hello
I am going to re-solder some components on a SparkFun Pulsed Coherent Radar Sensor - Acconeer XM125 (Qwiic), and I have a couple of questions.
Is it safe to use a hot air rework station on this board? The radar antenna module appears to be a fairly delicate component, and I do not want to damage it with excessive heat or airflow.
Also, is it safe to clean the board with isopropyl alcohol? My concern is that the liquid could get into the antenna module or other sensitive components and potentially cause damage.
I would appreciate any advice before I start the repair.
Grab a small roll (it’s expensive!) of kapton tape (reflects heat); it’s really handy for this type of thing…you can either:
Cover the whole board with one piece and make a small cutout for the area you’ll be working on…x-acto knives work well for this (even better if you have a punch!)
Or
Put a piece or a few pieces just covering the sensitive stuff (medium-sized black chip, radar sensor, silver guy in top right)…align it with the black chip’s left side and cover the chip & radar sensor)
I’d try the cut-out/window method first as it allows for a bit more control. Make sure to keep the rework air in motion…you don’t want to hover much (this will be a bit finnicky as you’re only trying to heat up those 2 small capacitors)
You can also use 2 or more layers if needed!
thanks! I have such kapton tape.
What about cleaning the board with isopropyl alcohol?
If some of the alcohol gets onto the antenna module, could it damage it, or should everything be fine once the alcohol has completely evaporated and dried?
Awesome
Sorry, I missed the IPA part. If there is sensitive stuff nearby instead of scrubbing with a puddle/applying directly you can always put it on a cotton swab and just use it in the affected area
Yes, you are right. I just wanted to know whether there is any sensitive part on this module that could be damaged by isopropyl alcohol.
I have never worked with a component like this before, so I am not sure whether it is primarily an antenna, a chip, or a combination of both.
The component looks like a chip, but it is covered by a slightly transparent cap. Through that cap, I can see some small structures inside, which makes me wonder whether they could be exposed to the alcohol and potentially become damaged.
