Meaning
Mass spectrometry techniques provide the means to analyze the internal atmosphere of sealed electronic components. Performing a residual gas analysis allows manufacturers to verify the quality of the hermetic sealing process and identify trace contaminants.
Hermetic Verification
Gas composition within the sealed cavity must be controlled to prevent moisture-induced failure. The residual gas analysis measures the percentage of water vapor, nitrogen, and other gases to ensure they are within acceptable limits. A moisture level exceeding five thousand parts per million can lead to internal corrosion and electrical leakage.
This testing is mandatory for high-reliability components used in critical applications.
Quality Auditing
Statistical process control relies on periodic destructive testing to monitor the sealing environment. Because residual gas analysis requires puncturing the package, it is performed on a sample basis during production runs. If a sample shows high levels of outgassing from internal adhesives, the batch is held for further investigation.
This testing prevents defective lots from being shipped to customers.
Contractual Warranty
Supplier agreements for critical electronic components often specify the allowable limits of internal gases. If a distributor finds that a batch fails to meet the specifications during a residual gas analysis audit, they can return the shipment. The manufacturer must then cover the costs of failure analysis, replacement, and return shipping.
This contractual protection ensures that only high-quality, stable components enter the supply chain, protecting the final system integrator from infant mortality failures in the field.
