Supporting a circuit package including a substrate having a solder column array

摘要

A method supports, on a printed circuit board (12), a circuit package (14) including a substrate (15) having a solder column array (30). The method comprises providing the circuit package with an over-sized lid (16') that extends outwardly over an edge of the substrate. The circuit package is electrically connected to the printed circuit board via the solder column array and a plurality of supports (40) are secured to the printed circuit board in position underneath the lid of the circuit package while leaving a gap (G) between the lid and the supports. A static compressive force (F) is applied and maintained to the circuit package relative to the printed circuit board, thereby causing the solder column array to creep until the gap is closed and a substantial portion of the compressive force is borne by the supports. The supports (40) may be secured to the printed circuit board (12) by fasteners (52) or detents (104, fig 7), and may be made from plastics, a composite or metal. The package (14) may include a heat sink (18).