# On Semiconductor SS16 Schottky Rectifier

Date: 2019-06-03

Categories: [Analytical Services](https://gideonlabs.com/categories/analytical-services/index.md), [Diode Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/categories/diode-failure-analysis/index.md), [Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/categories/failure-analysis/index.md), [Radiography](https://gideonlabs.com/categories/radiography/index.md), [Rectifier Failure Analysis](https://gideonlabs.com/categories/rectifier-failure-analysis/index.md), [Success Stories](https://gideonlabs.com/categories/success-stories/index.md)




Gideon Analytical Laboratories received two On Semiconductor SS16 rectifier for failure analysis. The [On](https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/308/SS16-1301707.pdf) Semiconductor SS16 Schottky Rectifier features glass-passivated junctions and a high-current capacity. Their applications include low voltage, high-frequency inverters, freewheeling, and polarity protection. Their storage temperature range is between -65 and 150 Degrees Celsius and the operating junction temperature is between -65 and 125 Degrees Celsius. Along with the two failed rectifiers, several good devices were also supplied for comparison. The goal was to determine why the On Semiconductor SS16 Schottky rectifiers were failing.

Upon receiving the device, we immediately began failure analysis. There was no external damage to any of the diodes provided. The diodes were removed from the PCBs and tested on a curve tracer. A [curve](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiconductor_curve_tracer) tracer works by applying voltage to two terminals of the device under test, measuring the amount of the current that the device permits to flow at a corresponding voltage. The curve trace revealed both failed devices were shorted. X-rays were taken, and they revealed some voiding in the solder. The parts were then decapsulated. There was considerable voiding in the solder to lead frame attachments. The copper and solder were removed to expose the failure site, which was directly over the guard ring. The failure analysis yielded some familiar results suggesting an avalanche breakdown on both diodes.

Gideon Analytical Laboratories has the experience, analytical equipment, and professional motivation to solve any electrical problem you might have. Like every other reputable company, you want to make quality products that last a significant amount of time. You want a good reputation around the industry and in the market. Should things not go your way or should your products begin to fail and you do not know why never fear? Gideon Analytical Laboratories can help you as we have helped literally hundreds of other electronics companies solver their problems and get back on the right track. If you need help, call Gideon Analytical Laboratories today.

![Second diode, again, not a normal transient voltage spike](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/Second-diode-again-not-a-normal-transient-voltage-spike.jpg 'Second diode, again, not a normal transient voltage spike')
![On Semiconductor SS16 Schottky Rectifier](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/On-Semiconductor-SS16-Schottky-Rectifier.jpg 'On Semiconductor SS16 Schottky Rectifier')
![X-ray shows the top metal covering active area of die, also voiding in solder](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/X-ray-shows-the-top-metal-covering-active-area-of-die-also-voiding-in-solder.jpg 'X-ray shows the top metal covering active area of die, also voiding in solder')
![SS16 decapsulated, considerable voiding in the solder](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/SS16-decapsulated-considerable-voiding-in-the-solder.jpg 'SS16 decapsulated, considerable voiding in the solder')
![SS16 decapsulated, considerable voiding in the solder](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/SS16-after-decapsulation.jpg 'SS16 decapsulated, considerable voiding in the solder')
![Copper and solder removed to expose the failure site](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/Copper-and-solder-removed-to-expose-the-failure-site.jpg 'Copper and solder removed to expose the failure site')
![Not your typical voltage spike](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/Not-your-typical-voltage-spike.jpg 'Not your typical voltage spike')
![Second SS16 diode, once again, voiding in the solder](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/Second-SS16-diode-once-again-voiding-in-the-solder.jpg 'Second SS16 diode, once again, voiding in the solder')
![solder is melted and uplifted, there was an energy event breaking down the p-region](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/solder-is-melted-and-uplifted-there-was-an-energy-event-breaking-dow-the-p-region.jpg 'solder is melted and uplifted, there was an energy event breaking down the p-region')
![Second diode again, brown ring indicates metal dissipation](https://res.cloudinary.com/dy3wlzuye/image/upload/f_auto,c_scale,w_300/GideonLabs/Second-diode-again-brown-ring-indicates-metal-dissipation.jpg 'Second diode again, brown ring indicates metal dissipation')