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Pure Tin and Tin Whiskers in Hybrid Microcircuits

Pure Tin and Tin Whiskers in Hybrid Microcircuits
MIL-PRF-38534 prohibits pure-tin finishes both external and internal to the hybrid. These restrictions exist because tin grows off-shoots of tin, called whiskers, which can provide unintended current paths in circuits. Lead acts as an inhibiter to the whisker growth. Consequently 3% by weight lead is required for external and internal finishes.The DLA Land and Maritime Hybrid Devices Branch sent a letter in March 2005 to QML-38534 hybrid manufacturers requiring them to review production for the past ten years looking for pure tin finishes, and to report any pure tin found via the GIDEP system. The status of the hybrid manufacturers and lists of parts they shipped with pure tin are available at this site below.Also at this site you can find pointers to published articles on tin whiskers and related issues.All information for this site has been provided by sources other than DLA Land and Maritime. DLA Land and Maritime cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of the content.