MeshConnect™
EM357 Mini Modules
Page 10
PROCESSING
Recommended Reflow Profile
Parameters Values
Ramp up rate (from Tsoakmax to Tpeak)
3º/sec max
Minimum Soak Temperature
150ºC
Maximum Soak Temperature
200ºC
Soak Time
60-120 sec
TLiquidus
217ºC
Time above TL
60-150 sec
Tpeak
250ºC
Time within 5º of Tpeak
20-30 sec
Time from 25º to Tpeak
8 min max
Ramp down rate
6ºC/sec max
Pb-Free Solder Paste
Use of “No Clean” soldering paste is strongly recommended, as it does not require cleaning after the soldering process.
Note:
The quality of solder joints on the castellations (‘half vias’) where they contact the host board should meet the appropriate IPC
Specification. See the latest IPC-A-610 Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies, Castellated Terminations section.
Cleaning
In general, cleaning the populated modules is strongly discouraged. Residuals under the module cannot be easily removed
with any cleaning process.
• Cleaning with water can lead to capillary effects where water is absorbed into the gap between the host board and
the module. The combination of soldering flux residuals and encapsulated water could lead to short circuits between
neighboring pads. Water could also damage any stickers or labels.
• Cleaning with alcohol or a similar organic solvent will likely flood soldering flux residuals into the two housings, which
is not accessible for post-washing inspection. The solvent could also damage any stickers or labels.
• Ultrasonic cleaning could damage the module permanently.
The best approach is to consider using a “no clean” solder paste and eliminate the post-soldering cleaning step.
Optical Inspection
After soldering the Module to the host board, consider optical inspection to check the following:
• Proper alignment and centering of the module over the pads.
• Proper solder joints on all pads.
• Excessive solder or contacts to neighboring pads, or vias.
Repeating Reflow Soldering
Only a single reflow soldering process is encouraged for host boards.
Wave Soldering
If a wave soldering process is required on the host boards due to the presence of leaded components, only a single wave
soldering process is encouraged.
Hand Soldering
Hand soldering is possible. When using a soldering iron, follow IPC recommendations (reference document IPC-7711).
