Do I need to perform solderability test for products more than 2 years old?
Texas Instruments has performed a solderability monitor on a sample of NiPdAu lead frame products over time and no solderability issues have been identified. A large portion of Texas Instruments products use the NiPdAu lead finish. This lead finish is a noble metal and will not be susceptible to oxidation which is a factor in solderability issues. A summary of the solderability data from our study can be found in Chart 1 below. Chart 1 – Solderability Data Summary Question: I received material designated for extended shelf life that was sealed more than 2 years ago and calculated shelf life in bag showed 24 months. Do I need to bake the parts before using them in production? You should continue to operate as before. In general, there is no need to bake parts before using them in the production line. However, if the Humidity Indicator Card (HIC) shows pink on >10% level then parts need baking before use. Actions will be taken in the Product Distribution Center (PDC) to ensure the moistu
