We could also see XMS series modules – the one with activity LEDs on top – being manufactured.

click to enlarge
Figure 8: XMS series modules with chips and LEDs soldered, ready to have the heatsink attached.

click to enlarge
Figure 9: Heatsinks that will be installed on XMS modules.

The process of attaching the heatsink is very interesting and different from what we though. A machine applies solder paste (which is gray) on the heatsinks. Then the heatsinks are installed on the modules using a press, which is capable of installing 18 heatsinks per round. This press is put inside an oven, which has an internal temperature that doesn’t affect the solder on the modules. Putting the modules in the oven makes the solder paste to act as glue, holding the heatsinks to the modules. This is the reason why is so difficult to remove the heating from those modules and also why there is no kind of screw or hook holding the two parts of the XMS modules heatsinks.

click to enlarge
Figure 10: Machine applying solder paste on the heatsinks.

click to enlarge
Figure 11: Press used on heatsink installarion. This press goes into the oven.

click to enlarge
Figure 12: Modules after coming out of the oven, after removing the press. The next step is to label them.