How to Solder a BGA Chip
Surface mount chip packages that use a ball grid array, or BGA, are slightly more advanced in technology than the previous pin grid, or PGA, versions. Because BGA components use ball solder to attach to the surface of the circuit board, this allows for small chips that require less voltage to operate at the same specs as larger PGA models. While having to solder a new BGA chip is not an ideal situation and typically requires expensive tools, it is possible to complete the task with a cooking hot plate. This can save you money and time when compared to the alternate option of seeking the help of a professional technician.
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Things You'll Need
- Hot plate
- Flux paste (rosin-core)
- BGA chip replacement
- Hand vacuum pump
- Spatula or other scooping utensil
Instructions
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1
Turn the hot plate on and set the temperature to about 400 to 420 degrees Fahrenheit. This hot plate will help heat up the circuit board evenly, helping bond the BGA chip to the board. If you are using an old circuit board that had a previous BGA chip attached to this section, you will need to properly clean this area with the flux paste before new installation.
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2
Place the circuit board onto the surface of the hot plate, preferably before it has properly heated up to the intended temperature. Position the circuit board in a comfortable place in order to reach and work on this device.
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3
Apply the flux paste to the surface of the intended area for BGA chip installation. Outline the pins on the circuit board with the flux paste in order to effectively cover the intended area for installation.
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4
Pick up the new BGA chip with the hand vacuum pump and place it down over the intended pins of the circuit board. If necessary, move the chip slightly with tweezers so that it lines up perfectly with these pins.
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5
Wait two and a half to three minutes once the hot plate has reached its maximum temperature for this particular job. You will notice the BGA chip starts to settle a bit on the flux paste once it has soldered completely to the circuit board. Remove the board from the hot plate with a spatula or other scooping utensil and check the connectivity between the chip and the board.
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6
Let the circuit board completely cool off before reinstalling it in the intended device.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear gloves at all times while using the hot plate to avoid burning.
