Decision Support For New Area Array Devices

The use of area array components in surface mount Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly has increased tremendously, especially over the past few years. This fact coupled with increasing component densities, decreasing component pitch, and the need for improved reliability has focused attention on the critical elements of the PCB assembly process. This research was targeted towards providing effective and efficient 'advice' using decision support systems for critical functions associated with area array devices. These functions would include design, manufacturing, and reliability. Multiple area array devices were addressed in this research activity.