Frequently Asked Questions:

How does the process work?
What is the process?
How often can sockets be treated?
How fast is the turn-around time (TAT)?
Is the socket damaged or altered?
Does Nu Signal guarantee the results?
What does the process cost?
Will I be charged if I send damaged sockets (or sockets that can’t be restored)?
How do I get started?
Is there a minimum order size?
Are there any harmful/toxic residues remaining?
Why do sockets fail?
Can I purchase a machine for my own facility?
Why do BGA/CSP sockets fail sooner than other sockets?
I have sockets with devices stuck in them.  Can Nu Signal help with device removal?
CAN  Nu Signal PROCESS SOCKETS THAT NEED TO BE ACTUATED (OPEN)?

How does the process work?
Most sockets fail due to solder contamination.  Nu Signal removes solder contamination while rebuilding critical contact surfaces with a re-metallization process.

What is the process?
Nu Signal’s technology utilizes an electro-chemical process that selectively removes Tin and Lead contamination without damaging contact materials.

How often can sockets be treated?
Sockets can usually be treated 3-10 times.

How fast is the turn-around time (TAT)?
Turn-around time is typically 1-3 days.

Is the socket damaged or altered?
No.  The socket body is unchanged, and the socket features remain dimensionally unaffected.

Does Nu Signal guarantee the results?
Yes.  Nu Signal stands behind the process.  Treated parts are restored to 100% Yield.  Sockets that are mechanically damaged for other reasons are not treated, and no charges are incurred.

What does the process cost?
The cost is typically a small portion of the replacement cost.  Send us your requirements, or a sample, and Nu Signal will provide a detailed quotation.

Will I be charged if I send damaged sockets (sockets that can’t be restored)?
No.  Failed sockets are sorted and quarantined. Untreated sockets incur no charges.

How do I get started?
Contact Nu Signal and send a selected sample.
Nu Signal will process the parts and return them for your evaluation.

Is there a minimum order size?
No.  Nu Signal is able to accommodate orders of various size.

Are there any harmful/toxic residues remaining?
No.  The decontamination process removes oxidized Tin and Lead, but leaves no toxic residue. 

Why do sockets fail?
Solder contamination is the leading cause of socket failure.  A small amount of solder is transferred to the socket contacts each time a device is inserted.  These layers of solder oxidize, and cause contact resistance to increase.  Eventually, the signal fails.

Can I purchase a machine for my own facility?
The process is complex, and involves multiple phases.  The volume typically needs to be quite large in order to justify this expense.

Why do BGA/CSP sockets fail sooner than other sockets?
Solder balls are softer than device leads used on leadframe products such as QFP and TSOP.  When solder balls are contacted, the contact penetrates into the surface and a larger quantity of solder adheres to the contact.  The solder transfer process is accelerated by conditions such as (Burn-In, HAST, or device latch-up).

I have sockets with devices stuck in them.  Can Nu Signal help with device removal?
Yes, Nu Signal removes stuck devices and restores the sockets to a functional state.

Can Nu Signal process sockets that need to be actuated?
Yes, Nu Signal has equipment to actuate sockets.