Infrared Camera Enables Contactless Measurement in Electronics

The thermographic inspection of electronic components and assemblies is an established test procedure for failure detection and quality management – from the development of first prototypes to serial production. This enables, for example, the following to be detected:

  • Hotspots and atypical temperature distributions on the surface of printed circuit boards, integrated circuits and multichip modules
  • Increased contact resistances
  • Increased resistance due to constriction of wires
  • Hidden cracks in joints
  • Power losses due to RF mismatch
  • Incorrect thermal connections of heat sinks
  • Short circuits, soldering defects such as cold solder joints

Thermographic analysis during each development step provides important conclusions for the optimisation of heat management and the design of complex electronic assemblies. In electronics production thermographic temperature measurement is used as a versatile instrument for quality assurance. High-performance thermography has become indispensable for setting critical technological parameters and their permanent monitoring as well as for inline testing of products in the production process and their final functional test.

  • Live: Thermography Solutions for Power Electronics – Precise, Non-contact and High-speed

    Power electronics is a key enabler for the future renewable energy based grid and plays an important role for improving the efficiency of power devices. E-mobility, industrial pumps and transportation systems benefit from the latest technologies of this research direction. They ask for faster active components, high power densities of miniaturized systems as well as absolute reliability.

  • training about active thermography

    Training: Active Ther­mo­graphy in NDT – Advant­ages, Chal­lenges, Oppor­tun­ities (chargeable)

    InfraTec offers a special seminar "Active Thermography in NDT" for thermography users with a corresponding professional orientation. It facilitates an efficient introduction to this NDT method. Participation fee for the training: 380 EUR*.

On Demand: Micro-Thermography – Contactless Temperature Measurement in the Micrometer Scale

  • What are the physical characteristics of micro-thermography?
  • What are the technical requirements for an IR camera system?
  • Which selection criteria are important and relevant?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of cooled and uncooled camera systems?
  • In which application areas is micro-thermography used?

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TRAILER: Micro-Thermography – Contactless Temperature Measurement in the Micrometer Scale

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Further Characteristics of the Use of Thermography in Electrical Engineering and Electronics

  • Influences neither the RF impedance of the measurement object nor the heat dissipation of the same, which serves the safe avoidance of corresponding measurement errors
  • Allows safe temperature measurement even on live working parts
  • Complete recording of the temperature distribution and its temporal course of complex assemblies
  • Highest spatial resolution by using measurement systems with detectors with a very high number of pixels and opto-mechanical MicroScan unit
  • Resolution of smallest geometrical structures using close up lenses and infrared microscope lenses 
  • Detection of smallest temperature differences using cooled photon detectors and lock-in measurement methods
  • Easy-to-use analysis and documentation of measurement results with powerful analysis software

Advantages when Using Powerful Thermographic Systems

  • InfraTec-icon-detector-1920x1536

    Detector resolutions up to (1,920 × 1,536) native IR pixels for testing complex assemblies

  • infratec icon optic

    Capturing of high-resolution detail images with pixel sizes up to < 1 μm using specific microscopic lenses

  • Detection of temperature differences between defective and intact structures in the range of a few micro-Kelvin due to high thermal resolution up to < 0.015 K in combination with the lock-in method

  • InfraTec-icon-messgenauigkeit-1

    Measurement accuracy of up to ± 1 °C or 1 % for accurate measurement results

Individual Configuration of Thermographic Systems for Electronics and Electrical Engineering

Depending on the respective task, users can get the equipment configured meeting their specific needs. The starting point will usually be the thermographic camera. Cooled or uncooled detector? Which detector format? Shall the thermographic system support lock-in thermography? How much flexibility is desired for the distance between the measurement object and the camera? What influence does this have on the choice of microscopic lenses and close-ups? Depending on what the answers to these questions will be, InfraTec can offer thermographic systems of various performance levels - from the individual camera to the automated modular E-LIT test bench.

Thermography test solution E-LIT

Electronic / Semiconductor Testing - E-LIT

Detect inhomogeneous temperature distribution and local power loss during the production using the automated modular test bench for Lock-in thermography.

Camera filter for infrared cameras

Infrared Cameras for Electronics

InfraTec offers more than 30 infrared camera models. Find your suitable IR camera form our product range to solve your electronic measurement task.

Infrared camera VarioCAM HDx head from InfraTec

VarioCAM® HDx head Lock-in

The compact dimensions and low weight are among the advantages of the VarioCAM® HDx head lock-in. If the task is accompanied by a constant measurement scenario in an industrial environment, it is the first choice.

Precise Localisation and Detailed Mapping of Hotspots and Temperature Differences

The principle of non-contact thermographic temperature measurement allows the error-free determination of the temperature of small objects with small heat capacity. This is often impossible, however, even when using the smallest contacting temperature sensors, as their heat dissipation frequently falsifies the measurement results. In many cases, the use of thermocouples is impossible due to the design or function of the circuit itself. In addition, the structures of electronic measurement objects are sometimes so small that temperature sensors cannot be attached to them.

However, thermographic systems with a high spatial resolution are able to make such small structures clearly visible and, in addition, to determine their exact temperature distribution along with their chronological sequence. By means of specific close-ups and powerful infrared microscopic lenses, users can thermographically measure hotspots of just a few micrometres in size on the surface of components such as semiconductor components. If SIL lenses (Solid Immersion Lenses) are additionally used, even smaller structure sizes can be detected. In combination with appropriate active thermography methods (lock-in thermography), temperature differences of less than 1 mK are clearly visible for failure localisation.

InfraTec offers matching lenses and cameras with cooled and uncooled detectors with native resolutions up to (1,920 × 1,536) IR pixels. With MicroScan – available for cameras with both cooled and uncooled detectors - the spatial resolution can be further improved. The thermograms obtained in this way ensure that components and assemblies are depicted down to the smallest detail and that failures can be precisely detected and localised. Thermal images with an enormous spatial resolution of a few megapixels pay off especially for complex assemblies, where many structures can be captured simultaneously on the respective measurement and test object. If the pixel number of the detector of the used camera is too small, the number of images required for the complete acquisition of the measurement object increases.

Lock-in Thermography in Electronics and Electrical Engineering

By means of lock-in analysis procedure of InfraTec's IRBIS® 3 active, errors that only cause mK or μK deviations can be reliably detected and assigned to their location:

InfraTec Lock-in Thermography; Classical thermal imaging – defect not detectable

Classical thermal imaging – defect not detectable

InfraTec Lock-in Thermography; Amplitude image – analysis by Lock-in Thermography

Amplitude image – analysis by Lock-in Thermography

InfraTec Lock-in Thermography; Combination of live and amplitude image

Combination of live and amplitude image

Precise Results in the Shortest Possible Time

  • InfraTec thermography - High-speed Mode
    Further information about High-speed Mode

    High-speed Mode – Increase Frame Rate and Sensitivity

    Due to the binning technology, infrared cameras have two speed modes – the standard mode and the high-speed mode, in which the frame rate increases more than three times. The field of view remains constant in both modes, so the scene captured by the camera does not change. In high-speed mode, the thermal resolution also increases by a factor of two.

  • MicroScan feature ImageIR
    Further information about MicroScan

    MicroScan – Quadrupling the Number of Pixels

    Displaying measurement objects with extremely low noise and fine resolution – this is what MicroScan is for. Using this function, the native pixel number of the detector can be quadrupled. This results in thermograms of better image quality with geometric resolutions of more than 5.2 Megapixels. Each pixel in the image represents a true temperature reading, not an interpolated pixel.

  • InfraTec thermography - Geometrical Resolution

    Geometrical Resolution – Efficient Analysis of Complex Assemblies

    InfraTec's infrared cameras with cooled and uncooled detectors have native resolutions up to (1,920 × 1,536) IR pixels. Spatially high-resolution thermograms ensure that components and assemblies are imaged down to the smallest detail and thus defects can be reliably detected and precisely localised.

  • InfraTec thermography - Thermal resolution

    Thermal Resolution – Determination of Differences of Only a Few Millikelvin

    For detection of small temperature changes InfraTec's infrared cameras offer thermal resolutions up to < 15 mK in real-time operation. By using the Lock-in Thermography method it is possible to further increase this resolution significantly. For this purpose test objects are periodically excited and non-destructively examined for defects and irregularities.

  • InfraTec thermography - Feature EverSharp
    Further information about EverSharp

    EverSharp – Displaying Measurement Objects in a Sharp Thermal Image Consistently

    The EverSharp function allows all objects in the image scene to be sharp. The automatic combination of thermal images with different focus positions ensures that only the sharply focused object structures are shown in the resulting thermal image.

  • HighSense for thermographic camera series ImageIR®
    Further Information about HighSense

    HighSense – Always the Optimal Camera Setting

    Thanks to HighSense, ImageIR® users have the option of setting up individual measuring ranges based on the factory calibration that best suit the respective task. The software also offers the possibility of storing a large number of such areas clearly arranged. Individually named and permanently stored, the operator can quickly access them. The same applies to changing, renaming and deleting profiles. HighSense is available for different camera models of the ImageIR® series. This function can optionally be added to systems already delivered.

  • Thermal image during ignition of an airbag Image Small
    Further information about subwindowing

    Window Mode (Subwindowing) – Capture of Rapid Sequences

    The thermal imaging camera can be operated in full, half, quarter and sub mode. With the camera control software, it is possible to use the extended subwindowing function. Using click-and-drag, freely definable sections can be set up quickly and conveniently. A defined sub-frame of the detector is picked out to achieve these extremely high refresh rates.

  • Thermografie-Kameraserie ImageIR® mit neuer 10 GigE-Schnittstelle
    Further information about the 10 GigE technology

    10 GigE Interface for a Strong Increase in Output

    The 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface of the high-end camera series ImageIR® opens this extremely fast transmission standard with a NIC specially developed by InfraTec. This works with optical or electrical transceiver modules that are easy to change and are called SFP+.

    Different 10 GigE fiber SFP+ transceivers allow transmission ranges of up to ten kilometers with the same low sensitivity to electromagnetic interference. A corresponding standard SFP ensures backward compatibility with the conventional GigE interface. This combination allows the ease of use of the cameras with the 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface in existing systems - though at a reduced transmission rate.

  • Further information about lenses

    High-performance Full Optics

    High quality precision lenses allow the adaptation of the image geometry to almost every measuring situation. Its performance parameters are calibrated with respect to functionality, quality and flexible application. Due to proper IR-transparent lens materials and high-precision antireflexion coating, the lenses are optimised for different spectral ranges.

  • InfraTec thermography glossary - autofocus
    Further information about permanent autofocus

    Permanent Autofocus

    Constantly changing object scenes require manual or automatic refocusing. The integrated permanent autofocus function makes this task easier. In the case of a change of scene, the camera automatically applies the optimum focus setting quickly and precisely. The completely innovative, very powerful autofocus system is laser-based and works extremely reliably. Even under unfavourable environmental conditions, such as poor lighting conditions, darkness or low thermal contrasts on the measuring object, this function provides exactly focused thermal images.

  • InfraTec Glossary Motorfocus
    Further information about the motor focus

    Motor Focus for ImageIR® Full Lenses – More Comfort

    All interchangeable standard lens systems of the ImageIR® series can be combined with a motor focus unit, which is controlled by the camera operating software. It enables precise, remote and fast focusing. In addition, an autofocus function is available which operates reliably even with low image contrasts.

  • Integrated Trigger / Process Interface and Interfaces - Digitally Controlling of a Infrared Camera and External Devices

    The internal trigger interface guarantees highly precise, repeatable triggering. Each of the two configurable digital inputs and outputs are used to control the camera or to generate digital control signals for external devices. In this way, for example, the operation of a printed circuit board and the interval of a measurement can be synchronised.

    The selection of different camera interfaces allows the processing of analog data, such as the voltage directly through the camera and thus the insertion of this information into the thermal image data. Relevant variables can be included in the evaluations with the software, which makes it easier to draw conclusions about the causes of temperature changes.

Electronic Guide: Electronics / Electrical Engineering

Download our electronic guide "Electronics / Electrical Engineering" and get further information about thermography systems for use in development and production. 
 

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Case Studies about Thermography in Electronics Applications

Failure Analysis on Electronic Components | ©BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg
Get further information about ImageIR® 8300 for failure analysis on electronic components

Thermography on the Trail of the Fault

Today, thermographic damage and function analysis of electronic components is an established test method in electrical engineering. This method is also used for research purposes at the Institute for Electrical Systems and Energy Logistics at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. In this context, Prof. Dr. Ralph Schacht is intensively involved with the material and system characterisation as well as the non-destructive failure analysis of printed circuit boards, electronic components, microelectronics as well as composite systems of packaging and interconnection technology.

Get further information about ImageIR® 9300 for nanotechnologies

Thermal Micro Actuators for Nanotechnologies

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) offer a wide range of possible applications in the field of nanotechnology. Everyday examples are the position recognition of mobile phones and the use in airbags, digital cameras or pacemakers. Other applications can be found above all in the field of miniaturised medical diagnostics. Growing demands on miniaturisation affect both the system solutions required for this and the sensors and control elements to be developed.

InfraTec Thermography Success Story: CAU Kiel
Read more about ImageIR® 8300 hp in use for high-performance electronic systems

Power Electronics – Efficient Control of the Futures Energy

The energy efficiency of electronic components is becoming increasingly important in numerous fields of application. And that is not all: in our electronic and high-tech age, the demand is for even faster active components, higher power densities of miniaturised systems as well as absolute reliability. Along with this, there is the request for environmentally conscious resource procurement and the requirement that the increase in performance of modules should run parallel to lower energy consumption.

Thermography in Process Automation - Isabellenhuette
Further information about thermography in process automation

Thermography in Process Automation

Heat is one of the most important parameters for weal and woe during production processes and for product quality. Therefore, measuring heat has always had major relevance which is reflected by the early use of temperature sensors during the automation of production processes. Now the fast visualization of temperature distributions with non-contacting infrared thermography allows even more complex automated solutions without using contacted temperature sensors.

Inverter with loaded components to forecast their lifecycle - picture credits: @ istock.com / Mordolff
Further information about thermographic microscopy in electronics

Thermographic Microscopy in Electronics

At the same time that the performance of electronic components is being driven ever higher the demand for thermal management at ever smaller scales is also occurring.

Thermography in Electronics Development - Picture credits: © iStock.com / Jimmyan
Usage of infrared thermography at Delphi Deutschland GmbH

Thermography in Electronics Development

At Delphi’s laboratory plant “Test & Validation Services”, thermography is used for design and product validation as part of quality assurance. Therewith, a stable hardware basis is set for integrating new technologies in motor vehicles that again present a substantial contribution to traffic safety.

Get in contact with InfraTec thermography division

Would You Like to Know More?

It is not unusual for tasks to be associated with special requirements. Discuss your specific application needs with our specialists, receive further technical information or learn more about our additional services.

Europe & Rest of World

InfraTec GmbH
Infrarotsensorik und Messtechnik
Gostritzer Str. 61 – 63
01217 DresdenGERMANY

Clear Determination of only a Few Milli-Kelvin Temperature Differences

thermal imaging of a circuit board

In general, thermography has now found a firm place in applications within electronics and electrical engineering. Reasons for this include the trend towards ever smaller, but at the same time more powerful components that are operated with ever lower supply voltages. Normally, lower electrical power consumption goes hand in hand with lower temperature changes from which any faults that may occur can be analysed. Infrared cameras with excellent thermal resolutions up to < 20 mK in real-time operation already fundamentally meet these requirements. However, this alone is not sufficient for certain measurement tasks. In addition, lock-in thermography will be required to detect slightest temperature differences. By means of periodic excitation, test objects can be examined non-destructively for defects and irregularities. The measurement time when using the lock-in method increases significantly with the desired resolution compared to a real-time measurement and can take several minutes. Therefore, it is particularly helpful if such measurements can be made "in one go" with a large-format camera providing high geometrical resolution.

A camera with a lower geometrical resolution, in contrast, forces the user to repeat measurements many times during the complete acquisition of the measurement object, especially if a failure cannot always be reliably reproduced. The money saved on purchasing a lower-cost camera then causes the developer to waste a lot of time on testing or production during the final inspection and can result in considerably higher costs.

Excellent Coordination of Infrared Camera, Thermography Software and Peripherals

InfraTec pays special attention to the optimal interaction between the thermographic camera and the software. Regarding the use in electronics manufacturing, the IRBIS® 3 thermography software offers a wide range of functions that support the use of passive and active thermography methods. These include, for example, the comparison between current thermal images and a reference image as well as the display of amplitudes and phase images with adjustable parameters for lock-in thermography. This allows the failure target to be reliably identified and clearly displayed.

Thermography software IRBIS 3 from InfraTec

The IRBIS® 3 also offers a tailored solution for thermographic measurements on printed circuit boards and hybrid assemblies. A great challenge with such measurement objects arises from the abundance of components used. These again consist of a variety of materials, such as different metals, ceramics and plastics, each with very different surface attributes. For precise temperature measurement, the emissivity of the respective material at the surface is of particular importance. With the IRBIS® 3 software the emissivity for each individual pixel can both be determined and adjusted and so the measured temperature can automatically be corrected taking into account the emissivity and any reflected temperature. Various correction models are used for this and for taking into account other influencing factors, too. These models reproduce the respective measurement situation in such a way that all factors influencing the measurement result, such as radiation from the surroundings, windows used or damping properties of the measurement section, are taken into account. This allows the user to always achieve exact temperature measurement results if the relevant conditions are met.

Lenses

The extensive range of high-quality precision interchangeable lenses allows the field of view to be adapted to almost any measurement situation:

  • Wide angle, normal and telephoto lenses
  • Close-up attachments
  • Microscope lenses
  • Solid Immersion Lenses (SIL)

Accessories

Additional to the lenses, users can choose from a wide range of accessories:

  • Excitation controllers for active thermography
  • Two-axis positioning systems
  • X-Y measurement tables
  • Motorised microscope stands

Publications of our Customers

Transiente Methoden der Infrarot-Thermografie zur
zerstörungsfreien Fehleranalytik in der mikroelektronischen
Aufbau- und Verbindungstechnik (Language: German)

Infrared camera: ImageIR® 8300

A reference-free micro defect visualization using pulse laser scanning thermography and image processing

Infrared camera: ImageIR® 8300 series

Modeling and Fabrication of Pt Micro–Heaters Built on Alumina Substrate

Infrared camera: ImageIR® 8300

Lanthanide-doped glasses as frequency-converter for high-power LED applications

Infrared camera: ImageIR® 8300

Temperature gradients in microelectrode measurements: Relevance and solutions for studies of SOFC electrode materials

Infrared camera: ImageIR® 9300

Microheater based on magnetic nanoparticle embedded PDMS

Infrared camera: VarioCAM® series

Associated Industries & Applications

  • Active Thermography - Picture Credits: © Rainer / Fotolia.com
    Active Thermography

    Active Thermography

    Make use of active thermography for non-destructive and contact-free material testing, for both automated inline and offline solutions.

  • microthermography
    Micro-Thermography

    Micro-Thermography

    Micro-thermography allows for the thermal analysis of extremely small structures in the micrometer range, providing a detailed representation of the temperature distribution on complex electronic assemblies and components.

  • thermal imaging to inspect electrical installations
    Inspection of Electrical Installations

    Inspection of Electrical Installations

    Search electrical installations or high-voltage nets with infrared camera systems for dangerous hotspots.