In 2017, the IPC standards committee efforts
yielded an updated version of the IPC-A-610 document in the “G” version. This
new version was about 3 years in the making from the previous version with work
already begin on the newer and yet-to-be-released “H” version.
There were some changes in moving to the new
IPC-A-610 G version including but not limited to the following:
It was re-emphasized by the standards committee that the the standard
will remains a visual quality acceptance standard.
The IPC-A-610 G version had some updates to terminology and further
edification of some terms as well as new terms for the electronics assembly.
Some of these changes had to do with making sure that other IPC standards
including but not limited to the IPC-TM-50and the the IPC-J-STD-001 standards
were brought in line with each other in terms of definitions and meanings.
One of the areas where IPC-A-610 Revision G changes were more
significant were the changes to the through hole inspection criteria.Wire
wrapping of leads cannot interfere with other leads was added as a criteria.
For supported holes the hole fill criteria was “tightened up” when the barrel
is connected to a ground plane. Finally, the solder touching the meniscus criteria
were also changed in the updated version.
In the SMT section several inspection criteria were amended in IPC-A-610
G version. One of these was adding 2-sided component criteria to the
rectangular-shaped components. Flat gull wing lead solder criteria were
clarified I the gull wing section of the newest IPC-A-610 G version. The Butt/I
terminations section is also filled with some new figures and tables in order
to section navigating simpler and it helps to clarify certain inspection
criteria in the revised IPC-A-610 G standard. In addition to the above SMT
section changes, there is the section in the BGA area tightens up some of the
inspection criteria associated with underfill and staking.
Now that IPC-A610 revision G has been out for some time there are several
upgrades and extensions being discussed at the committee level with respect to
changes being recommended in the “H” version of the document.
The changes in the standards in moving form
IPC-A-610 “F” to version “G” were fully discussed about in an online webinar
presented by a BEST Master Instructor James Barnhart whose presentation can be
found here:
If you are interested in becoming certified
at either a technician level (CIS) or instructor level (CIT) for the IPC-A-610
revision G all of the course materials are out. At the CIS level the IPC-A-610
training is modularized with the first two background and terms modules being
mandatory with several other “optional” modules. Some of these module topic
include through hole, SMT technology, hardware, soldering, high voltage,
wireless wrap, component damage and boards. If you are interested in being an
IPC-A610 G instructor the class takes place over (4) days including testing and
includes coverage of the entire standards document.
The document itself is currently available.
It can be purchased from stock here.
