, it may be necessary to mask the circuit before filling the excavated area.
17. Cure the epoxy per Procedure 2.7 Epoxy Mixing and Handling.
    Caution: Some components may be sensitive to high temperatures.
18. Additional epoxy can be applied around the perimeter of the new pad to provide additional bond strength. Mix epoxy. Cure the epoxy per Procedure 2.7 Epoxy Mixing and Handling. Use the maximum recommended heat cycle to ensure the highest strength bond. BGA pads are routinely subjected to one or more reflow cycles.
    Caution: Some components may be sensitive to high temperatures.
19. Apply surface coating to match prior coating as required. (See Figure 6)

Evaluation

1. Visual examination.
2. Measurement of new pad width and spacing.
3. Electrical continuity measurement.

Images

Surface Mount, BGA Pad Repair, Integral Via, Circuit Extension Method

Remove the damaged pad with integral via.

Using a Micro-Drill expose the copper circuit by recessing a trough or gully.

Tin the circuit with solder.

Select a replacement pad that matches the missing pad.

Scrape off the adhesive bonding film from the solder joint connection area on the back of new pad.

Connecting circuit connected to the exposed and tinned circuit.

Completed repair.