Graphical Solution for the Back Pressurization Method of Hermetic Test

The back pressurization method for leak-testing hermetically sealed electronic packages requires gas-flow modeling to relate indicated leakage rates to true leak size. The molecular flow relationship which is appropriate for fine leak sizes is nonlinear and requires a numerical solution, which in actual test application may involve either many trial calculations or the use of approximations that lead to limiting case values. A new graphical procedure is presented for complete solution of the molecular flow equation for any given test condition and package volume through the use of a single set of characteristic curves and a test line. The effects of repetitive testing and of prefill with tracer gas are also considered. The characteristic curves are appropriate for both the helium leak detector and the radioisotope methods of test, while the form of the test line distinguishes between the two methods.