Troubleshooting Application Note AN840

VISHAY SILICONIX
www.vishay.com
Power MOSFETs
Application Note AN840
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
By Kandarp Pandya
These guidelines chronologically cover most pertinent
aspects and information for a proficient and valuable failure
analysis of a suspect power MOSFET in electronic control
applications.
Any failure in mass production environment raises the
priority flags. Invariably, all the possible resources are pulled
in to propel the best possible concurrent engineering efforts.
The aim is to identify the root cause of failure and implement
the containment action plan at the earliest possible
opportunity. These guidelines help to maintain smooth and
adequate information exchange in timely manner during the
rush mode - due to raised priorities - of failure analysis.
One of the immediate and initial steps in most cases is to
send the suspect power MOSFET back to the manufacturer
and get the manufacturing expertise engaged on the failure
analysis as soon as possible.
Well established protocol starting with Product Analysis
Request form - Appendix A, steers the failure analysis
process to a final 8D report concluding the root cause and
recommended action plan, if any.
However, we do encounter scenarios where it is not
possible to establish root cause of the MOSFET failure. That
brings us to “The Next Step” for Failure Analysis. The
attempt here is to start with a fresh look at everything i.e.,
work done so far and examine additional aspects that can
help establish the root cause of failure. The focus here is
extended to include application and examine each and
every aspect looking for a possible cause that could lead to
the failure of the MOSFET in question.
Appendix B Collects the Information with Focus on the
Followings:
a. Number of failures
1. ICT - In-Circuit Tester - Quantity
- Electrical schematic diagram of test setup
- Test program
2. Functional Test - Quantity
- Electrical schematic diagram of test setup
- Test program
3. Field Returns - Quantity
- Length of operating life before field failure
g. Changes if any at any stage of PC board assembly and
testing
1. Any other component level change in the associated
circuit
2. Test program changes
3. Assembly or hardware changes at product level
4. Assembly or hardware changes at end use
• Actual application, function of the MOSFET in the circuit.
• Examination of operating parameters and conditions
under normal operation.
• Examination of operating parameters and conditions
worst case analysis.
• Analysis of waveforms for electrical parameters see
Appendix C and D:
a. VGS - Gate-Source Voltage
b. VDS - Drain-Source Voltage
c. ID - Drain Current
d. PD - Power Dissipation in MOSFET
• The waveform analysis for both normal and worst case
conditions includes
b. Total usage number in the application
a. one complete On/Off cycle
c. The period of usage in the particular application and
platform
b. Zoomed view of turn-on event
d. Total usage number in identical application but on
different platform
e. Total usage number in same application but different
assembly location/facility
Revision: 28-Feb-14
c. Zoomed view of turn-off event
• The *.csv files of waveforms listed in “Appendix C and D”
above help define power profiles useful for thermal
simulations if necessary. Refer to Appendix E for an
example.
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APPLICATION NOTE
• Statistical data:
f. Failure point:
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
The recommended protocol in “The Next Step” analysis is to
send the complete PC board assembly with the suspect
MOSFET - un-disturbed.
However, in case, the Entire PC board assembly is not
practical to send, at least very carefully removed, 25 mm
x 25 mm (1" x 1") cut-out PCB around the suspect MOSFET
is the second preferred option.
In most of the first time failures, the user tend to test the
suspect MOSFET on PC Board assembly using commonly
used hand held multimeter to confirm the failure. De-solder
the part using standard soldering stations and send the
same to the manufacturer. However, the suspect MOSFET
could have walked through a pit-fall losing significant failure
signature/s. The testing and handling of the suspect
MOSFET is quite critical for detecting and retaining the
failure signatures in its original conditions. This is imperative
as the subsequent failure analysis is equally complex as the
original manufacturing process of the MOSFET die. Please
refer to the application note AN839, “Guidelines for
Handling Failed Power MOSFETs on PCB Assembly”.
Recommended Procedure and Steps:
• Prepare and pack for shipping the PCB assembly
containing the suspect MOSFET or the suspect MOSFET
for failure analysis. Typically, the package contains:
a. The suspect MOSFET on PCB assembly or cut-out as
discussed above.
b. The Vishay Siliconix Failure Analysis Request form,
Appendix B; duly completed to the possible extent.
The missing information can follow later to expedite
and facilitate proficient failure analysis.
• Here are the shipping instructions:
Shipping label should read
Leilani L. Taa
Manager, Document Control & Customer Returns
Quality Engineering & Systems
Vishay Siliconix
2201 Laurelwood Road, Santa Clara, CA. 95054-1595,
USA
Phone: +1 (408) 970-5481 | Fax: +1 (408) 567-8991
e-mail: [email protected]
• Vishay Siliconix will further investigate the failure mode.
The failure analysis continues with communications
exchanges on findings and mutually agreed action plans.
APPLICATION NOTE
• Final response from Vishay Siliconix - an updated “8D”
summarizes finding of failure analysis and mutually agreed
containment action plan - required if any.
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
2
For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
APPENDIX A
Customer Analysis Request
CS Group Ref:
Customer Information
CS Group -xxxxx
Vishay Information
Customer
:
Vishay Originator
:
Contact Person
:
Date Vishay 1st Rec'd
:
Tel No.
:
Date Sent to Mfg Site
:
Email Address
:
Sent to
:
Cust. Ref. No.
:
Sales/CS Contact
:
Cust. Location
:
AWB #
:
Datecode
:
Device Information
Vishay PN
:
Customer PN
:
Plant Code
:
Quantity
:
Lot/Serial #
:
Potential Return
:
DN/Invoice #
:
Defect Information
[
Type of Complaint [
[
] Electrical
[
] Mechanical
[
] Visual
] Packing
[
] Label
[
] Mixed Part
] Other:
Comments:
~For soldering complaint, pls attach customer's profile and solder composition~
Point of Defect
[
] Qualification
[
] Field/Warranty Defect (How long has the product been in use?):
[
[
] Reliability:
[
] Incoming
[
] Assembly
] Line / 0km (for automotive)
Comments:
APPLICATION NOTE
~Please note any important test, process, or usage conditions~
Defect Rate
:
Application
:
Remarks/Other
Data
:
Notes:
1. Please attach a copy of the reel label.
2. Please take precaution against ESD and mechanical damage when forwarding samples.
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
3
For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
APPENDIX B
VISHAY SILICONIX FAILURE ANALYSIS REQUEST FORM
COMPANY INFORMATION
Company Name:
Contact Person:
Request Reference # and Date:
Adress:
DEVICE INFORMATION
Quantity Purchased:
Quantity Returned:
Failure Rate:
Part Number:
Geometry:
Lot#:
Assembly Location:
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Application:
Time on Field:
Failure Events:
Number of Parts Failed:
APPLICATION NOTE
Total Usage in the Same Application:
Failure Detection Mechanism/Code:
Purpose of this Transistor in Application:
Is the Application Working after Replacement of the Suspect Transistor with
Another fresh Transistor?
Application Details - (Electrical Schematic and Operation Parameters):
Application Waveforms for Failing Parts - (VGS, VDS, ID, PD, One Complete On-Off
Cycle, Zoomed at Turn-on, at Turn-off:
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
4
For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
VISHAY SILICONIX FAILURE ANALYSIS REQUEST FORM
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Application Waveforms for Good Parts:
Worst Case Operating Conditions:
Operating Ambient (Temperature):
Board and Assembly Level Testing:
Does the Customer want the Board Back after Complete Failure Analysis?
Customer Comment/Suggest FA:
APPLICATION NOTE
Attached Documents (Electrical Schematics, Application Details, etc)
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
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For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
APPENDIX C
V-
Example of Signals Useful for Analysis of MOSFET Behavior
R1
10k
3
V-
U1
2
2
V1
1
V+
4
I
R2
1.2k
12 VDC
Si4948BEY 1
R4
Q1
2N2222A/ZTX
V1 = 0 V
V2 = 10 V
TD = 0
TR = 10 ns
TF = 10 ns
PW = 100 µs
PER = 200 µs
10k
V2
V+
R3
6E
APPLICATION NOTE
0
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
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For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
APPLICATION NOTE
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
7
For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
APPLICATION NOTE
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
8
For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
APPENDIX D
Please Ignore the Voltage Values as these are for Different Circuit and Different MOSFET:
Example of Fully On VGS and VDS
APPLICATION NOTE
Example of Turn-On Zoomed: Notice Shorter Time Scale
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
9
For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
Example of Turn-Off Zoomed. Notice Shorter Time Scale.
APPLICATION NOTE
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
10
For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000
Application Note AN840
www.vishay.com
Vishay Siliconix
“The Next Step" for Failure Analysis of
Vishay Siliconix Power MOSFET
APPENDIX E
Example of *.CSV file (Partial Data) of the Series 1 Waveform on Right.
0
0
300
1.2E-06 9.482123
1.5E-06 2.914048
250
1.74E-06 10.84139
1.75E-06 3.895316
200
1.79E-06 10.95363
1.8E-06 3.935556
150
Series1
1.82E-06 18.09269
1.83E-06 3.124866
100
1.85E-06 11.08923
1.88E-06 3.156623
50
1.91E-06 4.024415
1.92E-06 3.182206
1.93E-06 10.41826
0
0
0.00001 0.00002
0.00003 0.00004
0.00005 0.00006
0.00007
1.95E-06 3.202057
1.96E-06 4.065218
1.97E-06 3.214845
2E-06 11.43216
2.01E-06 3.241309
2.03E-06 11.50232
2.05E-06 4.140664
2.06E-06 11.57245
2.09E-06 3.294675
2.11E-06 4.192073
2.13E-06 10.85343
2.14E-06 4.217782
2.15E-06 11.78912
2.18E-06 3.355981
2.2E-06 4.269763
APPLICATION NOTE
2.21E-06 3.376714
Revision: 28-Feb-14
Document Number: 67336
11
For technical questions, contact: [email protected]
THIS DOCUMENT IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED HEREIN AND THIS DOCUMENT
ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC DISCLAIMERS, SET FORTH AT www.vishay.com/doc?91000