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Better Solder Joint Through Better Process Control
SRTS offers several benefits, Since the entire strip is self-regulating an infinite number of independent constant-temperature heaters results. Every soldering point is heated individually, independent of all other soldering points. This prevents differences in the heating profile due to differences in the thermal characteristics along the heating strip.
SRTS uses an rf heating source for fast heating: the Curie temperature is reached rapidly. And because temperature is maintained over changing loads, soldering time is quick and predictable. Components are not subjected to over-temperature excursions from too-high temperatures or the need for longer exposure to ensure good soldering. Traditional hot-bar resistance heating, for example, has an overshoot in temperature caused by high initial current to promote rapid heating. Focused infrared heating requires precise exposure time to prevent overheating. A major benefit of SRTS is that the fast heating and high power density prevents the surrounding environment from heating so much -- so there's less danger of damage to other parts.
SRTS at Work
SRTS is used in the assembly of a number of AMP products, both internally and by our customers. The technology is flexible in application, allowing great flexibility in how the heater strip is incorporated into the assembly/soldering process. One approach is to incorporate the heater strip into the product -- as in the carrier strip for contacts. An important reason for using SRTS is to prevent damage to the plastic parts of the assembly. Soldering SMA connectors to the semirigid cable, for example, has been plagued by dielectric extrusion during the heating cycle. Making the SMA connector with an integral SRTS heater eliminates the problem. In high-density connectors, the technology is ideal for attaching cable with high-quality joints without damage to connectors.
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