Designation: E 801 – 01

Standard Practice for

Controlling Quality of Radiological Examination of
Electronic Devices1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 801; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 4. Direction of Radiation

1.1 This practice relates to the radiological examination of 4.1 When not otherwise specified, the direction of the
electronic devices for internal discontinuities, extraneous ma- central beam of radiation shall be as perpendicular (65 %) as
terial, missing components, crimped or broken wires, and possible to the surface of the film.
defective solder joints in cavities, in the encapsulating materi-
als, or the boards. Requirements expressed in this practice are 5. Image Quality Indicators (IQI’s)
intended to control the quality and repeatability of the radio- 5.1 The quality of all levels of radiological examination
logical images and are not intended for controlling the accept- shall be determined by IQI’s conforming to the following
ability or quality of the electronic devices imaged. specifications:
5.1.1 The IQI’s shall be fabricated of clear acrylic plastic
NOTE 1—Refer to the following publications for pertinent information
on methodology and safety and protection: Guide E 94, and “General with steel covers, lead spheres, gold or tungsten wires, and lead
Safety Standard for Installation Using Non-Medical X Ray and Sealed numbers. The steel covers serve as shims.
Gamma Ray Sources, Energies Up to 10 MeV Equipment Design and 5.1.1.1 The IQI’s shall conform to the requirements of Fig.
Use,” Handbook No. 114.2 1.
1.2 If a nondestructive testing agency as described in 5.1.1.2 The IQI’s shall be permanently identified with the
Practice E 543 is used to perform the examination, the testing appropriate IQI number as shown in Fig. 1. The number may
agency should meet the requirements of Practice E 543. be affixed by engraving, steel stamping, or by mounting a
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the 0.125-in. (3.18-mm) tall lead number on the flat bottom of a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 0.188-in. (4.78-mm) diameter hole. In any case, the identifica-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- tion shall be located as shown in Fig. 1 and shall be of sufficient
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- contrast to be clearly discernible in the radiological image.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5.1.1.3 Each semiconductor IQI will have a serial number
permanently etched or engraved in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Referenced Documents Each serial number will be traceable to the calibration image
2.1 ASTM Standards: supplied by the manufacturer. The manufacturer will radio-
E 94 Guide for Radiographic Examination3 graph the IQI with lead markers identifying the serial number.
E 543 Practice for Agencies Performing Nondestructive See Fig. 2.
Testing3
6. Application of the Image Quality Indicator (IQI)
E 1000 Guide for Radioscopy3
E 1255 Practice for Radioscopy3 6.1 The application of the IQI’s shall be made in such a
E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations3 manner as to simulate as closely as possible the device being
examined. To accomplish this objective, a set of eight IQI’s is
3. Terminology provided. These provide a range of cover thickness (of steel
3.1 Definitions—Refer to Terminology E 1316, Section D. shim stock) that is radiologically equivalent to the range of
devices from glass diodes or plastic-encapsulated circuits
1
(number one) to large power or hybrid circuit devices (number
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde-
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on
eight). Wire size increases with shim stock thickness because
Radiology (X and Gamma) Method. the higher power devices, which are radiologically compatible
Current edition approved June 10, 2001. Published August 2001. Originally with the thicker coverings, normally use larger interconnecting
published as E 801 – 81. Last previous edition E 801 – 91 (1995). wires than small signal devices which use the thin coverings.
2
Available from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithers-
burg, MD 20899. Particle size is normally independent of device type, so these
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03. remain constant.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 E 801 – 01

FIG. 1 Image Quality Indicator for Electron Devices

Dimensions, in. (mm)
a. 0.187 ( 4.750) f. 1.00 (25.40) k. 1.125 (28.575)
b. 0.375 ( 9.525) g. 0.375 ( 9.525) l. 1.313 (33.350)
c. 0.500 (12.700) h. 0.500 (12.700) m. 1.50 (38.10)
d. 0.625 (15.875) i. 0.625 (15.875) n. 0.125 ( 3.175)
e. 0.813 (20.650) j. 0.938 (23.825) p. 0.250 ( 6.350)
Particle Diameter, in. (mm)
G. 0.015(0.381) J. 0.006(0.152)
H. 0.010(0.254) K. 0.004(0.102)
I. 0.008(0.203) L. 0.002(0.051)
Shim and Wire Specifications

Penetrameter Shim Wire Diameters, in. (mm)

Number Thickness, in. (mm) A B C D E F
1 0 0.002 0.001 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.002
0 (0.051) (0.025) (0.0127) (0.0127) (0.025) (0051)

2 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.002

(0.051) (0.051) (0.025) (0.0127) (0.0127) (0.025) (0.051)

3 0.005 0.002 0.001 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.002

(0.127) (0.051) (0.025) (0.0127) (0.0127) (0.025) (0.051)

4 0.007 0.002 0.001 0.0005 0.0005 0.001 0.002

0.178 (0.051) (0.025) (0.0127) (0.0127) (0.025) (0.051)

5 0.010 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.003

(0.254) (0.076) (0.051) (0.025) (0.025) (0.051) (0.076)

6 0.015 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.003

(0.381) (0.076) (0.051) (0.025) (0.025) (0.051) (0.076)

7 0.025 0.005 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.003 0.005

(0.635) (0.127) (0.076) (0.051) (0.051) (0.076) (0.127)

8 0.035 0.005 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.003 0.005

(0.889) (0.127) (0.076) (0.051) (0.051) (0.076) (0.127)

NOTE 1—Use additional layers of shim material as required. The layers shall be 1 3 2 in. (25.4 3 50.8 mm). The addition shall be identified by the
placement of lead numbers which denote the thickness immediately adjacent to the penetrameter numbers during exposure.
NOTE 2—Tolerance is 60.001 in. (0.025 mm) where dimensions are 0.000 and 60.003 in. (0.076 mm) where dimensions are 0.00.
NOTE 3—Bond materials together with cyanoacrylic or equivalent fast-drying epoxy.
NOTE 4—Particle holes are 0.031 in. (0.787 mm) nominal diameter.
NOTE 5—Tolerance on particle diameter is + 0.0003 in. (0.0076 mm).
NOTE 6—Wire grooves are 0.007 in. (0.178 mm) depth with 90° inclusive angle.
NOTE 7—The number hole is 0.25 in. (0.635 mm) nominal diameter and 0.125 in. (0.318 mm) deep.

6.2 The IQI used shall be the one whose image has a of film, or by pixel grey level value in the case of radioscopic
radiological density or grey level equal to that of the electron examination. If the IQI having the greatest density (number
device 610 %. The density or grey level is measured on an eight) does not produce a resultant image density within
area of the IQI image that contains no wire or particle images. 610 % of the electron device, additional shim stock shall be
It shall be measured using a calibrated densitometer in the case used. The shim shall be of the same type of steel as in the IQI

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 E 801 – 01
8.1.1 When image density or grey level varies more than 6
10 % from that adjacent to the IQI, then an IQI to show
acceptable sensitivity at the most dense part of the specimen
image and a second IQI to show acceptable sensitivity at the
least dense portion of the specimen image, will serve to qualify
the image.
8.1.2 Simultaneous Exposures—In radiography, when a part
or parts of the same design are exposed simultaneously under
the same geometrical conditions in a 360° radiation beam, a
minimum of one IQI shall be required in each quadrant. Where
two IQI’s are required, it is acceptable to use the radiographi-
cally equivalent IQI and one other IQI having the same wire
size.
8.1.3 Two IQI’s shall be used for each lot radiographed as
NOTE 1—Permanently etched or engraved serial number. shown in Fig. 3. The IQI’s shall be located at diagonally
NOTE 2—1⁄8 in. lead markers corresponding to serial number. opposite corners of the film as shown in Fig. 3. In radioscopic
FIG. 2 Arrangement of IQI and Lead Serial Number for Calibration
examinations, similar qualification of opposite sides of the field
Image
of view (FOV) is required once during examination of similar
parts (that is, within 610 % tolerance).
and shall be placed under the IQI. The additional shim shall NOTE 3—Radiographic densities shall be measured with a calibrated
exceed the IQI outside dimensions by at least 0.125 in. (3.18 densitometer. When films are exposed simultaneously in one film holder,
mm) on all sides. The thickness of the shims shall be noted density variations should be determined on the single or combined films,
with lead numerals placed adjacent to the shimmed IQI. depending on the manner in which they are read and interpreted.
6.3 The distortion shall not exceed 10 % unless a higher or Radiographic film density shall be in the range of 1.0 to 3.5.
NOTE 4—For parts of irregular geometry or widely varying thickness, it
lower percentage is agreed upon between the purchaser and the
may be necessary to radiograph the first unit of a given design to
supplier. Measurements for computation of distortion shall be determine proper placement of IQI’s for subsequent radiography. Simi-
made in the grid formed by the crossing wires. larly, in radioscopic examinations, a dry run will assist with IQI position-
6.3.1 Determine percent distortion (Note 2) as follows: ing and scan plan development.
D 5 @~SM 2 SA!/SA# 3 100
9. Part Identification
9.1 In radiography, the image of identification markers for
where: the coordination of the part with the film shall appear on the
D = percent distortion, film, so as not to interfere with the interpretation of the
SM = wire spacing as measured on the radiograph, and radiograph and so that it is evident that the complete part order
SA = actual wire spacing. was obtained. These marker positions shall coincide with the
NOTE 2—Distortion may be positive or negative. part number.
6.4 Particles G through L shall be visible in the image when 9.2 In radioscopy, the image header for each part image
IQI’s 1 through 7 are used and particles G through K shall be shall include a part serial number for traceability and to ensure
visible in the image when IQI number 8 is used. that the complete part order was obtained.
6.4.1 If shims are required, the number and size of particles
that can be resolved shall be agreed on between the purchaser 10. Identification of the Image
and the supplier. 10.1 In both radiography and radioscopy, a system of
positive identification of the image shall be provided in
7. Positioning of IQI’s addition to Section 8. Any or all of the following may appear:
7.1 The IQI’s shall be positioned on the source side of the the name of the examining laboratory, the date, the part
electronic device being imaged. They shall be placed so that number, the view, and whether original or subsequent expo-
the plane of the IQI is normal to the radiation beam if the same sure.
provision is made for the device(s) being examined.
7.1.1 The IQI’s used for each exposure or field of view shall 11. Multiple-Film Techniques
be positioned at the outer edges of the film or field of view but 11.1 Film techniques with two or more films of equal or
not impeding the area of interest being examined. different speeds in the same holder will be permitted, provided
that the appropriate wires and particles in the penetrameter for
8. Number of IQI’s a specific area are demonstrated.
8.1 One IQI shall represent an area within which the
radiological densities or grey fields do not vary more than 12. Non-Film Techniques
610 % (Note 3). At least one IQI per field of view or film shall 12.1 The use of non-film imaging techniques will be per-
be exposed simultaneously with the specimen, except as noted mitted, provided that the applicable penetrameter wires and
in 8.1.1-8.1.3 and (Note 4). particles are demonstrated in the resultant image.

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 E 801 – 01

FIG. 3 Typical Image Quality Indicator Arrangement for Electronic Device

13. Image Quality 15.2 A calibration image shall be made by exposing the
13.1 The radiological image shall be free of blemishes that individual semiconductor IQI at the proper distance from the
interfere with its interpretation. focal spot. The IQI shall be centered in the beam during this
exposure. The certificate shall show the actual dimensions of
14. Source-Film Distance the grids formed by the cross wires and the parallel variances
14.1 Any source-film distance will be satisfactory provided within the grid. It shall also state the actual size of each
that the required quality level is attained. particle.

15. Records 16. Keywords

15.1 Complete records of the technique or scan plan details 16.1 electronic devices; IQI’s; radiography; radioscopy;
shall be maintained by the examining laboratory. shim; wire

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