Inspection Equipment
December 31, 1969 |Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
With the miniaturization of components, advances in assembly technology and the increase in board throughput, visual examination of printed circuit boards (PCB) is a critical and necessary step in ensuring quality. Inspection equipment includes tools for manual inspection, automated optical inspection (AOI), X-ray and more. SMT presents the following Inspection Equipment Selector Roundup, spotlighting an assortment of available products.
AOI SystemThe Vi-1000 AOI system verifies component presence, absence and polarity on PCBs at speeds up to 200,000 cph. Using Windows NT 4.0 software, the system reportedly can be programmed in less than 15 minutes with Gerber, CAD or ASCII/Centroid supplied data. The AOI system is said to come equipped with vectoral imaging technology, which compares the graphical characteristics or vectors of inspected components with known "standards" that are maintained in a customer-definable library supplied with the system. ViTechnology LLC, Haverhill, Mass.
Inspection ScopeThe ERSA4DSCOPE incorporates 4-directional movements such as X/Y- and Z-movement via table and the Z-axis. The free mobility of the MAGNISCOPE optics are said to build the fourth movement, and allow any inspection position and angle for all applications needing increased magnification. The images reportedly can be organized on a PC via the ERSA IDView image explorer, completing the inspection package. ERSA Inc., Old Lyme, Conn.
Product Experience ModuleOptima 7000 optical inspection systems are used to locate defects for advanced OEM and EMS PCB assembly lines. The system features an on-line interactive product experience module (PEM), which reportedly focuses on operational and economic benefits of the series, using Java-based animations and comparative tools to highlight concepts and display the economic benefits that AOI offers PCB manufacturers. Teradyne Inc., Boston, Mass.
High-resolution Inspection SystemVJ-2000 X-ray inspection system reportedly provides high-resolution imagery and up to 5,000X magnification for BGAs, wire bonds and other various CSPs. The 5-axis manipulator facilitates component/defect location by allowing the operator to rotate and tilt the substrate while adjusting the X/Y/Z axes. The system's Nexus 200 software is said to provide Windows NT-based image analysis and CAD-based programming. V.J. Technologies Inc., VJ Electronix Div., Bohemia, N.Y.
X-ray Inspection SystemOversized Jewel Box 70-T large-capacity, ultra-high-resolution X-ray inspection system facilitates inspection of larger assembled PCBs up to 18 x 24". A precision 5-axis positioner is said to permit complete 360° rotation of boards up to 16 x 18" and provides the ability to scan an area of this size. The system reportedly permits magnifications of greater than 500X, targeting it for use in inspecting microBGA, flip chip and CSPs. Glenbrook Technologies Inc., Randolph, N.J.
Optical Solder Paste InspectionThe in-line solder paste inspection system, VT-RABBIT reportedly provides 100 percent inspection of PCB solder paste without sacrificing manufacturing line speed. The system is said to be one of the only systems currently available to offer true color-based inspection of printed solder paste by using the company's Color Highlight system, thereby improving inspection accuracy. Additionally, the system software is programmed via Gerber data, incorporating intelligent algorithms and reducing operator programming time. OMRON Electronics Inc., Schaumburg, Ill.
Optical Inspection SystemVPI-1000 Optical Inspection System reportedly offers an on-screen magnification range of 100 to 175X and can inspect under components with a standoff as low as 0.051 mm distance between components. The system also features a mirrored tip/lens interface, which allows operators to look under packages in spite of low standoff heights. The inspection system's tips are said to be disposable and cost less to replace than other inspection systems. Additionally, the tips are more resilient and less brittle than traditional tips, and with proper use offer a longer lifespan. OK International Ltd., a Metcal Div., Hampshire, England.
Final Assembly Inspection SystemK2-AOI final assembly inspection system is a batch processor reportedly capable of inspecting all visible SMT components, nuts, bolts, labels, through-hole components, LEDs and connectors in place on the board. Edge connector pins are said to be inspected through 45° mirrors set up in the fixtures that hold the boards because of the increased depth of field of the system's 4 million pixel large format digital color camera. Vectron, San Diego, Calif.
Optical Test SystemS6055 optical test system consists of a cast aluminum engine foundation that gives the system required stability even at the fastest movement of the sensor technology. The propulsion system reportedly is based on synchronized linear motors that are increased by an output valve for both axes. Another advantage is the consistent use of megapixel modules, a technology that is said to allow for higher inspection speeds with a high degree of testing quality. Viscom GmbH, Hannover, Germany.
Mark & Lead Inspection SystemML3000 Mark and Lead Inspection System provides comprehensive inspection for SOT, SC70, TSSOP and other components. The system's patented digital serial link (DSL) technology is said to enable high-speed inspection for missing marks and characters, incorrect marks, inverted tapes, pin one location, and terminal dimensions. The system reportedly is capable of throughput speeds of more than 20,000 uph and fast part changeovers. It requires only one camera to inspect both mark and leads, delivering precise inspection and measurement results to subpixel accuracy. PPT Vision, Vision Systems Div., Minneapolis, Minn.
Laser AutofocusLF100 Laser Autofocus is a compact module incorporating precision optics that adjust to various microscopes and optical systems. The system's optical design reportedly eliminates the need to adjust the focus trim and loop gain manually, and also offers the option of being manually focused by using a digipot. The autofocus is said to be equipped with limit switch inputs, a microstepping drive for the focus motor and a RS232 port. Prior Scientific Inc., Rockland, Mass.
3-D BGA Inspection System3-D BGA inspection system is said to find faults that X-ray inspection systems can miss. The flexible system reportedly uses advanced 3 Chip Camera technology featuring a lens design that delivers depth of field from a magnitude of 50 to 200X. The lens can be rotated to yield images from various angles for solder joint, solder paste print, surface structure, placement alignment and other defect inspection. The system is constructed of ESD-safe components for safety and electronic circuit protection. O.C. White Co., Three Rivers, Mass.
Automated Microfocus X-ray SystemThe pcba|sentry X-ray inspection system reportedly is a fully automated microfocus X-ray system for inspection and failure analysis of area-array package assembly integrity. Common analysis tasks reportedly can be saved and assembled into a complete test program and run to provide full range of process verification including voids, shorts, misalignments and other process errors, as well as opens and wetting analysis. Capable of handling boards up to 18 x 16", the inspection system is said to come standard with a 160 Kv X-ray tube and OVHM technology for up to 52° image angles. phoenix|x-ray Systems + Services Inc., Camarillo, Calif.
X-ray InspectionThe Gemini System reportedly uses a 160 Kv vacuum demountable X-ray tube design with transmission target in which the electron beam is focused directly on the X-ray output port with a focal spot size of 2 μm. The system is said to provide inspection angles of 75°, magnifications up to 6,000X and operate on 5-axes. The system's control and image acquistion is installed in a Twin Pentium processor PC with all controls mounted on an ergonomic "Tri-Shelf" system. X-Tek Systems Ltd., Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.
Image Process System CPC 1500 reportedly has a resolution standard specification of 24 μm/pixel and a twin-camera specification option of 24 and 12 μm/pixel. The system is said to have an inspection rate of 0.27 second/frame. Additionally, the system reportedly is easy to operate with a mouse in GUI. Toyota Tsusho America Inc., San Jose, Calif.
Desktop AOI SystemDesktop AOI model #ESV-304 reportedly is a low-cost alternative to the typically expensive AOI systems available in the market today. This system comes standard with two different resolution CCD color cameras to inspect different size and pitch components without losing inspection speed. Additionally, it offers two different programming methods either by using mouse clicks or a parts library. With this machine, which is said to have a testing speed of approximately 15 seconds for 300 parts, customers receive more than 90 percent inspection coverage. Qualectron Systems Corp., San Jose, Calif.
Superior VisionAimed at cost-conscious EMS companies, SV-2100 is designed to remove the cost barriers for AOI implementations. Reportedly delivering high-quality, in-line, color AOI for accurate inspection of PCBAs, the system allows budget-constrained manufacturers to take advantage of the company's software and field tested defect detection. The inspection system is said to offer multiple options, including shared part libraries, off-line programming, rework stations and SPC. Photo Dynamics, Aliso, Viejo, Calif.