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Sophisticated PCBA, with a DM6446 using two 16 bits DDR2 devices to implement a 32 bit memory space. On some boards, we see a stuck bit on either bit 24 or bit 8, which map to the same BGA ball (C8) on the two different devices. Of the known-bad boards, 12/12 have this failure mode (either bit 8 or bit 24 stuck).

Sent one board out for cross-section & SEM. Reliability lab says the solder ball did not wet the pad, so electrically open.

Did a die and pry on a second board with the same failure mode. All balls on the two devices are good, except for ball C8 on both devices. On one device, the joint is half failed; on the other device, full failure.

Anyone ever see anything like this?

John Sambrook
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    Is C8 tightly connected to the local ground plane? It sounds like you have something preventing proper reflow on C8. – Connor Wolf Aug 17 '13 at 01:10
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    We would need links to the datasheets for the RAM, PCB layouts, and a whole bunch of other things. –  Aug 17 '13 at 04:39
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    Could you post images of the board layout for each IC, cropped a few mm outside the footprint, with C8 indicated? It would be particularly interesting if any geometry is in common. – Chris Stratton Aug 17 '13 at 15:50

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Perhaps a long shot, but maybe inspect a few dozen of the RAM chips under scope for any sign of C8 pad defect?

varjag
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