How Humidity Impacts Electronic Components and Devices
Electronic products must be operated and stored in dry conditions to prevent moisture-related issues. Studies show that more than 25% of defective industrial products worldwide are caused by moisture annually, making it a significant factor affecting product quality in the electronics industry.
1. Integrated Circuits (ICs)
- Moisture can infiltrate ICs through plastic packaging and gaps, leading to moisture absorption.
- During Surface Mount Technology (SMT) processes, water vapor pressure can crack IC resin packages and oxidize internal metals, causing product failures.
- ICs soldered onto PCB boards may experience virtual soldering due to water vapor pressure release.
- According to IPC-M190 J-STD-033 standards, SMD components exposed to high humidity air should be stored in a drying box with humidity below 10% RH for ten times the exposure duration to prevent failures.
2. Liquid Crystal Devices
- Despite cleaning and drying during production, liquid crystal devices are still susceptible to post-cooling moisture effects, reducing product yield.
- Storage in environments below 40% RH after cleaning and drying is crucial to prevent moisture-related issues.
3. Other Vulnerable Electronic Devices
- Capacitors, ceramic devices, connectors, switches, solder, PCBs, crystals, silicon wafers, quartz oscillators, SMT adhesives, and more are all at risk of moisture damage.
4. Operational Risks
- Various electronic devices face moisture-related risks during different stages, from packaging to powering on and storage.
5. Completed Electronic Machines
- Finished electronic machines stored in high humidity environments may experience malfunctions due to moisture exposure.
- Components like computer boards and CPUs can suffer from oxidation, leading to poor contacts and malfunctions.
- Ideal humidity levels in electronic production and storage environments should be below 40%, with some components requiring even lower humidity levels.
