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New Products
December 31, 1969 |Estimated reading time: 23 minutes
1210 FusesThe PolySwitch microSMD product family includes six resettable fuses ranging from 0.05 A at 30 V to 1 A at 6 V. It is said to be designed for overcurrent protection in computer, consumer electronics and industrial process control applications. The products in the group are the microSMD005, microSMD010, microSMD035, microSMD050, microSMD075 and microSMD100 devices. The devices were designed to the industry-standard 1210 (3.2 x 2.5 mm) footprint. Raychem Corp., Menlo Park, Calif.
High-speed PlacementThe MSH3 high-speed placement machine is said to be designed for use in the manufacture of telecommunication devices, speed controllers, PCMCIA cards and automotive accessories. It can manufacture boards up to 10 x 13". The machine can reportedly place components from 0402 to 1206s, as well as 0201s using an optional nozzle. A turret unit with 16 heads, it is said to have a tact time of 0.075 seconds or 48,000 components per hour. Each head is equipped with two vacuum nozzles. Panasert Group, Panasonic Factory Automation Co., Franklin Park, Ill.
Software for Solder InspectionThe new Remote Teaching System (RTS) reportedly enables users of this company's solder inspection system to program off-line, alleviating the need to shut down the system during programming. The system acquires images from the inspection system via an RS-232 port, Ethernet connection or magneto optical disk (MO), then processes and interprets using the included Teaching Interface (TI) software. These images can then be used for training, with all necessary programming able to be done at a remote location. Omron Electronics Inc., Schaumburg, Ill.
EMI ShieldA two-part, EMI shield, the BOLDT SHIELD II is packaged in standard EIA410 tape-and-reel formats for automatic board-level installation. Its removable lid design is said to provide easy access to inspect or repair important electronic components without having to detach the SMT shield. It is available in many JEDEC sizes, including 52-pin QFP, 256-position BGA and 84-pin PLCC. Boldt Metronics International, Palatine, Ill.
First-article InspectionUsing the FirstCheck off-line PCB verification system for first-article inspection, an operator can reportedly finish post-placement or post-reflow inspection three to five times faster than visual inspection. The system consists of a board scanner, monitor and software for translating and displaying standard CAD files. For first-article inspection, the system shows the board overlaid with the CAD diagram and on-screen call-outs identifying all components. All pass/fail decisions are made by the operator. CyberOptics Corp., Minneapolis, Minn.
'Standardized' AssemblersThe Meridian Series consists of seven fully compatible SMT assembler models: 1010, 1010P, 1020, 1020P, 1030, 1030P and 1050M. The specifications for the series are reportedly expressed using the standard definitions and validation methods of the proposed IPC-9850 standard. Maximum placement rates are said to exceed 28,000 cph on some of the models. The assemblers place chip and IC components, and incorporate the full range of company electronic tape feeders and bases. Quad Systems Corp., Willow Grove, Pa.
ASSEMBLY EQUIPMENT
Pallet CartDesigned to meet PCB manufacturers' needs for flexibility in handling various sized and shaped boards, the PCB Pallet Cart has a 24 x 24" standard footprint. The pallets can reportedly accommodate boards with no visible edge for capture, as well as unconventionally shaped boards. The specially designed cart with grounding cable and pallet is said to hold up to 30 pallets. InterMetro Industries Corp., Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Equipment InterfaceThe SmartLink 1100 is an equipment interface for semiconductor manufacturing lines. It measures 9 x 7 x 4" and interfaces between two in-line machines using SMEMA inputs and outputs. The system is said to offer machine-to-machine compatibility, statistical process data, troubleshooting assistance and enhanced throughput for semiconductor manufacturing lines. It also monitors and converts communications between machines and can customize SMEMA protocol as needed. This flexibility reportedly allows the system to provide complete SMEMA compatibility to noncompatible equipment. Allegrotek Inc., Carlsbad, Calif.
FIFO BufferThe Model 8080 First In, First Out (FIFO) buffer has been re-engineered and is said to incorporate a stronger drive and lift system as well as contemporary extruded metal supports and skins. It is available in single- and dual-lane configurations. Reportedly key to the new design is the development of individually driven take-up sections for the conveyor belts. Crown Simplimatic, Lynchburg, Va.
Assembly BenchThis workbench was designed to optimize efficiency and productivity in a variety of assembly applications. It offers manual or electric work surface height adjustments, a range of accessories and options, and can be customized to meet the customer's specific requirements. Building benches that meet customer requirements, rather than trying to fit each assembly customer into a specific bench, is an essential part of the company's philosophy. Teclab, Kalamazoo Technical Furniture, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Step-and-repeat SystemThe Model 2100 Step and Repeat X, Y Positioning System is a semi- or fully automated flexible workcell. It was engineered to provide a step-and-repeat motion platform that can move under a variety of process heads, including microresistance welding, pick-and-place applications, dispensing, vision inspection or measurement, and hot-bar soldering. The system can be configured for three levels of automation, including SMEMA-compatible in-line system, magazine-to-magazine system and manually loaded semiautomatic system. Its PC-based control system capabilities reportedly provide the flexibility needed for interfacing with most process equipment's controllers as well as data acquisition and networking functions. Martek Automation Inc., San Marcos, Calif.
Shelving/Transport UnitsThe chip tube and feeder shelving/transport units are said to provide maximum flexibility and efficiency in the feeder staging and storing of IC tubes and components. IC tube shelf and feeder shelf dividers are constructed of 18-gauge stainless steel with satin finish and welded stainless-steel collars. They feature a 5° bend on the top and bottom for increased rigidity. Divider bars are slotted on 1.5" increments and can accommodate a total of 30 dividers per shelf. Eagle MHC, Clayton, Del.
SCARA RobotsThis series of SR-HSP SCARA robots reportedly can achieve a traversing rate of 300 nm in 0.63 seconds carrying a 2 kg payload. It was developed and manufactured in Japan, distributed in Europe and Asia for more than a decade, and is now available in North America. The system also includes the SR7000 robot controller. Simultaneous processing of input and output signals during robot motion can be achieved using the controller's parallel processing feature. Its use of absolute encoder feedback, rather than incremental signals, is said to eliminate the need to implement a zero return on startup following a shutdown. Toshiba Machine Co. America, Control System Div., Elk Grove Village, Ill.
CLEANING MATERIALS/EQUIPMENT
Cleaning MediumATRON SP 100 is an alkaline-based cleaning agent designed for the removal of baked flux residues from solder frames. It can be employed in spray-in-air or ultrasonic systems at ambient temperature. Its formulation reportedly guarantees that no residues are left on the cleaned parts or in the cleaning machine. It is said to be odor-free and is expected to meet VOC requirements for clean air solvents. The cleaning agent is said to have an extended bath-life. ZESTRON Corp., Ashburn, Va.
Industrial Cleaning ToolThe Model E120 refillable industrial cleaning tool is a pen-type cleaner that uses a soft brass wire refill. It is suitable for cleaning flux residues and oxidation from the pins of ICs and emulator chips as well as from the contact pads and fingers of PCBs. A gentle brushing action is said to remove residue, eliminating the need to use chemical cleaners. Because the refill is made of fine brass wire, there are reportedly no particles left behind to build up on the contact elements. The Eraser Co. Inc., Syracuse, N.Y.
COATING/DISPENSING EQUIPMENT
Pneumatic DispensersThe 8000 series of pneumatic dispensers now includes the 8300 Shot Meter, the 8400 Valve Controller and the 8500 Pick and Place. The 8300 dispenses a variety of fluids from watery adhesives to solder paste. It is capable of controlled pressures from 0 to 30 psi or 0 to 100 psi. The 8400 combines the dispensing quality and control of the 8300 with the convenience of an "air-open, air-close" dispense valve. The 8500 is said to combine the benefits of the 8300 and 8400 while adding a vacuum port and pick-up pen for hands-free component placement. Fishman Corp., Hopkinton, Mass.
Flux DispenserThe AccuJet flex dispenser provides noncontact delivery of rosin and no-clean solder fluxes for semiconductor manufacturing and PCB assembly. In addition to preprogrammed Dot mode, two new Coaxial air modes are said to overcome substrate surface tension and enable the dispensing of extremely thin film builds with edge defi-nition to achieve more reliable solder connections. The dispenser applies a variety of preprogrammed patterns that flow to create a uniform film of material. Nordson Corp., Amherst, Ohio.
Syringe FillerThe Dual Filling System overcomes typical syringe-filling problems by handling two syringes simultaneously, although the dispense cycles are independent. The operator does not have to hold or watch the syringes during a cycle. An adjustable level dual-photo sensor automatically senses the syringe plunger when it reaches the full position. When the cycle is complete, the same gripping system that holds the syringe in place pulls it off the luer taper and ejects it into a waiting container or onto a conveyor. TRIDAK, a Div. of Indicon inc., Brookfield, Conn.
HARDWARE/ACCESSORIES
Surface Mount PGA SocketsThe 370-pin surface mount PGA Socket is designed for the new high-speed Intel Celeron microprocessor. These new sockets have integral tabs for mounting a heat sink plus a fan. They are offered in a low profile, 0.200" high. They have floating contacts that are said to maintain contact with the solder paste and ensure coplanarity during the reflow process. Ultra-low insertion force contacts permit hand installation of the processor and removal with the flat blade of a screwdriver. Mill-Max Mfg. Corp., Oyster Bay, N.Y.
Micro PGA SocketsAt 2.0 mm overall height, these zero insertion force (ZIF) SMT Micro PGA sockets are said to meet the high-density and low-profile needs of today's notebook PCs, offering a suitable solution for the latest mobile processors from Intel. This series includes a 615-circuit version for mobile Pentium II and Celeron processors. The technology's easy-to-use, single-piece design reportedly offers size, cost and assembly advantages over previous module-style processor packaging. Molex Inc., Lisle, Ill.
ID/LABELING
Four-color Preprinted LabelsThese new four-color, preprinted labels are said to have the following characteristics: short-run capability, as small as 500 pieces; serialization, which is essential for bar-code applications; lamination, to ensure survival under harsh conditions; rapid turnover, with delivery guaranteed in as little as four days from order receipt; and digital-to-press design, which eliminates costly printing plates and time-consuming setup. The company can incorporate logos, graphics and bar codes, and print on paper, polyester, vinyl and other substrates. Imetc Inc., Bellows Falls, Vt.
New Label FeaturesThe EASYLABEL 32 user interface provides thumbnail previews for formats, fonts and pictures to more easily create labels. New editing tools reportedly give the user the ability to resize and stretch fields with a click and drag of the mouse. Extended cross hairs, snap to grid and increased zoom levels are said to allow calculation of the exact position on the label. New alignment and justification choices have been added, as well. Tharo Systems Inc., Brunswick, Ohio.
Impact MarkerThe LM-4400 impact marker is lead-screw driven and can reportedly put serial numbers, data codes, logos and part numbers onto virtually any type of material. All operation is via a Windows 98 graphical control system. Its proprietary impact head features a carbide stylus that is said to oscillate hundreds of times per second, performing micro-impacts onto the material surface. A regulator is included to increase or decrease the impact force. Online Inc., McHenry, Ill.
Laser Marking SystemThe PCM6800 PCB Marking System is a self-contained, in-line laser marking system with an integrated PCB conveyor. It can be inserted into SMEMA-compatible assembly lines or matched with a range of PCB stackers and destackers for stand-alone operation. It reportedly can mark any combination of text, bar codes or 2-D cell codes anywhere on the circuit board. Permanent, high-contrast marks can reportedly be placed at high speeds on board sizes up to 500 x 500 mm with this system. GSI Lumonics Inc., Wilmington, Mass.
INSPECTION EQUIPMENT
Magnifier LampsThese dual magnifier lamps are said to offer illuminated viewing without shadow distortion. They are available on a gooseneck or an articulated arm. Two 20 W dichroic lamp heads are mounted on either side of the magnifying lens. These lamps are designed to dissipate 60 percent of the heat through the back of the lamps for cool light output and protection of temperature-sensitive viewing surfaces. Aplanatic dual-lens magnifiers are said to reduce eyestrain and worker fatigue and can be interchanged for various magnifications. Sunnex Inc., Natick, Mass.
Video Web InspectionThe Model 3010 video web inspection systems detect and categorize defects that can adversely affect product quality and damage fragile mechanical components in supercalendering, coating, printing, embossing, laminating and similar web manufacturing processes. This system is said to use an array of high-speed 1,024-pixel CCD line-scan video cameras combined with RKB signal-processing technologies for detection of random defects such as coating skips, holes, spots and dirt. They are designed to provide accurate, consistent and reliable online inspection for a variety of web materials. R.K.B. Opto-Electronics Inc., Syracuse, N.Y.
Stencil MeasurementThe ScanCOMPARITOR is designed to complement ScanSTENCIL's inspection capabilities as well as provide the ability to inspect micro objects. This off-line precision measurement workstation combines a Windows-based software package with a high-resolution calibrated CCD color camera to produce aperture measurements to within 0.0001". ScanCAD International Inc., Morrison, Colo.
Machine VisionThe 1999 edition of the Virtual Vision Tour is a CD-ROM devoted to industrial machine vision. Available free of charge, it is a technical resource that provides access to machine vision software, tutorials and case histories in discrete manufacturing, test and inspection, quality and process control applications. It also features information on products for a range of vision applications, including NetSight, a series of embedded vision subsystems that integrate machine vision tools with Windows CE, on-board MMX-accelerated processing, remote networking, artificial intelligence and industry-standard development tools. Imaging Technology Inc., Bedford, Mass.
PICK-AND-PLACE
Adhesive Component ApplicatorThe Meyers/Combina 303 is a high-precision, pressure-sensitive adhesive component placement machine. Developed for use in industries such as electronics, computers, computer components, medical equipment and automotive, the machine is suitable for manufacturing where extreme high-accuracy placement is required. It reportedly applies pressure-sensitive adhesive-backed components at a tolerance of ±0.004". Current applications include computer hard drive seals, foam gaskets for cellular phones, sequential bar coding, pressure-sensitive die cut components of various sizes and shapes for electronic, computer and medical equipment components, and more. Meyers Printing Co., Applied Components Div., Minneapolis, Minn.
Reload While RunningThe CLM-9000 pick-and-place machine is said to offer a capacity for up to 190 intelligent tape and/or stick feeders that can be programmed on-line or off-line. These feeders feature a drawer design that reportedly enables them to be reloaded, even while the machine is operating, to reduce production downtime. It comes standard with a universal CAD download program that will convert ASCII CAD data from any CAD program. This universal CAD converter is said to eliminate the need to bring CAD data into an editing program for manual formatting, and the CAD files do not need to be sent to the system's manufacturer to be formatted to work with the placement software. Manncorp, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Single- or Multi-head InsertionUp to 20,000 components per hour can reportedly be inserted by the VersaSert VIP-3. The system allows for one, two or three quick-change insertion heads. A touch screen operating system displays a Windows NT-based graphical interface. The X-Y table holds a PCB up to 20 x 20" with a maximum insertion area of 18 x 18". The table, equipped with linear motion technology, reportedly moves at 20" per second and rotates 90° in 0.79 seconds. The system is said to be fully programmable, offering direct drive technology and an automated rising post with an optional on-the-fly toolchanger. Autosplice Inc., San Diego, Calif.
REPAIR/REWORK
Desoldering BraidPro Wick and No-Clean Wick desoldering braids are available on 25, 50 and 100' antistatic, individually vacuum-packaged bobbins. These larger bobbins are said to offer added convenience and antistatic protection for repair and rework operations. The desoldering braids reportedly offer advanced braid design with capillary action that pulls excess solder to help prevent damage to boards and sensitive components. The former is based on pure rosin, Type R flux, and the latter was developed for no-clean environments and is said to remove up to four times more solder than conventional wick. Tech Spray, Amarillo, Texas.
Rework SystemThe Summit 1100HR with high-resolution vision is designed to meet the growing challenges of today's microcomponents. It is said to feature optics capable of 40X magnification that enables enhanced imaging for reworking flip chips and μBGAs, as well as fine-pitch-leaded devices. The system reportedly achieves positional accuracy with a micrometer-adjustable X-Y table and a precision drive system. It also has special nozzles for smaller components and high-density assemblies. Sierra Research and Technologies Inc., Westford, Mass.
Desoldering StationThe DS101-V Desoldering Station was designed for optimized desoldering performance. In field tests, it reportedly demonstrated minimal required dwell time of its tip on the joint coupled with fast reflow and immediate extraction of the molten solder. Its vacuum/temperature base unit features an aluminum and brass venturi vacuum generator and spike-free, low-voltage DC switching. The DS101-P model integrates a diaphragm pump, making it a stand-alone and portable desoldering system. The station's front panel provides an electrical connection and a quick-release vacuum port connection for the desoldering hand tool. A potentiometer controls available element power. Hexacon Electric Co., Roselle Park, N.J.
SMT Rework/RepairThis company focuses exclusively on SMT assembly, rework and ESD protection to provide complete solutions for the end user. Developed by experienced, hands-on engineers, with feedback from end users, the products are said to address end users' needs and preferences while allowing for increased productivity. Included in the line are the BGA-2000 and the BGA-3000 rework/repair systems. Bokar International, Yonkers, N.Y.
Rework AccessoriesThese rework accessories feature the WTH100 hot-air stand with heated table. They are suitable for production and rework by electronics, telecommunications, military and contract manufacturers. The WTU100 table has an arm with a unique clamp used to secure most sizes of hot-air handles. The addition of the WBH circuit board holder, which includes an assortment of pins and clamps, is said to provide an adjustable work surface that can accommodate a variety of circuit board sizes (up to 12 x 15"). Extensions can be added for unusual board sizes. CooperTools, Raleigh, N.C.
Rework SystemsThe BGA-3500 and CSP-3500 systems now include a Metcal MX-500S SmartHeat soldering system. There are more than 100 cartridges available for the system, reportedly allowing fast, easy and safe pad cleanup, as well as greater flexibility on the bench. The BGA/CSP-3500 allows stenciling, solder pasting and component reflow without resorting to off-line operations on the board. The flip-up head assembly provides board access, while optics perform alignment functions. The stencil holder is said to incorporate a quick-change adapter that guarantees coplanarity of the stencil to the board. OK Industries, a Div. of OK International, Menlo Park, Calif.
Benchtop AssemblyThe TF-500 is a complete hot-air system for benchtop assembly and rework. Virtually all surface mount components and standard BGAs can reportedly be installed or removed with this system. It combines a programmable TF-200 power supply with a work platform that includes a vertical slide and a standard board holder for workpiece alignment. The system can store up to 80 user-defined thermal profiles for repeatable results and easy process control. PACE Inc., Laurel, Md.
SOFTWARE
Remote Online ServicesThe CR-Anywhere remote online services system is said to offer interactive product training, diagnosis, software upgrades and troubleshooting to vision system customers worldwide via the Internet. This online capability allows customers to interact with company specialists with their integrated products. It was designed to complement the company's conventional technical service offerings. CR Technology Inc., Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Vibration AnalysisVibrationVIEW Process Spectrum Monitor reportedly allows companies to introduce vibration analysis into their manufacturing process. As each product is tested, complete statistical data are recorded. At any point in a production run, two separate reports can be printed: a text report indicating the number of units checked, passed and failed, and a graphical report indicating at which frequencies any failures have occurred. The program maintains a complete, time-and-date-stamped database of failures, which can be printed at any time. Vibration Research Corp., Hudsonville, Mich.
Vision Application DevelopmentHexSight software provides vision application development using ActiveX controls within a Visual Basic environment. Geometry-based location algorithms reportedly allow location and inspection of randomly oriented parts with high tolerance of variations in scale, rotation (0° to 360°) and translation. Applications can be configured offsite and then deployed onsite, regardless of camera and lighting setup differences. The system operates under Windows NT and uses an off-the-shelf frame grabber. HexaVision Technologies Inc., Quebec, Canada.
Board Software with GenCAD SupportThe Pantheon family of PCB design products now complies with and provides direct output of Mitron's GenCAD standard format. This option outputs all design data to fully comply with GenCAD file specifications, including data for boards, panels, components, devices, layers, nets, pins, routing, test pins, traces and vias. A layer mapping file maps Pantheon design layers to the corresponding GenCAD layer names. Pantheon is a fully integrated, single-window design system for PCB, hybrid, MCM and multiwire technology applications. Intercept Technology Inc., Atlanta, Ga.
STATIC CONTROL PRODUCTS
Type L Dissipative MatMade of three layers of rubber, the type L dissipative mat has a smooth surface designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. Its reflective white color is suitable for use under microscopes and inspection equipment. The rubber work surface is also heat-resistant, making it suitable for use in soldering and assembly areas. The product is designed for use in cleanrooms and is 0.060" thick. Charleswater, Canton, Mass.
ESD-safe Dispensing ComponentsThese new ESD-safe dispensing components are said to provide a simple way to effectively protect against static electricity and avoid damage from ESD during electronics assembly operations. Designed for use with air-powered dispensing equipment, the new tips, barrels and adapters offer accurate, trouble-free dispensing of epoxies and other assembly fluids. A specially formulated carbon black additive is used as the means for static dissipation. EFD Inc., East Providence, R.I.
ESD-compliant Bar-code ScannerThe ESD Cleanscan CS 2100 is designed for use in clean manufacturing environments. It is a customized version of the Symbol LS 2100 scanner series for use in ESD-sensitive electronics assembly and fabrication environment. Its conductive plastic that uses less carbon is said to combine electrostatic grounding with low contamination. The scanner is available in decoded or undecoded, high-density or fuzzy logic versions. Codestar, Los Gatos, Calif.
Ionizing Air PencilThe Model UH 212 ionizing air pencil is suitable for removing dust and fine particles from surfaces and neutralizing static charge on small or sensitive parts used in electronics, biomedical, precision optics, graphics, etc. The device is also said to control the re-attraction of contaminants to the cleaned part. Shaped like a writing instrument, it weighs 8.5 oz, including a 6.5' electrical cord. Held 0.25 to 1" from the surface to be cleaned, it ejects a jet of ionized air (or nitrogen), releasing the electrostatic discharge as it is moved across the surface. Ultron Systems Inc., Moorpark, Calif.
Static Decay MeterDesigned to determine the electrostatic dissipation performance of materials, the Model 406D static decay meter performs materials analysis per FTM Standard 101C, Method 4046 and meets static decay requirements of MIL-B-81705, EIA-541 and NFPA 99. This self-contained system consists of two components: the Control Unit and the Faraday Test Cage. The design enables the test cage to be placed within a humidity control chamber to allow material testing under controlled environmental conditions. Electro-Tech Systems Inc., Glenside, Pa.
Integrated Passive DeviceThe PAC KBMU is designed to provide the multiple functions required to filter and protect the circuitry within both the USB and keyboard/mouse controllers from destructive ESD pulses. This multifunctional integrated passive device (IPD) is said to provide complete ESD protection, EMI filtering, passive pull-up and impedance matching for all eight incoming and ouTgoing signal lines that serve both of the controllers. By incorporating this device during the initial board layout cycle, the design engineer reportedly can obtain complete filtering and protection for these two separate controllers with a single 24-pin QSOP package. California Micro Devices Corp., Milpitas, Calif.
Permanent Aerosol CoatingThe #2500 Staticide is an aerosol-based permanent electrostatic-dissipative clear coating that is said to eliminate static electricity. It combines acrylic polymers with a unique semiconductor technology to provide permanent static dissipation, reportedly even under zero-humidity conditions. The coating can be used on all non-porous insulated surfaces such as keyboards, computers, mice, oscilloscopes and workstations. It is packaged in an aerosol spray can, does not particulate or cause ouTgassing, and is exempt from VOC reporting as an ESD aerosol product. ACL Inc., Elk Grove Village, Ill.
TEST EQUIPMENT
Single-well Test HandlerThe J401-03 single-well test handler for HP's 3070 and 3170 testers reportedly allows for easy and efficient in-circuit testing of PCBs. It is said to provide a board-exchange time of less than 6 seconds. The tester is designed for medium- to high-volume production, and is best suited for productions using large fixtures or for large boards. The motorized press is fully programmable and is reportedly able to perform tests at multiple heights. The press is also said to have good penetration of possible flux residues on the boards and better contact with no-clean boards. JOT Automation Inc., Irving, Texas.
21 Slot ChassisThe GPX621 is a 19" rack-mountable unit based on CompactPCI/PXI standards. The unit is self-contained and includes a 21-slot chassis, 6U backplane, system power and forced-air cooling. In addition to accepting both 3U and 6U boards, the unit can reportedly support ATE-style instruments and a standard receiver. It also supports the company's patented 3-D switching system, said to provide the user with greater ease of integration, installation and support. The unit has a small footprint. GenRad Inc., Westford, Mass.
Compact Laser VibrometerThis compact laser vibrometer (CLV) is said to offer speed, reliability and zero-mass loading for on-line production testing applications. This Doppler sensor features a small and robust optical head that reportedly can be integrated into most automated assembly/test lines. Remote, modular electronics can be custom designed up to ±1.25 m/s vibration amplitude and 250 kHz frequency. Polytec PI Inc., Auburn, Mass.
Semiautomatic ProberOffered in 6 or 8" form, the Model 4460 Tech Series probe station is intended for everyday semiautomatic analytical probing. A user-friendly pendant eases setup, indexing and X-Y-Z positioning, while the system joystick provides interactive control of stage and optional motorized microscope and manipulators. The system controller accepts commands from external computers. The unit is available with either a gold-plated or ground stainless-steel vacuum chunk. Fixture ring and facilities for hot stage additions are included; a probe card holder is optional. The Micromanipulator Co., Carson City, Nev.
High-density IC Test ClipRoboClip Series provides test clips for QFPs, TSOPs, SOICs and other fine-pitch IC packages. The line covers pin counts from 44 to 304, including lead pitches down to 0.4 mm. More than 30 different configurations are available from stock. Emulation Solutions, Sunnyvale, Calif.
Ionic Contamination TesterThe Icom 5000 Series of ionic contamination testers' high-pressure spray can enter, extract and measure ionic contamination. The testers are controlled by a computer that offers menu-driven operations, calibration, statistical control and traceability. Trek Industries Inc., Azusa, Calif.
Palm-sized Data LoggersThe Datataker family of palm-sized, self-powered data loggers is designed to monitor and record a range of measurements, including pressure, temperature, relative humidity, electrical, air movement, flow, fluid level, moisture, electrical properties and gas concentrations. They feature nonvolatile 32K EEROM memory to protect the data. These data loggers work with industry-standard sensors, transmitters and signals. No programming or complex equations are required. The software is said to automatically convert recorded results into familiar engineering units for display,analysis and presentation. Data Electronics USA Inc., Laguna Hills, Calif.
Moving Probe TesterThe 600SD moving probe tester (MPT) is said to combine the cost effectiveness and accuracy of earlier MPTs with new speed enhancements and an ergonomic redesign. This tester also features automatic double-sided part alignment, refined test reporting, a smaller footprint and a Windows NT operating system. Improved probing accuracy reportedly means the product tests pads as small as 89 μm on pitch as fine as 178 μm. Probot Inc., Branford, Conn.
Test Floor ToolsetThis toolset locates and visualizes actual test vector failure sites during automatic test and evaluation. Designed for use by product engineers, reliability and design staff, it reduces test head data immediately into images of failure sites on the chip to simplify failure site identification and reduce the time for analysis and debugging. The toolset also includes a portable zoom-optic emission microscope, high-resolution CCD sensor and Windows NT-based software. Its portability reportedly allows it to roll up to ATE heads and capture image data in less than 10 minutes. Hypervision Inc., Fremont, Calif.
ADSL Manufacturing Test SystemThis company announced the joint development of a new manufacturing test solution for Alcatel's ADSL 1000 product line. The HP 79000 ADSL test system reportedly offers fast parallel-throughput testing to reduce the number of test systems needed and the amount of floor space required. It also is said to keep pace with the manufacturing beat rate, with test times averaging approximately 25 seconds per modem for a complete suite of functional (transmission) and parametric tests. Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo Alto, Calif.