Case study: How to Create a Reflow Profile for a 16-layer, 2mm Thickness PCB with a High Density SMT Connector?

A high density SMT connector, such as the Samtec .050" SEARAY™ High Speed High Density Open Pin Field Array, has up to 500 I/O contact pins with a solder charge termination.
high density smt connector
This type of connector looks like a standard BGA type of SMT device. A proper thermal profile for reflow must be evaluated by the process engineer prior to production.
  1. Thermocouple (TC) location
  2. To verify the correct reflow profile, 2~3 thermocouples should be placed beneath the connector: one (1) in the leading corner position, one (1) in the middle of the connector, and one (1) at the trailing corner (optional). These theremocouple placements ensure that all areas of the connector receive even heating sumultaneously.
  3. Soak time and TAL consideration
  4. To ensure proper temperature equalization of the whole area beneath the connector, it is recommended that the soak time is long enough as well as the time above liquidus be long enough for a total reflow. Of course, all data must meet with the solder paste manufacturer’s specifications.
  5. Preheat and cooling set point
  6. A PCB’s physical properties are also another critical consideration for correct profile adjustment. In this case, the PCB has 16 layers and a 2mm thickness. This mean that this bare board has a high thermal resistance. So, the preheat set point can be adjusted higher than normal; however, the cooling point may lower than normal in order to meet TAL within the specifications.
Here are the testing results in this case study: (Note: this is for reference only):
  1. Reflow oven : Concept 7 zone
  2. TAL : 60 sec
  3. Peak temperature: 245°C
Board property Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Zone 6 Zone 7
1.6mm, Dual layer, bare PCB 110 130 160 180 180 220 250
2.0mm, Dual layer, bare PCB 110 135 165 185 185 220 250
2.0mm, 16 layer, bare PCB 120 145 180 185 190 230 255
2.0mm, 16 layer, Samtec SEAM connector 125 150 185 195 195 255 275

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