Surface mount technology with masked cure

Abstract

A method for temporarily attaching an electrical component to a pad, testing the component, removing and replacing the component if necessary, and making a final attachment of the component to the pad. The method provides for attachment and removal of components, to and from pads located on the substrate of a printed circuit board, wherein the method enables components to be easily removed prior to final assembly without damaging the circuit board or components mounted thereon. The method utilizes a layer of conductive, radiation-curable adhesive placed between the component's lead and the pad. Radiation is then directed through a mask onto a portion of the adhesive layer, which cures the portion while leaving a remaining area of the adhesive layer uncured. Because the portion of the adhesive layer that receives the radiation, and is consequently cured by the radiation, is only a limited portion of the whole adhesive layer, the component may be easily removed from the pad by applying a small mechanical force. Following such removal, the component or a replacement thereof may be attached to the remaining area. The final stage of the method cures the remaining area of uncured adhesive by exposing the remaining area to radiation.