Two types of solder samples, pins and through-holes were tested by SERA™ (Sequential Electrochemical Reduction Analysis) and Wetting Balance after various length of steamaging treatment. It was shown that after steam-aging, both types of specimen gave a similar electrochemical reduction curve, and solderabilty predictions made from SERA™ test agree with results obtained from Wetting Balance test on a qualitative base. Wetting balance test of pin samples after SERA™ test confirmed that SERA™ is a non-destructive testing method -- it even restored solderability. Comparison of electrochemical reduction behavior of samples under different treatment indicates that steam-aging can not reproduce exactly the effect of naturally atmospheric aging, and may not be the best artificial accelerating environment adopted.

This thesis deals with the methodology of testing the wetting characteristics for different material and process effects in the double-plated base material. Testing is performed by wetting balance method. There is designed procedure to calculate the angles on each side of the non-homogeneous material. The Design of Experiments method is used to interpret the results, by using this method are also interpreted electrical and mechanical properties of solder joints. The correlation with wetting characteristics is discussed.

The master thesis analyses electrical conductivity of lead-free solder joints. The test method design for monitoring the electrical conductivity of the soldered joint is described in the practical part. Simulated BGA package with four pin (BGA4) is used for experiments. Tested PCBs are subjected to isothermal aging and current load. During isothermal aging is measured electrical conductivity and optical microscope is used for intermetallic layer (IMC) growth observation. Two types of surface finish (OSP and ENIG) are used for tests and three diameters of solder terminal balls (solder alloy SAC405). The influence of the ratio area connection / solder volume (ratio S / V) on lead-free solder joints conductivity was evaluated.