• Registered: 2009-11-05
  • Posts: 28

Topic: Soldering the FPGA and ARM7

Hi I figured instead of adding this to the parts list post I would start a different one about soldering the fpga and arm7.

I have a weller WES51 soldering iron/station.
Solder sucker (pump) and solder wick.


Basically I am aware of a few methods I could use (which may or may not work):
-Soldering iron + solder wick to fix bridges. I am worried about over heating, or not being able to fix bridges.
-Hot Air rework station (any suggestions? I have looked at some cheap Aoyue stations), apply solder paste, and heat. Is this as easy as it sounds?
-Reflow Oven - solder paste


I have never used solder paste before, but it seems ideal for soldering small pads, not only because there is little chance of a solder bridge, but also because it melts at a lower temp than 60/40 solder from what I have read.

I was looking to buy one of the Aoyue stations, does anyone have any suggestions for equipment? I like my weller soldering iron, using the smallest ETS tips but it seems it would not be ideal for the fpga or arm7.

Thanks!

  • Registered: 2008-08-19
  • Posts: 291

Re: Soldering the FPGA and ARM7

No need to go over the top and complicate things. Just use fine solder and a fine tip soldering iron. Tac two pins on opposite corners of the chip to hold it in place thn run the tip of the iron along the pins feeding it solder. Don't worry about bridges as you clen those up later with the wick. I can solder a 100 pin PQFP in less than a minute real easy.

  • Registered: 2009-11-05
  • Posts: 28

Re: Soldering the FPGA and ARM7

Awesome! Okay I'll give it a shot with my soldering iron.

Thanks for all your help!