Ultrasonic testing

Non-destructive ultrasonic testing for semiconductors and technical components

The ultrasound examination enables the non-destructive examination of components and material structures. High-frequency ultrasound allows the detection of internal structures, material boundaries, and defects that are not visible from the outside.

Our ultrasound testing systems are particularly suitable for testing Semiconductors, power electronics, electronic packages, ceramic substrates, and water-cooled components.

Depending on the test task, different test heads, frequencies, and scanning methods can be used. This allows internal defects to be located, analyzed, and represented in a visual way.

Typical applications

Semiconductors and IC Packages

Inspection of housings, bond and material layers for delaminations and defects

IGBT and SiC power modules

Inspection of seam connections, solder joints, and thermally stressed areas

DBC and ceramic substrates

Detection of detachments, voids, and structural irregularities

MLCC and electronic components

Investigation of internal structures and material connections

MEMS and sensors

Non-destructive analysis of sensitive multilayer structures

Flip-Chip Packages

Control of connections and interfaces within the package

Liquid-cooled Cold Plates

Examination of internal structures, gaps, and possible manufacturing defects

Other Applications

Please contact us to let us know your requirements.

How Ultrasonic Testing Works

In ultrasonic testing, high-frequency sound waves are transmitted into the test object. When the sound waves encounter material boundaries, voids, or other inhomogeneities, characteristic reflections are produced.

The transducer receives the ultrasonic signals and transmits them to the evaluation system. Various types of images can be generated from the measurement data, such as A-scan, B-scan, and C-scan.

This allows internal structures and defects to be examined non-destructively, without opening or damaging the component.

Typical Test Characteristics

Ultrasonic testing is particularly well-suited for the detection and analysis of:

 

  • Delaminations
  • Voids and Pores
  • Cracks
  • Delamination at Material Boundaries
  • Bonding Errors
  • internal material defects
  • Welding defects
  • Abnormalities at Joints

Depending on the material, component geometry, and testing task, appropriate frequencies and probes can be selected.

Application Range

IGBT and SiC Power Modules

IGBT and SiC Power Modules

Ultrasonic testing of power semiconductor modules to examine internal interfaces and detect possible delamination or voids.

Typical test objects:

Semiconductor Packages

Non-destructive testing of electronic packages and assemblies for internal defects and delamination.

Typical applications:

Water-Cooled Cooling Plates

Ultrasonic testing of liquid cold plates and water-cooled components to inspect welded joints and identify potential internal defects.

Other technical components

Depending on the material and geometry, the technology can also be used for other technical components and multilayer structures.

Testing Methods and Imaging

A-Scan

Plot of the received ultrasonic signals as a function of travel time. A-scan data allow for a detailed analysis of individual measurement points and material boundaries.

B-scan

Two-dimensional representation of a selected cross-sectional area. B-scan is suitable for analyzing the depth and extent of structures.

C-Scan

Two-dimensional visualization of a defined component plane. C-scan enables imaging analysis of larger test areas and is particularly well-suited for visualizing delaminations, voids, and other two-dimensional defects.

Probes for Various Applications

Depending on the application, probes are available, for example, in the following ranges:

 

  • 15 MHz
  • 25 MHz
  • additional frequency ranges

available.

Selecting the appropriate probe is critical to the quality of the inspection. Depending on the material, component size, geometry, and desired resolution, different probes and frequencies can be used.

The focus, inspection area, and probe geometry can also be selected according to the specific inspection task.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Testing

  • Non-Destructive Testing
  • Analysis of Internal Structures
  • Detection of Delaminations and Voids
  • Imaging of Defects
  • Inspection without disassembling the component
  • Suitable for complex electronic components
  • Various probes and frequencies can be used
  • Suitable for research, development, and quality control

Custom Solutions for Power Semiconductors

Every semiconductor application places different demands on materials, component geometry, joining methods, and process parameters. Our ultrasonic systems can be designed and customized to suit the specific application.

We can assist you in selecting the appropriate technology, designing the process, and conducting feasibility studies and application tests.

Are you looking for the right ultrasonic solution for your semiconductor application?

Please contact us for a personalized consultation and feasibility study.

Relevant machines and technologies

The standard SAM is suitable for the nondestructive testing and detailed analysis of semiconductors, power electronics, and electronic packages. Typical applications include the delamination testing of IGBT and SiC modules, the examination of semiconductor packages, and the analysis of internal defects and connections.
The semi-automatic SAM is designed for the testing of a wide range of small and medium-sized series, as well as for use in production quality assurance. Automated testing processes enable the reproducible and efficient examination of defined component areas.