Moisture sensitivity level

Moisture sensitivity level relates to the packaging and handling precautions for some semiconductors. The MSL is an electronic standard for the time period in which a moisture sensitive device can be exposed to ambient room conditions (30 °C/85%RH at Level 1; 30 °C/60%RH at all other levels).

Increasingly, semiconductors have been manufactured in smaller sizes. Components such as thin fine-pitch devices and ball grid arrays could be damaged during SMT reflow when moisture trapped inside the component expands.

The expansion of trapped moisture can result in internal separation (delamination) of the plastic from the die or lead-frame, wire bond damage, die damage, and internal cracks. Most of this damage is not visible on the component surface. In extreme cases, cracks will extend to the component surface. In the most severe cases, the component will bulge and pop. This is known as the "popcorn" effect.

IPC (Association Connecting Electronic Industries) created and released IPC-M-109, Moisture-sensitive Component Standards and Guideline Manual (not active).

Moisture sensitive devices are packaged in a moisture barrier antistatic bag with a desiccant and a moisture indicator card which is sealed.

IPC-M-109 includes seven documents. According to : Moisture/reflow sensitivity classification for plastic Integrated circuit (IC) SMDs, there are eight levels of moisture sensitivity. Components must be mounted and reflowed within the allowable period of time (floor life out of the bag).

MSL 6 – Mandatory Bake before use
MSL 5A – 24 hours
MSL 5 – 48 hours
MSL 4 – 72 hours
MSL 3 – 168 hours
MSL 2A – 4 weeks
MSL 2 – 1 year
MSL 1 – Unlimited

References

IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D.1, Moisture/Reflow Sensitivity Classification for Nonhermetic Solid State Surface Mount Devices, March 2008.

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