MOISTURE SENSITIVE DEVICES

(MSD) / MOISTURE SENSITIVITY

LEVELS (MSL)

Prepared By –
Devesh Patel
E&C - QA
 KEY
LEARNINGS

WHAT IS MSL / MSD ?

WHY TO KNOW ABOUT MSL / MSD ?

POPCORNING

IPC MOISTURE SENSITIVITY LEVELS

PROBLEMS WITH BAKING

SAFE STORAGE REQUIREMENTS

MBB, HIC, SILICA GEL AND STORAGE AT WAREHOUSE

 WHAT IS
MSL / MSD ?

The Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) indicates the floor life of the
component, its storage conditions, and handling precautions after the
original container has been opened. The permissible time (from opening
the moisture barrier bag until the final soldering process) that a
component can remain outside the moisture barrier bag is a measure of
the sensitivity of the component to ambient humidity.
Moisture Sensitive Devices
a real production problem
 WHY TO
KNOW ABOUT
MSD / MSL ?

When components are exposed to the elevated temperatures that occur during
reflow soldering, moisture trapped inside plastic surface mount devices (SMD)
produces enough vapor pressure to damage or destroy the device.
POPCORN
ING

When IC contains moisture processing

to fast ramps and high temperature
( 260 °C ) in Reflow Oven, the moisture
not able to escape which results in a gas
bubble. Exceeding the technical elastic
limit results in cracking of the plastic
packaging, water vapour escapes with a
sudden burst which damages the device.
IPC – MOISTURE
SENSITIVITY
LEVELS FOR IC’S
 PROBLEMS
WITH BAKING

Surface solder ability is reduced

Growth of inter metallic layers is promoted, also at low temperature

(40°C)

Baking is only possible one time (according to IPC)

Ovens are expensive to operate, mostly needing N²-purging systems

They occupy valuable space on the production floor

SAFE STORAGE
REQUIREMENTS

If the customer cannot mount the SMDs within the specified time limit, or
factory ambient conditions exceed the specified maximum temperature
and/or humidity level, then the customer can abate moisture absorption by
following any of the safe storage methods to maintain the floor life:

Nitrogen Cabinets

Dry Air Boxes

Desiccant Dry Cabinets

 MOISTURE
BARRIER BAG
(MBB)

The MBB provides ESD Protection and has

the required mechanical strength and
flexibility, is puncture-resistant and heat-
sealable.

The desiccant packed in each bag will

keep the internal relative humidity
level below 10% at 25°C.
 HUMIDITY
INDICATOR
CARD (HIC)

Humidity indicator card is the easiest and

most convenient tool for the
determination of the humidity detection.

Humidity indicator card can be used in

electronic packaging, high tech
machines, etc. It can let observer to
control the humidity level of the
target space.
 SILICA GEL
(DESICCANT)

Silica gel packets are used to absorb moisture and keep

things dry. Many manufacturers add these desiccant
packs to their new products to keep them fresh and
moisture-free for the consumer.
MSL COMPONENTS
STORAGE IN
WAREHOUSE

Improper / Incorrect Storage at Warehouse

MSL COMPONENTS
STORAGE IN
WAREHOUSE

Improper / Incorrect Storage at Warehouse

MSL COMPONENTS
STORAGE IN
WAREHOUSE

Correct Storage