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MSL Project

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#65645

MSL Project | 14 December, 2011

I am installing MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) Controls in the company. I have been trying to contact manufacturers to obtain the MSL level (1-6) for each family of part they produce.

Well i havent had a great response as they say refer to the datasheet and i cannot find this detail on the datasheets or any general statement of compliance.

Has anyone else tried to roll out a project on MSL and found a better source of information? I have over 5k parts in update on our MRP system and looking for a quicker resolution than doing each part at a time.

Any thoughts/ideas i havent contemplated?

Thanks, C

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#65653

MSL Project | 14 December, 2011

Not really sure I understand. Are you trying to install MSL controls in the plant? If so, do you mean from the standpoint of say a MSL 5 part that has been exposed to the mfg floor for 24 hours then returned to the cabinet: how do you collect the information of how long it was exposed, when it was returned to the cabinet, that kind of information? Or are you trying to find out what physically happens to a part that has exceeded its floor life?

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#65655

MSL Project | 14 December, 2011

I would first check the moisture barrier bag that the parts come in. There is a label showing the MSL level on the bag and sometimes included with the information on the reel. Transfer this info to your MRP system. If your receiving department throws away the bags they come in, you have more work to do.

If worse comes to worse and you just can't get the information, my rule of thumb is to assume that all IC's are at least MSL3 and treat them that way. I wouldn't worry too much about the R's & C's. I've found that some LEDs and large IC's can be MSL4. Assume bare PCBs are MSL4.

Tin/lead is more forgiving than if your process is lead free. Some readers may disagree with some of my points above but it's just my opinion. Hope it helps.

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#65949

MSL Project | 2 March, 2012

Yes i am trying to install controls. The MSL classification for a part is defined in JSTD033B which i have. I need to update all 5000 plus parts on my MRP system with the correct MSL level (we will be audited on it by BSI). I know that manufacturers put it on the label, but i dont want to give the stores staff access or want them to add it.

I have proposed the rule of thumb method, which they are happy with me doing as long as i have tracibility where the entry came from, as im the only one with access to that part of our MRP system they want it to stay that way.

I have just completed the CAPEX for purchasing dry cabinets as we have not intention of making a Nitrogen plant.

My original question was if you have done this project before where did you obtain the manufacturers data without spending months on obtaining the data?

Is there a source that includes this information, i would appricate some direct.

Thanks, C

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#65988

MSL Project | 9 March, 2012

Hi, I've been supplying Totech dry cabinets in the Uk for 10 years and in that time I've realised the only places to find the correct MSL level is on the dry pack the devices are shipped in or by spending hours on the internet or speaking to the device manufacturer. But, nowadays rather then tie up so much time our policy is to recommend that all BGAs, QFPs, QFNs, LEDS, TSOPs, LGAs and anything you are not sure about are stored in a dry cabinet such as the Totech SD or HSD range at less then 5% RH....because IPC JEDEC 33B.1 states that anything stored at less then 5% RH has an indefinite floor life. And even if you put damp devices in the Totech dry cabinets, because they can maintain ultra low humidity ( 0.5% )then they will dry out and be safe to process without baking. Totech has lots of data about drying times for different devices when they are put in their cabinets.

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#66058

MSL Project | 23 March, 2012

I think you need some new suppliers. Any reputable supplier will have the M-code marked on the outside of the pkg, as that's a req't of J-STD-033. So if it ain't there, tell them they need to properly mark the pkg. Them telling you to "check the internet/datasheet" is bull.

If they don't adhere to the spec and they don't want to assist you I'd tell them to take a hike. There are plenty of people that will take your money but WILL give you the info you need / pay for. Besides, maybe there's a reason they don't want you to know. Perhaps THEY don't know.

They sound shady to me.

Good luck!

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#66079

MSL Project | 28 March, 2012

hi, you can see the MSL on the moisture barrier bag - there have label with mSL.Two years ago , I check all components in our stockk and insert the data in the ERP.For any components I find the MSL in their data sheet.About 20-30 component I cant find any information and ask the supplier.Now , I have MSL for all IC,transistors, diodes, leds...As a result of this project, now I have not any defects with LEDs - they are very sensitive .

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#66083

MSL Project | 29 March, 2012

Hi, I'm facing this kind of problem now too. I'm introducing MSL control in the factory I work and the only way to solve this problem is to check every component with moisture barrier bag. I also tried to verify the MSL level in components data sheet but I hadn't successful.

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