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Ion Chromatography for Electronic Assemblies and Bare Boards

Foresite President Terry Munson, worked with the IPC to develop the use of Ion chromatography (IC) testing to identify the ionic cleanliness of electronics, resulting primarily from the manufacturing processes.

We apply our expertise gathered from working with over 2,000 clients to help clients identify the source and cause of contaminants originating from their manufacturing processes.

Ion Chromatography Process

During IC testing, various ionic species (such as chloride, bromide, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate and weak organic acids) are separated within columns based on the speed at which they travel through a liquid eluent. The overall goal of IC testing is to detect and identify any contaminants that are present on electronic assemblies and bare boards. When exposed to moisture and an applied electrical voltage, these contaminants often contribute to electrochemical failures.

Ion Chromatography Use in Process Monitoring

Ion chromatography can help pinpoint where contaminants are contributing to electrochemical failures. Once a process has been corrected and the failure mode eliminated, regularly scheduled process monitoring should help keep the process in-control and prevent reoccurrences. Of course, process monitoring can be used to check the control of a process that has not produced failures, preventing such.