High temperatures solder replacement to meet RoHS.

This project has considered the effect of removal of exemptions to RoHS, specifically the future loss of the ability to use high melting point solders that are based on alloys that typically have 90% lead composition. We have looked at the impact of the ban of this alloy and the response in the industry and the market place. While multiple solutions have been found, the authors have considered the use of sintered silver as a viable solution and a strong favourite. A review of the literature is reported. We have undertaken a first pass at assembly techniques and evaluation of interconnects, and we report the results of single component type assemblies, which were aged and then tested. Testing also included full mechanical testing, and an evaluation of a proto-type hot shear test method. This project has identified important characteristics of the sintered silver system, and metrology challenges that need to be addressed.