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TL16C452: Best-practices for the long-term storage of electronic components

Daniele Biondi
Prodigy 10 points
Part Number: TL16C452

Tool/software:

I'm seeking guidance on the best practices for the long-term storage of Texas Instruments moisture-sensitive components (such as the part number of the E2E thread title). These components are typically supplied in IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033 compliant Moisture Barrier Bags (MBBs) with desiccant and a Humidity Indicator Card (HIC).

My primary question is regarding the handling of these sealed MBBs during extended storage periods (e.g., several years):

  • Is it sufficient to store these factory-sealed MBBs unopened, periodically inspecting only the bag's external seal integrity, and checking the HIC just after opening the bag for use in our production process?
  • Or, does TI recommend a schedule for periodically opening these MBBs to inspect the HIC, potentially replace the desiccant and HIC, and then reseal the bag, even if the components have not yet been required for production?

I've reviewed TI's application report: Component Reliability After Long-Term Storage. The document states: "Standard packing materials (bags, desiccant, and humidity cards) are robust for a 32 month storage period that can be extended by repacking with fresh materials. Packing materials designed for long term storage are effective for more than five years."

This statement implies that for storage durations potentially exceeding 32 months, repacking with fresh materials might be necessary. However, establishing a best practice that involves routinely opening original Texas Instruments packaging for such maintenance seems to conflict with the general preference for preserving original packaging integrity for as long as possible.

Could TI provide a definitive recommendation on how to balance these considerations for its moisture-sensitive components?

Thank you very much in advance

  • 0
    TI__Guru 73701 points

    Hi Daniele,

    From my understanding (spent 2 hours reading documents to hunt for this answer), it seems like TI's standard MBBs ensure atleast 3 years of shelf life from when they are packaged. TI also has ESL bags (extended shelf life) which allow for 5 years? The only document I found that suggested opening a MBB was the one you linked. From what I can tell, it seems like changing the bags and desiccant should be done every 3 years (5 for ESL bags) since the bags are only guaranteed for 3 (5 for ESL) years of shelf life. I think when the bag change is being done, it needs to be in a controlled environment with very low humudity and controlled temperature.

    -Bobby

  • 0 in reply to BOBBY
    Prodigy 10 points

    Hi Bobby,

    Thank you for your answer. I will check within my company if we have the possibility to organize a room with such controlled environment for the bag change.

    In case it is not possible: would the use of dry cabinets like these be of any help?

    Thanks and wish you a nice day,

    Daniele

  • +1 in reply to Daniele Biondi
    TI__Guru 73701 points
    Daniele Biondi said:
    In case it is not possible: would the use of dry cabinets like these be of any help?

    Yes, when I was reading the JEDEC standard (JEP160A) //should be free for you to download// a cabinet with humidity control was recommended. 

    "Product stored in a dry cabinet should be maintained at 7-10% RH for MSL 2 or 3 and maximum 5% RH" ...."The cabinets should be capable of recovering to their stated humidity rating within one hour from routine excursions such as a door being opened and closed. To limit possible moisture exposure from ambient atmosphere, the suggested time limit for dry cabinet open door is 10 minutes cumulative per 8 hours for a total of 30 minutes cumulative per 24 hour period. The suggested maximum time the door may be open in any period is 8 minutes to allow the humidity to recover to below 25% RH."

    My understanding here is you wouldn't use the MBB and desiccant when using the dry cabinet. You verify the integrity by checking an atmosphere flow meter.

    -Bobby 

  • 0 in reply to BOBBY
    Prodigy 10 points

    Perfect, thank you for the information Bobby and wish you a nice day.

    Daniele