Thermal Cycle Testing of PWBs – Surface Finish and PWB Reliability
There are two ways in which metallic surface finishes, on exposed
traces and pads, can affect PWB reliability results when tested with thermal
cycling. The surface finish can have a direct influence by extending or reducing
cycles. There can be a indirect influence where the application of a surface
finish requires a high temperature thermal excursion can degrade the
interconnection or material which in turn affect cycles to failure.