How to Thermocouple a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Part I

Thermocouple attachment to an in-line package (SOIC) for reflow.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• thermocouples
• thermocouple
• TC
• PCB
• reflow
• SMT
• profile
• profiling
• profiler
• KIC
• MOLE
• ECD
• Datapaq

[reverro]

Good Videos. Does the Aluminium tape need to be a High Temperature one, let's say for BGA removal/reflowing or is it used for conductivity purposes only?

[profilingguru]

the alum. tape is just a means to an end. It is one of the few materials that has little to no impact on the ability of the TC to get an accurate reading, all the while sticking long enough to the PCB, to gather that reading and not destroy it in the process.

[profilingguru]

The thermocouple is removed after profiling if this is a production board.

[reverro]

@profilingguru I looked up the datasheet for the Chomerics T405 that is used in your article and the datasheet states the max temp is 125C but I can't understand how the tape does not melt. For example, let's say you use a heat source from above that reaches 250C and you window pane the aluminium tape with kapton there is still aluminium tape exposed at the bead and would it not melt?

[rasz]

hehe I had the same reaction, just watch the rest to understand whats going on.