Printed Board Type: R/F/C
Skill Level: Advanced
Conformance Level: Medium
Revision: E
Revision Date: May 8, 2001

OUTLINE

Damaged Surface Mount Pad

This method is used to replace damaged surface mount pads with new dry film, adhesive backed pads. The new pads are bonded to the circuit board surface using a specially designed bonding press or bonding iron.

CAUTION
It is essential that the board surface be smooth and flat. If the base material is damaged see appropriate procedure.

NOTE
This method uses replacement surface mount pads. The new pads are fabricated from copper foil. They are available in hundreds of sizes and shapes and are generally supplied solder plated. If a special size or shape is needed it can be custom fabricated.  
 

ACCEPTABILITY REFERENCES
IPC-A-600 2.0	Externally Observable Characteristics
IPC-A-610 10.0	Laminate Conditions
PROCEDURE REFERENCE
1.0	Foreword
2.1	Handling Electronic Assemblies
2.2	Cleaning
2.5	Baking and Preheating
2.7	Epoxy Mixing and Handling
IPC7721 4.7.2	Surface Mount Pad Repair, Film Adhesive Method

Figure 1: Remove the defective pad and remove soldermask from the connecting circuit.

TOOLS & MATERIALS
Bonding Iron
Bonding Tips
Bonding System
Circuit Frames, Surface Mount Pads
Cleaner
Epoxy
Flux, Liquid
Knife
Microscope
Oven
Scraper
Solder
Soldering Iron
Surface Mount Pad Repair Kit
Tape, Kapton
Tweezers
Wipes

PROCEDURE

1. Figure 2: Select a replacement pad that matches the missing pad.

   Clean the area.
   
   
2. Remove the defective pad and a short length of the connecting circuit. (See Figure 1).
   
   
3. Use a knife and scrape off any epoxy residue, contamination or burned material from the board surface.
   
   
4. Scrape off any solder mask or coating from the connecting circuit. (See Figure 1).
   
   
5. Clean the area.
   
   

6. Figure 3: Scrape off the adhesive bonding film from the solder joint area on the back of new pad.

   Apply a small amount of liquid flux to the connection area on the board surface and tin with solder. Clean the area. The length of the overlap solder connection should be a minimum of 2 times the circuit width.
   
   
7. The area for the new pad on the board surface must be smooth and flat. If internal fibers of the board are exposed, or if there are deep scratches in the surface, they should be repaired. Refer to appropriate procedure.
   
   
8. Select a replacement surface mount pad that most closely matches the surface mount pad to be replaced. If a special size or shape is needed they can be custom fabricated. (See Figure 2).

   
   NOTE
   New surface mount pads are fabricated from copper foil. The foil is plated on the top side with solder, and an adhesive bonding film is applied to the bottom side.
   
   

9. Figure 4: Cut out the new surface mount pad. Cut from the plated side.

   Before trimming out the new pad carefully scrape off the adhesive bonding film from the solder joint connection area on the back of the new pad. (See Figure 3).

   
   CAUTION
   Scrape off the epoxy backing only from the joint connection area. When handling the replacement contact, avoid touching the epoxy backing with your fingers or other materials that may contaminate the surface and reduce the bond strength.
   
   

10. Cut out and trim the new pad. Cut out from the plated side. Cut the length to provide the maximum allowable circuit overlap for soldering. Minimum 2 times the circuit width. (See Figure 4).
    
    

11. Figure 5: Place the new surface mount pad in place using Kapton tape.

    Place a piece of Kapton tape over the top surface of the new pad. Place the new pad into position on the circuit board surface using the Kapton tape to help in alignment. (See Figure 5).
    
    
12. Select a bonding tip with a shape to match the shape of the new pad. See bonding tip chart in the replacement parts section of the manual provided with the repair system or repair kit.

    
    NOTE
    The tip used for bonding should be as small as possible but should completely cover the entire surface of the new pad.
    
    

13. Position the circuit board so that it is flat and stable. Gently place the hot bonding tip onto the kapton tape covering the new pad. Apply pressure as recommended in the manual of the repair system or repair kit for 5 seconds to tack the new pad in place. Carefully peel off the tape. (See Figure 6).

    
    CAUTION
    Excessive bonding pressure may cause measling in the circuit board surface or may cause the new pad to slide out of position.
    
    

14. Figure 6: Bond the new pad using a Bonding System.

    Gently place the bonding tip directly onto the new pad. Apply pressure as recommended in the manual of the repair system or repair kit for an additional 30 seconds to fully bond the pad. After the bonding cycle remove the tape used for alignment. The new pad is fully cured. Carefully clean the area and inspect the new pad for proper alignment.
    
    
15. If the new pad has a connecting circuit apply a small amount of liquid flux to the lap solder joint connection area and solder the circuit from the new pad to the circuit on the circuit board surface. Use minimal flux and solder to ensure a reliable connection. Tape may be placed over the top of the new pad to prevent excess solder overflow.

    
    NOTE
    If the configuration permits, the overlap solder joint connection should be a minimum of 3.00 mm (0.125") from the related termination. This gap will minimize the possibility of simultaneous reflow during soldering operations. Refer to 7.1 Soldering Basics.
    
    

16. Figure 7: Completed repair.

    Mix epoxy and coat the lap solder joint connection. Cure the epoxy per Procedure 2.7 Epoxy Mixing and Handling.

    
    NOTE
    Additional epoxy can be applied around the perimeter of the new pad to provide additional bond strength.
    
    

    CAUTION
    Some components may be sensitive to high temperature.
    
    

17. Apply surface coating to match prior coating as required.