Hand Soldering of MNA Amplifiers
(AN-60-031)
Introduction
Mini-Circuits MNA Amplifiers are manufactured in a 3 x 3mm (.118 x .118-inch)
plastic molded package, Case Style DQ849. This surface mount package is
designed for installation on a user’s PC board via a process that typically includes
the following steps:
• stencil printing of solder paste on the board,
• automated placement (pick-and-place) of the MNA and other components on
the solder pattern, and
• reflow soldering in a conveyor oven or vapor phase equipment.
For evaluation and prototyping, the production equipment to accomplish that
process might not be available to the user, who would therefore seek an alternative
means. This Application Note suggests method of hand soldering of MNA
amplifiers using a hot plate that has been used successfully at Mini-Circuits.
Hand Soldering Method
The leads of the MNA amplifier are flush with the sides of the package, and its
lead frame includes a pad in the center of its bottom surface that must be grounded
for proper electrical performance and adequate heat sinking. A soldering iron
cannot reach the center joint area, and soldering the leads one at a time would risk
damage due to uneven heating of the device. Instead, the following process is
recommended. Instructions are given both for tin-lead solder and lead-free solder.
Read all instructions before starting.
1. Prepare solder paste containing tin-lead solder, Sn/Pb 63/37 or 60/40, or leadfree solder Sn/Ag/Cu in a dispensing syringe if available. Otherwise, use a
probe capable of placing uniform .031 and .062-inch diameter dots of solder
paste on the printed circuit pattern. Practice placing the solder paste on scrap
material.
2. Pre-heat an electric hot plate to 250°C for tin-lead solder, or 300°C for lead-free
solder, monitored by a calibrated surface thermometer. Take note of the area
where the temperature of the plate is uniform, and see that it is large enough to
accommodate the PC board.
3. Prepare tweezers suitable for putting the PC board onto the hot plate, holding it
down firmly, and picking up the PC board from the hot plate.
AN-60-031 Rev.: A M150261 (04/14/15) File: AN60031.DOC
This document and its contents are the property of Mini-Circuits.
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4. Before putting the PC board on the hot plate, dispense solder paste or apply it
with the probe as follows: .062-inch diameter dot in the center where the center
ground pad of the MNA amplifier will be located, and .031-inch diameter dot
for each of the 8 leads of the device. Then, check the orientation of the MNA
amplifier and place it carefully on the pattern. Be careful not to spread the
solder paste sideways, and do not apply any more downward force than
necessary just to contact the solder blobs.
5. Check the hot plate temperature again with the surface thermometer, carefully
put the PC board on the hot plate, and hold it firmly in place with tweezers.
6. For PC board thickness of .020 inch, as an example, it should take less than one
minute for the solder to reflow, as indicated by smoke rising from the flux that
is contained in the solder paste. As soon as smoke is visible, lift the PC board
up from the hot plate and place it where it can cool safely.
7. Inspect the solder joints at the 8 leads. There should be a solder fillet covering
at least a portion of the exposed thickness (height) of the metal as well as the
adjacent area of the PC board metalization.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
© 2015 Mini-Circuits
This document is provided as an accommodation to Mini-Circuits customers in connection with Mini-Circuits parts only. In that regard, this document is for
informational and guideline purposes only. Mini-Circuits assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this document or for any information contained
herein.
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corrections to the Materials or Mini-Circuits’ failure to do so.
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AN-60-031 Rev.: A M150261 (04/14/15) File: AN60031.DOC
This document and its contents are the property of Mini-Circuits.
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