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Version 1.1.0.x KICstart
48 KICstart User Manual
APPENDIX B:
Attaching Thermocouples to the product
Overview
Thermocouple attachment is one of the single most important factors for attaining accurate thermal profile
results. If a thermocouple is not attached properly, the profile will yield inaccurate results. The objective is
to attach a thermocouple to the lead of a component in order to measure the solder joint temperature to
verify the thermal profile meets the specified process parameters. We have outlined 2 methods for
thermocouple attachment below.
When selecting a position for your thermocouples, you want to measure points on the product that represent
the entire mass-range of the product. Select at least one position that is a high-mass area of the board (large
component) and at least one position that is a low-mass area of the board (small component). If you can
develop an acceptable profile for the low and high -mass areas of the board, the other areas of the board
will be processed within the same process parameters.
High temperature solder is considered the industry standard for attaching thermocouples to PCBs for
thermal profiling. High temperature solder provides excellent repeatability, and is a very strong attachment
method. The cons to using high temperature solder are that it’s not easy to work with, requires tools, and
is usually destructive to the test product. For these very reasons
KIC tested alternative means of attaching
thermocouples to PCBs. Of the many different attachment methods tested by KIC , Aluminum tape
provided profile results most similar to high temperature solder and it proved to be non-destructive as well.
Aluminum Tape
Aluminum tape provides a secure connection with excellent
thermal conductivity. It offers users of pass-through profilers a
simple, inexpensive, and nondestructive method of attaching
thermocouples for thermal profiling. Using Aluminum tape
reduces the effort required for obtaining an accurate thermal
profile as opposed to high temperature solder.
The Aluminum tape is cut with scissors to a size of approximately
1/4” X 1/4” and is used to secure the thermocouple to the product.
The tape can be used on the bare PCB or easily conform over the
shape of components and leads. Tape can be used to hold excess
wire down to the board and provide some strain relief.
For Aluminum tape ordering information contact KIC,
sales@kicmail.com .
Thermocouple
Bead
Solder Pad
Board
Aluminum Tape
Attachment Method
Board
Thermocouple
Bead
Solder Pad
Board
Aluminum
Tape
Aluminum
Tape