MSOP package. Thanks. I have a thicker diameter solder, ran out of the very fine solder. I wonder if they have different melt rates?
If they are the same composition melt rates will be consistent... Solder paste is really your best choice here, not solder...
Do you think that the thicker core solder will be fine?
I would use paste, way too hard to get the chip to lay flat on the thermal pad with regular solder, not impossible but it certainly complicates the issue...
BTW, in addition to what I said about extending that thermal pad outside the chip, you can also put a larger plated via (hole) dead center under the chip that way you can solder from the other side of the board and let the solder flow through the via...
How long would I leave it in a toaster oven? Will I damage the chip - that is what I am concerned about. Thanks!
Don't use an oven you cook in, they are only $20 new so get a new one... There are better ways to mod the oven and better ways to follow the reflow temp profile but that is another subject entirely... Here is the quick and dirty that will work for 'leaded' solder, lead free might take more time...
Turn the oven on an pre-heat to about 275-300º F
Once pre-heated place the board in the oven, (center it if possible not directly over an element)
Let the board pre-heat for 3-5 mintues
Crank oven to full power aka 'broil' on most toaster ovens...
Set timer for 3 minutes! Watch the board with a flashlight during this 3 minutes... Reflow should happen at about 2½ minute mark, watch for this, it's clear if you are using solder paste... You want to cook for about 20-39 seconds after the reflow happens...
At the 3 minute mark, dial the heat back to 275-300º and open the door for a bit to help drop the temp, let sit of 3 more minutes...
Turn off oven open door and let cool slowly to room temp...
Remove board...
As for damaging the chip they are designed to be reflowed... The only thing you have to pay attention to is some chips will absorb moister and they will need longer and slower preheat cycles if they get contaminated... If the chip is one of these kinds it will come in a ziplock with a moisture sensor or be noted in the datasheet...