Data sheet, Layout considerations (continued), Surface mount information – GE Industrial Solutions KHHD015A0F Hammerhead Series User Manual
Page 10: Pick and place, Nozzle recommendations, Reflow soldering information, Lead free soldering
GE
Data Sheet
KHHD015A0F Hammerhead™ Series; DC-DC Converter Power Modules
18-75Vdc Input; 3.3Vdc, 12A/15A Output
April 1, 2013
©2012 General Electric Company. All rights reserved.
Page 10
Layout Considerations (continued)
RoHS-compliant finish that is compatible with both Pb and Pb-
free wave soldering processes. A maximum preheat rate of 
3C/s is suggested. The wave preheat process should be such 
that the temperature of the power module board is kept below 
210C. For Pb solder, the recommended pot temperature is 
260C, while the Pb-free solder pot is 270C max. Not all RoHS-
compliant through-hole products can be processed with paste-
through-hole Pb or Pb-free reflow process. If additional 
information is needed, please consult with your GE 
representative for more details. 
Surface Mount Information
Pick and Place
The KHHD-SR series of DC-to-DC power converters use an 
open-frame construction and are designed for surface mount 
assembly within a fully automated manufacturing process. 
The KHHD-SR series modules are designed to use the main 
magnetic component surface to allow for pick and place. 
Note: All dimensions in mm [in]. 
Figure 19. Pick and Place Location. 
 
Z Plane Height 
The ‘Z’ plane height of the pick and place location is 7.50mm 
nominal with an RSS tolerance of +/-0.25 mm. 
Nozzle Recommendations
The module weight has been kept to a minimum by using open
frame construction. Even so, they have a relatively large mass 
when compared with conventional SMT components. 
Variables such as nozzle size, tip style, vacuum pressure and 
placement speed should be considered to optimize this 
process. 
The minimum recommended nozzle diameter for reliable 
operation is 5mm. The maximum nozzle outer diameter, which 
will safely fit within the allowable component spacing, is 
6.5mm. 
Oblong or oval nozzles up to 11 x 6 mm may also be used 
within the space available. 
For further information please contact your local GE Technical 
Sales Representative. 
Reflow Soldering Information
These power modules are large mass, low thermal
resistance devices and typically heat up slower than other 
SMT components. It is recommended that the customer 
review data sheets in order to customize the solder reflow 
profile for each application board assembly. 
The following instructions must be observed when SMT
soldering these units. Failure to observe these instructions 
may result in the failure of or cause damage to the modules, 
and can adversely affect long-term reliability. 
There are several types of SMT reflow technologies currently 
used in the industry. These surface mount power modules 
can be reliably soldered using natural forced convection, IR 
(radiant infrared), or a combination of convection/IR. The 
recommended linear reflow profile using Sn/Pb solder is 
shown in Figure 20 and 21. For reliable soldering the solder 
reflow profile should be established by accurately measuring 
the module’s pin connector temperatures. 
REFL
O
W
TE
MP
(
C)
REFLOW TIME (S)
Figure 20. Recommended Reflow Profile for Sn/Pb solder.
M
AX
TE
MP SO
LDER (
C)
TIME LIMIT (S)
Figure 21. Time Limit, T
lim
, Curve Above 205
o
C Reflow.
Lead Free Soldering
The –Z version SMT modules of the KHHD015A0F series are
lead-free (Pb-free) and RoHS compliant and are compatible in a
Pb-free soldering process. Failure to observe the instructions 
below may result in the failure of or cause damage to the 
modules and can adversely affect long-term reliability.
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
P reheat zo ne
max 4
o
Cs
-1
So ak zo ne
30-240s
Heat zo ne
max 4
o
Cs
-1
P eak Temp 235
o
C
Co o ling
zo ne
1-4
o
Cs
-1
T
lim
above
205
o
C
200
205
210
215
220
225
230
235
240
0
10
20
30
40
50
60