Uncompromising reliability is the foremost requirement for products used in the aerospace and defence sectors. Electronic components within these domains are vital to mission success, and even a single failure is unacceptable. This is why implementing a robust control system for Moisture Sensitive Devices (MSD) has become essential.
Given the expected long service life of these products, manufacturers must ensure the long-term integrity of MSD components. They must also comply with stringent standards (such as AS 9100) while facing ongoing pressure to reduce costs. Proactive moisture management not only prevents costly damage, but also reduces production losses — underlining the importance of automated MSD management systems in the A&D sector.
Why Should Aerospace and Defence Manufacturers Use an Automated Solution?
MSD components can degrade if exposed to moisture beyond a specified time period, depending on their Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL), as defined by the IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033D standard. During the reflow process, absorbed moisture can expand rapidly and damage the component — a phenomenon known as “popcorning”.
Such degradation can result in costly or even fatal failures, which are entirely unacceptable — especially in mission-critical applications. Strict adherence to the J-STD-033D standard ensures a minimum shelf life of one year from sealing date, helping to prevent moisture- or heat-related issues during soldering.
The Cogiscan Platform for Managing Complex Electronic Assemblies
The MSD Control solution from Cogiscan is specifically designed to accurately track, manage, and control exposure and compliance related to moisture-sensitive components. Key features include:
- Exposure Time Management and Calculation: Precise calculation of exposure time, drying, dry storage, and baking cycles, based on moisture sensitivity level (MSL), component thickness, and more — in accordance with IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033D.
- Double-Sided Applications: Real-time material status tracking with advanced alerts, including for double-sided PCBAs.
- Short-Term Exposure: Management of short-term exposure rules for components returned to dry storage after exposure.
- Closed-Loop Process Control: Automatic production lock if expired MSD components are detected on the line or mounted on an assembly.
- Real-Time Alerts: Automatic notifications when components approach their exposure limit or require baking.
- Seamless Integration: Interface with dry storage systems, including automated storage towers.
- Complete Traceability: End-to-end tracking of MSD components from receipt to assembly to ensure full traceability.
- Detailed Reporting: Generation of comprehensive reports on component status and history for final customers.
In environments where a single failure can be catastrophic, implementing a rigorous MSD control system is essential. This is why industry leaders such as Raytheon and BAE Systems have adopted Cogiscan’s automated solution, tailored to their specific assembly environments.
Our solution is not only autonomous, but it can also seamlessly integrate into existing software ecosystems. Its modular design allows smooth integration with platforms such as MES/MOM, ERP, or TTC — enhancing its value within a broader digital infrastructure.
