A high density SMT connector, such as the Samtec .050" SEARAY™ High Speed High Density Open Pin Field Array, has up to 500 I/O contact pins with a solder charge termination.

This type of connector looks like a standard BGA type of SMT device. A proper thermal profile for reflow must be evaluated by the process engineer prior to production.

• Thermocouple (TC) location To verify the correct reflow profile, 2~3 thermocouples should be placed beneath the connector: one (1) in the leading corner position, one (1) in the middle of the connector, and one (1) at the trailing corner (optional). These theremocouple placements ensure that all areas of the connector receive even heating sumultaneously.
• Soak time and TAL consideration
  To ensure proper temperature equalization of the whole area beneath the connector, it is recommended that the soak time is long enough as well as the time above liquidus be long enough for a total reflow. Of course, all data must meet with the solder paste manufacturer’s specifications.
• Preheat and cooling set point
  A PCB’s physical properties are also another critical consideration for correct profile adjustment. In this case, the PCB has 16 layers and a 2mm thickness. This mean that this bare board has a high thermal resistance. So, the preheat set point can be adjusted higher than normal; however, the cooling point may lower than normal in order to meet TAL within the specifications.

Here are the testing results in this case study: (Note: this is for reference only):

1. Reflow oven : Concept 7 zone
2. TAL : 60 sec
3. Peak temperature: 245°C

Board property	Zone 1	Zone 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7
1.6mm, Dual layer, bare PCB	110	130	160	180	180	220	250
2.0mm, Dual layer, bare PCB	110	135	165	185	185	220	250
2.0mm, 16 layer, bare PCB	120	145	180	185	190	230	255
2.0mm, 16 layer, Samtec SEAM connector	125	150	185	195	195	255	275

Related Articles:

• Reflow oven zone temperature set up and thermal profile
• Lead-free Reflow Profile: Soaking type vs. Slumping type
• How to optimize the reflow profile?
• How to Maintain a Reflow Oven?
• How the modern solder reflow oven works?