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Issue 11 | 2022<br />

www.epp-europe.eu<br />

Electronics<br />

Production &<br />

Test<br />

Industry News<br />

IPC: Likelihood of 2023<br />

recession in <strong>Europe</strong> is<br />

increasing<br />

» Page 13<br />

Tradeshow + Events<br />

Sustainability to take centre<br />

stage at Electronica 2022<br />

» Page 14<br />

W<br />

PCB + Assembly<br />

Remove insoluble particulate<br />

efficiently and sustainably with<br />

vapor degreasing<br />

» Page 22<br />

Interview<br />

“We do not offer a machine,<br />

but a ready-made<br />

application”<br />

Daniel Schultze,<br />

Tresky<br />

» Page 6<br />

COVER FEATURE<br />

SMT at its best<br />

Overcoming<br />

the challenges of<br />

conformal coating<br />

inspection<br />

» Page 16<br />

Thickness<br />

measurement<br />

for transparent<br />

materials


Led by experience. Driven by curiosity.<br />

Cheetah EVO<br />

The standard for X-ray inspections<br />

in SMT, semiconductors and labs.<br />

See you at electronica<br />

Booth A3.462<br />

yxlon.comet.tech


» EDITORIAL<br />

» EDITORIAL<br />

Dear readers,<br />

Dear readers,<br />

<strong>Europe</strong>an semiconductors get a boost<br />

The semiconductor shortage is not going away anytime soon – at least<br />

<strong>Europe</strong>an Seeing according with semiconductors new a eyes recent study get by a IPC boost (page 12). As one of the regions hit<br />

The According semiconductor hardest Proust, by the shortage “the scarcity, real is voyage not the going EU of has, discovery away unsurprisingly, anytime consists soon not announced – in at seeking least plans to<br />

according new landscapes boost to a its recent but microchip in study having by research new IPC (page eyes.“ and 12). The manufacturing articles As one of this the (page regions issue 6). explore Fitting, hit too,<br />

hardest various new that by the ways one scarcity, of of the seeing the bloc‘s EU – from leading has, using unsurprisingly, semiconductor machines announced able producers to examine plans has hidden to just opened<br />

boost solder its joints a microchip new (page high-tech 40), research or chip measure and factory manufacturing the depth Austria of (page transparent 6). 10). Fitting, materials too,<br />

that (page one 16), of to the giving bloc‘s a leading familiar semiconductor component a new producers purpose has via just a simple opened<br />

a change new high-tech Inspecting circuit chip design factory advanced (page in 46). Austria packaging (page 10).<br />

It is crucial that inspection and quality assurance methods keep up with<br />

Inspecting Securing the demands supply advanced of more packaging complex packages. Our cover story reveals how one<br />

It Industry is crucial provider experts that inspection (IPC, of 3D page measurement-based and 13) and quality economists assurance inspection agree methods that equipment inflation keep up has with in <strong>Europe</strong><br />

demands is at range a record of of more new high. complex systems In such which, packages. a difficult it says, Our economic cover drastically story climate, minimize reveals it is how vital the one number of<br />

developed a<br />

the<br />

provider that the unidentified industry of 3D measurement-based maintains defects close (page control 16). inspection of its equipment supply chains. has The developed article a<br />

range on page of 8 new explores systems how which, increased it says, digitalisation drastically minimize could make the all number the difference.<br />

Four defects heads (page are 16). better than one<br />

of<br />

unidentified<br />

With consumers demanding ever more lightweight devices, manufacturers<br />

Four Protective heads are always layers are looking better for than new one ways to create more compact electronic<br />

With As conformal consumers circuits. coatings Could demanding become teamwork ever more more help widespread, the lightweight industry it devices, is achieve essential manufacturers<br />

this to faster? ensure The article<br />

are conformal always coating looking page 26 inspection for reveals new ways how (CCI) to four processes create companies more are compact reliable. worked together electronic Our cover to story develop an<br />

circuits. (page 16) efficient Could examines teamwork method a new help of series solder the of industry paste systems printing achieve which, in this the faster? manufacturer cavities The of article LED says, leadframes.<br />

on provide page accurate 26 reveals 2D how and four 3D inspection companies of worked transparent together materials. to develop an<br />

efficient Productronica method of solder paste 2021printing in the cavities of LED leadframes.<br />

“Driving The sustainable industry has welcomed progress” the in news Munich that the world’s leading international<br />

Productronica Highlighting trade both fair for the 2021 electronics role of electronics development as a driver and production of sustainable will technologies,<br />

industry place and has the planned welcomed development from the 16 of news sustainable to 19 that November the automotive world’s in Munich, leading technologies, international Germany (page 14).<br />

be able to take<br />

The<br />

trade this year’s fair for Electronica electronics event development <strong>EPP</strong> looks <strong>Europe</strong> set to and will live production of up course to its motto will be there be (page able – why to 14). take not drop by<br />

place as planned from 16 to 19 at November Stand 281 in in Munich, Hall 2, Germany to say ‘Servus’! (page 14).<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> will of course Don‘t forget be there to – visit why our not website drop by<br />

Visit our (epp-europe.eu) website , to say (epp-europe.eu) ‘Servus’! to stay up to stay date up to<br />

date with industry the latest news industry and trends. news and<br />

trends. (epp-europe.eu) to stay up to<br />

See you in news Munich! and trends.<br />

Industrie<br />

BEYOND<br />

BEYOND<br />

The<br />

network of<br />

expertise<br />

for industry<br />

17 media brands for all major<br />

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Information, inspiration and<br />

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new markets, reliably tomorrow‘s and with foresight. customers and<br />

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>> Yesterday, tomorrow and beyond.<br />

reliably and with foresight.<br />

>> Yesterday, tomorrow and beyond.<br />

Sophie Siegmund<br />

Sophie Online Siegmund Editor <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong><br />

Online Editor redaktion.eppe@konradin.de<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong><br />

Online Editor <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong><br />

redaktion.eppe@konradin.de<br />

redaktion.eppe@konradin.de<br />

Follow us:<br />

Follow us:<br />

LinkedIn:<br />

bit.ly/36aMJh1<br />

LinkedIn:<br />

bit.ly/36aMJh1 Twitter:<br />

@<strong>EPP</strong>magazine<br />

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@<strong>EPP</strong>magazine<br />

Further<br />

information<br />

online:<br />

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information<br />

online:<br />

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media for your specific<br />

industry sector:<br />

konradin.de/industrie<br />

Meet us at:<br />

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16.-19.11.2021 | A4.171<br />

16.-19.11.2021 | A4.171<br />

GLOBAL. AHEAD. SUSTAINAB<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2021<br />

GLOBAL. media.industrie.de AHEAD. <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong><br />

SUSTAINABLE.<br />

» 11 | 2022 2021 3


» CONTENTS 11 | 2022 28. YEAR OF PUBLICATION<br />

COVER FEATURE<br />

Overcoming<br />

Koh Young explains<br />

the challenges<br />

how its new 3D inline<br />

DPI equipment<br />

of CCI<br />

» Page 16<br />

can conduct<br />

2D and 3D inspection of<br />

transparent materials.<br />

Source: Koh Young<br />

NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS<br />

Interview<br />

Daniel Schultze, Managing Director of Tresky<br />

“We do not offer a machine, but a ready-made application” 6<br />

Industry News<br />

8 reasons to embrace supply chain digitalisation<br />

Should you make your supply chain digital? (Rebound) 8<br />

Biden signs US Chips and Science Act into law 11<br />

Infineon signs supply agreement with II-VI for SiC wafers 12<br />

ODU launches website for mass interconnect interfaces 12<br />

IPC: Likelihood of 2023 recession increasing 13<br />

TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS<br />

Electronica 2022, 15-18 November<br />

Sustainability to take centre stage at Munich expo 14<br />

COVER FEATURE<br />

Koh Young examines the future of dispensing inspection<br />

Overcoming the challenges of CCI 16<br />

PCB & ASSEMBLY<br />

Product Updates – PCB + Assembly 21<br />

Removing insoluble particulate from semiconductors<br />

Vapor degreasing explained (MicroCare) 22<br />

Product Updates – PCB + Assembly 25<br />

Processing larger PCBs with precision<br />

More flexibilty in solder paste printing (ASMPT) 26<br />

Product Updates – PCB + Assembly 29<br />

Case study: Soldering systems in practice<br />

It all began with a coffee machine… (Kurtz Ersa) 30<br />

Product Updates – PCB + Assembly 34<br />

TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE<br />

Product Updates – Test + Quality Assurance 38<br />

Automatic x-ray inspection (AXI)<br />

What are AXI systems capable of in 2022? (Göpel) 40<br />

Product Updates – Test + Quality Assurance 44<br />

Solid-state modules for test applications<br />

Lower leakage current with T-circuit MOSFETs (Omron) 46<br />

COLUMNS<br />

Editorial 3<br />

Imprint/List of advertisers 50<br />

4 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Vapor degreasing: almost all semiconductor<br />

wafers require cleaning to remove contamination<br />

caused by the manufacturing process<br />

» Page 22<br />

Source: Microcare<br />

Advanced Tilt and<br />

Rotate Dispensing<br />

Technology that provides<br />

reduced wet out areas,<br />

improved capillary flow<br />

for underfill and enables<br />

dispensing on the side walls<br />

or around tall components.<br />

NEW!<br />

Electronica<br />

15 – 18 November,<br />

Munich<br />

Boasting a wide and varied programme<br />

of supplementary conferences<br />

and forums, this year’s fair will<br />

highlight today’s most pressing topics:<br />

from electromobility through smart<br />

energy, to power electronics and<br />

sensors.<br />

Programmable articulation of both axes<br />

in sub-degree increment for total flexibility<br />

Together in Process Perfection<br />

FOLLOW US:<br />

LinkedIn:<br />

bit.ly/36aMJh1<br />

Twitter:<br />

@<strong>EPP</strong>magazine<br />

Learn more at www.itweae.com<br />

A division <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> of Illinois » 11 Tools | 2022 Works 5


NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS » Interview<br />

Interview with Daniel Schultze, Managing Director of Tresky<br />

“We do not offer a machine,<br />

but a ready-made application”<br />

Tresky manufactures die bonding systems for high mix–low volume<br />

production programmes. Managing Director Daniel Schultze explains<br />

why the company places particular focus on the development and<br />

production of fully-automatic machines.<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong>: Tresky is one of about eight companies<br />

in the world that offer fully automatic die<br />

bonding machines for the electronics and semiconductor<br />

industries. You specialise in high-precision<br />

bonding of high mix–low volume production<br />

programmes with emphasis on single laser, laser<br />

bars and sensor technology. How did this corporate<br />

focus come about?<br />

Daniel Schultze: The initial impulse to begin this<br />

work came through close cooperation with customers<br />

such as Jenoptik, and regular contact with universities<br />

and research institutes. It is an alliance<br />

which benefits both parties. We had already built up<br />

a knowledge of the area by developing appropriate<br />

solutions for various tasks. This expertise enables us<br />

to develop a custom-fit solution for almost any<br />

problem a customer has. We start in CAD and can<br />

react very flexibly to their requirements. All the<br />

while, we maintain close ties with universities because<br />

of their research capacities. If research and industrial<br />

development work together from the outset,<br />

something good usually comes out of it.<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong>: Can you give an example of this<br />

kind of collaboration?<br />

Daniel Schultze: We are currently in the process<br />

of evaluating a research project in collaboration with<br />

Kiel University of Applied Sciences and other<br />

partners to develop new modules for sintering highand<br />

low-power components. These components are<br />

used in the e-mobility sector, in e-cars, e-bikes and<br />

e-motorbikes; but they can also be found in wind<br />

turbines and high-voltage converter modules, in<br />

smart refrigerators and military applications. Developments<br />

in the field of autonomous vehicles, along<br />

with the phasing out of fossil fuels, are driving the<br />

development of this technology, as these sectors<br />

require specific types of electronics.<br />

Bild: Tresky<br />

Daniel Schultze is the managing director of Tresky, a placement systems manufacturer<br />

based in Hennigsdorf near Berlin, Germany<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong>: You refer to your company as a<br />

‘total solution provider’. What do you mean by this?<br />

Daniel Schultze: Companies based in Germany, a<br />

high-wage paying country, cannot compete with<br />

Asian manufacturers. The German market is therefore<br />

not attractive to companies that want to pro-<br />

6 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


duce machines in high quantities with as few adjustments<br />

as possible. We do not see ourselves merely as<br />

machine builders, but as a solution-oriented partner<br />

for our customers. After all, we can offer an extremely<br />

broad field of knowledge and high level of<br />

flexibility. We put the expertise of our engineers at<br />

the disposal of our customers whenever they require<br />

a customised system. We are able to take specific<br />

requirements into account and, because we have a<br />

thorough understanding of our customers’ applications<br />

and target markets, they really benefit from<br />

our mechanical engineering and application experience.<br />

We also attach great importance to service and<br />

maintain close contact with our customers. This enables<br />

us to upgrade the machines we develop, regardless<br />

of their configuration, with a wide range of<br />

options - even many years later. Since our machines<br />

are flexible and modular in design, product or technology<br />

changes can be made at any time using appropriate<br />

applications and extensions. Our service<br />

technicians are also available to provide assitance if<br />

required. Satisfied customers who appreciate us and<br />

recommend us to others are far more important to us<br />

than a quick sale.<br />

Widest selection<br />

of electronic<br />

components <br />

In stock and ready to ship<br />

“Satisfied customers who<br />

appreciate us and recommend us<br />

to others are far more important<br />

than a quick sale”<br />

Daniel Schultze, Managing Director of Tresky<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong>: You believe in the maxim: ‘it is not<br />

the big that eat the small, but the fast that eat the<br />

slow’. What is Tresky‘s vision for the future?<br />

Daniel Schultze: It is clear that our die-bonders are<br />

in demand. This was evident even during the recent<br />

pandemic. Electronics continued to be produced during<br />

this time despite fragile and expensive supply<br />

chains. Our high level of flexibility enables us to continue<br />

developing interesting technologies, and we<br />

are expanding. We would like to move to larger<br />

premises before the end of the year and hire more<br />

people. It is, however, difficult to find qualified employees.<br />

For this reason, we are in contact with various<br />

universities and Fraunhofer Institutes, and offer<br />

support to students with their undergraduate and<br />

master‘s theses. Our goal is to connect potential employees<br />

with Tresky at an early stage in their careers.<br />

mouser.com<br />

www.tresky.de<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 7


» NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS<br />

8 reasons to embrace supply chain digitalisation<br />

Should you make your supply<br />

chain digital?<br />

While it is true that that industries across all sectors are embracing digitalisation, many<br />

supply chains continue to be held back by their outdated approach. Here, Jeff Brind, Chief<br />

Information Officer at independent electronic components distributor Rebound Electronics,<br />

looks at some of the key reasons you should make your supply chain digital.<br />

Source: Rebound Electronics<br />

Rebound says its global team can offer real-time global market intelligence from a single<br />

point of contact<br />

In such uncertain times, any change that increases<br />

the predictability, visibility and reliability of the<br />

flow of goods and materials in the electronics manufacturing<br />

supply chain can only be a positive one. If,<br />

however, you are still unsure about whether acrossthe-board<br />

digitalisation is really necessary, here is<br />

some food for thought...<br />

1. Digital supply chains are more<br />

resilient<br />

Digitalisation can increase visibility throughout<br />

your entire supply chain, which makes it easier to<br />

identify risk at every point of the supply chain and<br />

respond before delays occur. Supply chains that invest<br />

in automation and new technology are also<br />

more resilient in times of disruption because they are<br />

less reliant on physical labour and certain processes<br />

can continue outside of working hours.<br />

2.Digital means increased<br />

visibility<br />

Visibility is increased in a digital supply chain, and<br />

this brings more than just increased resilience. Endto-end<br />

visibility and transparency are increased<br />

without the need for user input, instead using lowcode<br />

automation platforms to provide access to realtime<br />

information to all businesses involved. This information<br />

can include manufacturing progress reports,<br />

location of parts and delivery status, meaning<br />

supply chains can work to more accurate timeframes.<br />

The electronic components distributor also offers climate-controlled certified warehousing in <strong>Europe</strong> and Asia<br />

Source: Rebound Electronics<br />

8 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS «<br />

3. Digital supply chains have a<br />

competitive advantage<br />

A digitalised supply chain can give manufacturers<br />

an advantage over competitors because it enables<br />

them to manufacture products more efficiently and<br />

deliver a better service for the end user. Increased visibility,<br />

traceability and communication throughout<br />

the supply chain results in fewer supply issues, and<br />

automated warehousing processes help to create<br />

products much quicker and with a reduced risk of<br />

error.<br />

4. You can generate data-driven<br />

plans<br />

Digitalising your supply chain gives you access to<br />

more data and more opportunities to put that data<br />

to good use. For example, analytics and data visualisation<br />

can benefit activities such as demand forecasting.<br />

Combining intelligent algorithms and historical<br />

data allows you to predict customer trends, giving<br />

you more time to source the components to meet<br />

All products are subject to the<br />

same meticulous inspection<br />

procedures underpinned by<br />

industry-standard certification<br />

Source: Rebound Electronics<br />

The Gateway to<br />

a Smart Factory<br />

Solutions<br />

‹ Process control by KY<br />

realtime monitoring<br />

‹ User-friendly library<br />

manager for local<br />

access to global<br />

database<br />

Koh Young <strong>Europe</strong> GmbH<br />

Industriegebiet Süd E4<br />

63755 Alzenau<br />

Tel. +49 (0)6188 9935663<br />

E-mail: europe@kohyoung.com<br />

www.kohyoung.com<br />

‹ Improvement of<br />

processes through<br />

verified measurement<br />

data<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 9


» NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS<br />

Source: Rebound Electronics<br />

“We owe our success to the drive and determination of our team which ensures we meet and exceed<br />

the level of service our clients have expected of us for the past 19 years,” says Rebound<br />

Source: Rebound Electronics<br />

Digitalisation can help prevent supply chain problems<br />

About the author<br />

Jeff Brind is the Chief<br />

Information Officer at<br />

Rebound Electronics,<br />

a privately-owned<br />

independent electronic<br />

components distributor<br />

experienced in supply<br />

chain management.<br />

that future demand. This is particularly useful for<br />

orders that use hard-to-source components and<br />

those that are currently experiencing a shortage.<br />

5. Warehouses are more efficient<br />

A digitalised warehouse is more operationally efficient<br />

through the use of AI systems, automation and<br />

improved access to data. AI systems can work out<br />

the shortest, most efficient walking routes through<br />

the warehouse and they can also be used to better<br />

position the inventory for ease of access to the most<br />

popular parts. Robotics can be used for loading and<br />

unloading pallets, moving cargo and more, resulting<br />

in a far more streamlined warehouse.<br />

6. It is easier to manage<br />

inventory<br />

Digital stock management is more<br />

efficient and less susceptible to human<br />

error. Stock levels can be monitored remotely<br />

and in real time, and parts or<br />

compontents can be automatically ordered<br />

once stock drops below a set<br />

level.<br />

With traditional ordering methods, it<br />

is easy to underorder or miss a delivery<br />

date, which could result in the loss of a<br />

sale if a product is out of stock. On the<br />

other hand, overordering can result in<br />

excess stock that could become obsolete<br />

and need offloading, and at the least<br />

will result in additional storage costs.<br />

7. Transit becomes more efficient<br />

Cloud-based GPS and BLE asset tracking increases<br />

the availability of data for supply chains, providing<br />

real-time insights into the status and location of assets,<br />

even when they are in transit. The efficiency of<br />

the fleet can also be drastically improved by analysing<br />

route efficiency and traffic conditions.<br />

8. Labour can be used more<br />

effectively<br />

By investing in automation technology, employees<br />

can be put to work more efficiently. Automation programs<br />

can take over many menial and administrative<br />

tasks (and even complete them outside of business<br />

hours), while employees can focus on the more complex<br />

tasks that only they can do, meaning that more<br />

important work can be completed during a typical<br />

shift.<br />

Employees also won’t have to work longer hours to<br />

complete these routine tasks, where increased fatigue<br />

could increase the occurrence of costly errors.<br />

To sum up...<br />

Digitalisation is essential for any manufacturing<br />

business that wants to remain competitive in the<br />

modern climate. As these benefits demonstrate, the<br />

question is not ‘should you make your supply chain<br />

digital?’, but ‘how soon can you start?’.<br />

reboundeu.com<br />

10 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Boost for U.S. semiconductor industry<br />

Biden signs U.S. Chips and Science Act into law<br />

President Biden has signed an Executive Order to facilitate<br />

the implementation of the bipartisan Chips<br />

and Science Act. The long-awaited piece of legislation<br />

which includes measures to provide USD 52<br />

billion dollars to the country‘s semiconductor industry<br />

to mitigate supply shortages and boost domestic<br />

manufacturing of chips. Sometimes known just as<br />

the Chips Act, the new policy is aimed at<br />

strengthening U.S. science and technology innovation,<br />

but also addresses concerns that the country<br />

is too reliant on Asian manufacturers of chips. After<br />

months of revisions, the bill passed the Senate on 27<br />

July and was approved by the House of Representatives<br />

on 28 July in a vote of 243-187. President<br />

Biden signed it into law on 25 August 2022.<br />

In addition to billons of dollars of subsidies, the<br />

legislative measures include the provision of billions<br />

of dollars worth of tax incentives to chipmakers to<br />

encourage them to build semiconductor fabrication<br />

plants or ‘fabs’ in the United States rather than elsewhere.<br />

In January, Intel revealed plans to build $20<br />

billion chip plant near Columbus, Ohio but postponed<br />

its ceremonial address at the site in July while it<br />

waited for Congress to pass the Chips Act.<br />

The U.S. currently accounts for 12% of global semiconductor<br />

manufacturing; in 1990, its share was<br />

37%. Speaking on 26 July in a meeting with CEOs<br />

and Labor Leaders on the importance of passing the<br />

bill, President Biden said, “America invented the<br />

semiconductor. It’s time to bring it home.”<br />

Source: Pixabay<br />

8 processes<br />

with infinite<br />

possibilities!<br />

When soldering high-mass or large boards, a particularly<br />

effective and easily controlled soldering process is<br />

of great importance. With the vapour phase soldering<br />

systems of the Condenso series, you will succeed in<br />

achieving the best soldering results even with these<br />

requirements – for a good take-off and a safe landing.<br />

#VapourPhaseSoldering #Avionics<br />

www.rehm-group.com<br />

Anzeige_<strong>EPP</strong>_Condenso.indd 1 30.09.2022 10:56:53<br />

30.09.2022 10:56:53<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 11


» NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS<br />

New strategic partnership for semiconductor material<br />

Infineon signs supply agreement with II-VI for silicon carbide wafers<br />

The skyrocketing growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market is driving demand for SiC-based power<br />

electronics in EV drivetrains, onboard battery charging units, and charging infrastructure, explained II-<br />

VI in a press release<br />

Source: II-VI Incorporated<br />

Angelique van der Burg, Chief Procurement<br />

Officer at Infineon<br />

Source: Infineon<br />

Infineon Technologies AG has signed a<br />

multi-year supply agreement with U.S.<br />

optical materials and substrate manufacturer<br />

II-VI Incorporated for 150 mm silicon<br />

carbide (SiC) wafers. With the agreement,<br />

the chipmaker secures further access<br />

to the strategic semiconductor material<br />

to meet the strong increase in customer<br />

demand. As strategic partners, II-VI<br />

and Infineon will also collaborate in the<br />

transition to 200mm SiC diameter wafers.<br />

“SiC compound semiconductors set new<br />

standards in power density and efficiency.<br />

We are leveraging them to deliver on our<br />

strategy of decarbonization and digitalization,”<br />

said Angelique van der Burg, Chief<br />

Procurement Officer at Infineon. “Infineon<br />

is increasing investments in its SiC<br />

manufacturing capacity to meet the<br />

rapidly growing demand from our customers.<br />

We are pleased to add II-VI to our<br />

strategic supplier base and grow our<br />

business together.”<br />

“Infineon, as a market leader in power<br />

semiconductors, is an important partner<br />

for us,” said Sohail Khan, Executive Vice<br />

President, New Ventures & Wide-Bandgap<br />

Electronics Technologies at II-VI. “Our<br />

highly specialized products are now helping<br />

Infineon provide innovative electronic<br />

components to key customers worldwide.”<br />

Infineon expects its SiC semiconductor<br />

sales to grow by more than 60<br />

percent on average per year, reaching approximately<br />

$1 billion by mid-decade.<br />

www.infineon.com; ii-vi.com<br />

New website for growing product segment<br />

ODU launches online offering for mass interconnect interfaces<br />

A leading suppliers of connector systems ODU has<br />

launched a new website for its mass interconnect interfaces<br />

product portfolio. These are now presented on<br />

their own website www.odu-interconnect.com.<br />

Just as in the development of its ODU-MAC Black-Line<br />

mass interconnect interfaces, the company says it<br />

wanted to make things as easy as possible for the user<br />

with the new website. Thanks to its user friendly design,<br />

the technology provider says, anyone who requires information<br />

can get to it quickly and efficiently.<br />

Contact technology<br />

The company’s mass interconnect systems are mainly<br />

used for testing printed circuit boards and electronically<br />

assembled components. “What is decisive in this regard?<br />

Reliable measurements and great flexibility,” the<br />

company said in a statement. “Unsurprisingly, ODU‘s<br />

contact technology is convincing … due to its high reliability.<br />

Equally important is the individual configuration<br />

of interfaces, for which the modular connectors<br />

are ideally suited.”<br />

“It was the next logical step to offer our own mass interconnect<br />

interface,” said Tobias Eder, product manager<br />

at ODU.<br />

Continuous product enhancement<br />

To meet the needs of as many applications as possible,<br />

ODU says its portfolio is constantly being expanded. The<br />

latest extension is a so-called electronics housing,<br />

which can be used as an alternative to the adapter. It<br />

allows connectors to be attached to the rear panel for<br />

individual test requirements. At the same time, the<br />

housing protects electronic components and cables.<br />

www.odu-interconnect.com<br />

12 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


NEWS & HIGHLIGHTS «<br />

QUALITY<br />

PIEKTRAINING.COM<br />

IPC September Economic Outlook Report<br />

Likelihood of 2023 recession in U.S. and <strong>Europe</strong> is increasing<br />

According to IPC’s September 2022 economic outlook<br />

report, the economic picture in the United<br />

States continues to dim and the likelihood of a recession<br />

next year continues to increase. The U.S.<br />

economy is expected to expand just 1.6 percent in<br />

2022, less than half as fast as the 3.9 percent growth<br />

projected at the start of the year. Next year, the<br />

economy is slated to expand just 0.6 percent, down<br />

from an expected 2.6 percent growth. A recession in<br />

the United States next year is not a foregone conclusion,<br />

but the probability has increased.<br />

<strong>Europe</strong><br />

The picture in <strong>Europe</strong> is decidedly dimmer, IPC continued.<br />

The Russian invasion of ASSEMBLY Ukraine continues to<br />

DESIGN<br />

FABRICATION<br />

PB<br />

PB<br />

PB<br />

put tremendous pressure on the global economy, but<br />

the impact is especially pronounced in <strong>Europe</strong>. <strong>Europe</strong><br />

reported annual inflation of 9.1 percent in August,<br />

another new high for the continent. Moreover,<br />

pressures continue to mount and <strong>Europe</strong> will see a<br />

few more months of new inflationary highs.<br />

REWORK<br />

AND<br />

REPAIR<br />

PB FOR THE ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY<br />

TRAINING COURSES<br />

“Right now, all eyes<br />

are on inflation,” said<br />

Shawn DuBravac IPC<br />

chief economist and<br />

report author. “Whereas<br />

inflation has likely<br />

peaked in the U.S.,<br />

that is not the case in<br />

<strong>Europe</strong>, and likelihood<br />

of a recession in <strong>Europe</strong><br />

next year is high.<br />

When the prospect for<br />

growth is limited, it does not take much to push an<br />

economy into recession.”<br />

PROGRAMS<br />

TECHNIQUES<br />

In addition TRAINING<br />

to DuBravac‘s observations, the report<br />

WIRING<br />

AND<br />

CABLE SPECIAL<br />

also provides U.S. and <strong>Europe</strong>an data on economic<br />

growth, employment, consumer sentiment, manufacturers’<br />

sentiment (PMI), manufacturing capacity utilization<br />

and end markets for electronics.<br />

ipc.org<br />

INTERCONNECT INDUSTRY<br />

IN THE ELECTRONIC<br />

TO ANYONE WORKING<br />

ACROSS THE WORLD<br />

AND CERTIFICATIONS<br />

IPC / PIEK COURSES<br />

<strong>Europe</strong> reported annual<br />

inflation of 9.1<br />

percent in August, another<br />

new high for the<br />

continent. Moreover,<br />

pressures continue to<br />

mount and <strong>Europe</strong> will<br />

see a few more months<br />

of new inflationary<br />

highs, IPC said<br />

OFFERS TAILOR-MADE<br />

Source: Pixabay<br />

PB<br />

DESIGN<br />

PB<br />

DESIGN<br />

TRAINING COURSES<br />

FOR THE ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY<br />

TRAINING COURSES<br />

FOR THE ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY<br />

PB<br />

PB<br />

PB REPAIR<br />

CABLE AND<br />

FABRICATION<br />

ASSEMBLY AND REWORK<br />

WIRING<br />

TECHNIQUES<br />

PB<br />

PB<br />

PB REPAIR<br />

CABLE AND<br />

FABRICATION<br />

ASSEMBLY AND REWORK<br />

WIRING<br />

TECHNIQUES<br />

SPECIAL<br />

TRAINING<br />

PROGRAMS<br />

SPECIAL<br />

TRAINING<br />

PROGRAMS<br />

OFFERS TAILOR-MADE<br />

OFFERS IPC / PIEK TAILOR-MADE<br />

COURSES<br />

AND IPC CERTIFICATIONS<br />

/ PIEK COURSES<br />

AND ACROSS CERTIFICATIONS<br />

THE WORLD<br />

TO ACROSS ANYONE THE WORKING<br />

WORLD<br />

TO IN ANYONE THE ELECTRONIC<br />

WORKING<br />

INTERCONNECT THE ELECTRONIC<br />

INDUSTRY<br />

INTERCONNECT INDUSTRY<br />

©2022 PIEK INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CENTRE (I.E.C.)<br />

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<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 13


Source: Messe München<br />

Visitors will encounter smart energy everywhere at Electronica 2022, as electronics also has a key role to play in the energy transition<br />

Electronica 2022, 15-18 November, Messe München<br />

Sustainability to take centre<br />

stage at Munich expo<br />

In the four years since Electronica last took place in person, the industry (not to<br />

mention the world) has undergone some seismic changes. Boasting a wide and<br />

varied programme of supplementary conferences and forums, this year’s fair<br />

will highlight today’s most pressing topics: from electromobility through smart<br />

energy to power electronics and sensors.<br />

Expectations are high for this year’s Electronica<br />

event. The last time the trade fair was held in<br />

real life, it attracted a record 80,000 visitors from<br />

over 80 countries. Skipping over the expo’s purely virtual<br />

outing at the height of the pandemic in November<br />

2020 (which still managed to attract over 8200<br />

participants), this year‘s edition looks set to be just as<br />

popular. “Exhibitors, top decision makers and thought<br />

leaders want to discuss innovations and trends in<br />

person again at last and they’re already looking<br />

ahead to the Fall with confidence,” said Dr. Reinhard<br />

Pfeiffer, Deputy CEO of Messe München. “For them,<br />

electronica is the world’s most important industry<br />

get-together and the only one this year that seamlessly<br />

covers the complete spectrum of electronics.”<br />

Companies from over 40 countries, ranging from<br />

start-ups to global corporations, will come together<br />

across 13 halls to present products and solutions, and<br />

exchange ideas about the future of the industry.<br />

“Driving sustainable progress”<br />

The motto for this year’s event is cleverly worded.<br />

In addition to a strong emphasis on electronics as a<br />

driver of sustainable technologies, the development<br />

of sustainable automotive (or ‘driving’) technologies<br />

themselves will also be in focus. As well as electromobility,<br />

key topics at the expo will include smart<br />

energy, industrial electronics and sensors – many of<br />

which will be discussed in depth at the supplementary<br />

conferences and forums.<br />

The issues and challenges in the field of microelectronics<br />

will be addressed separately at the co-located<br />

event Semicon Europa, recognized as one of<br />

the largest international trade fairs for semiconductor<br />

manufacturing in <strong>Europe</strong>.<br />

Smart energy<br />

Recent events mean that the question of how we<br />

attain energy sustainably is perhaps more pressing<br />

than ever before. The 2022 show will highlight the<br />

vital role of electronics technologies in the transformation<br />

of energy infrastructures.<br />

Smart energy refers to intelligent technologies and<br />

solutions aimed at achieving efficient production,<br />

distribution, use and storing of energy, across the entire<br />

value chain. According to a study by the IMARC<br />

Group, the global market for smart energy is expected<br />

to increase at a compound annual growth<br />

rate (CAGR) of 9.82 percent from USD 138.8 billion<br />

in 2021 to USD 247.8 billion by 2027. Analysts ident-<br />

14 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


TRADE SHOWS & EVENTS «<br />

ified the growing demand for intelligent electricity<br />

grids—“smart grids”—as a main driver of this growth.<br />

Power electronics are also of high importance<br />

when it comes to energy saving. According to a study<br />

by the <strong>Europe</strong>an Center for Power Electronics (ECPE),<br />

more than a quarter of electrical energy could be<br />

saved through the use of modern power electronics.<br />

Visitors will encounter smart energy everywhere at<br />

Electronica 2022. The Power Electronics and Embedded<br />

Systems Forums, which runs across 4 days<br />

(15–18 November) will cover the whole spectrum of<br />

power electronics. Exhibitors in the field of electricity<br />

supply, such as those providing transformers,<br />

electricity supplies, supply units and batteries, will be<br />

located in Hall A4.<br />

Electromobility<br />

Electronica 2022 will also shed light on the mega<br />

trends that are transforming the automotive industry,<br />

such as autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification<br />

and digitalization.<br />

Exhibitors in the field of car chips will include<br />

Bosch, Infineon, NXP, Renesas, Samsung, STMicroelectronics<br />

and Texas Instruments. NXP will present<br />

its S32Z and S32E processors, an expansion of its<br />

S32 automotive platform for real-time processing of<br />

domain and zone controlling, security processing and<br />

vehicle electrification. And fair visitors will also have<br />

the chance to become acquainted with Infineon’s<br />

multi-core SoCs from its Tc4x family which covers a<br />

broad spectrum of automotive applications, from<br />

electric mobility, ADAS and connected cars to AI.<br />

Industrial electronics<br />

This year’s event will also highlight the role of industrial<br />

electronics as an enabler of digital transformation.<br />

The goal of Industry 4.0 is to digitalize<br />

and network production along the entire value chain<br />

using intelligent industrial electronics and the most<br />

up-to-date communication technologies.<br />

Industrial semiconductors, IIoT sensors, smart sensors<br />

and digital twins are just some of the technologies<br />

that will be spotlighted by exhibitors this year.<br />

The IIoT & Cyber Security Forum, held in Forum<br />

Hall B4 on November 16–17, will illustrate how industrial<br />

applications can be made even more intelligent<br />

thanks to concepts like Industrial IoT (IIoT), artificial<br />

intelligence (AI) and 5G.<br />

Sensors<br />

As the leading data supplier, sensors produce the<br />

raw material used in digitalization systems throughout<br />

the entire value chain in virtually all industrial<br />

segments. They are indispensable components in<br />

every smartphone as well as devices like fitness<br />

trackers, drones, virtual-reality headsets, smartwatches<br />

and smart sensor nodes for the Internet of<br />

Things (IoT). Indeed, no matter if you are talking<br />

about smart cities, smart energy, smart homes, smart<br />

health or smart factories, you will always find sensors<br />

hidden beneath the term ‘smart’.<br />

Manufacturers of all kinds of sensors from the ubiquitous<br />

MEMS through sensors used specifically in<br />

automotive and medical technology, to industrialgrade<br />

sensors will attend Electronica 2022. Visitors<br />

will also be able to see how smart sensors can optimize<br />

their company value creation during the Embedded<br />

Platforms Conference on November 16,<br />

2022, as well as at the IIoT & Cyber Security Forum.<br />

Hardware developers will not want to miss the Electrical<br />

Connectors & Measurement Technology<br />

Forum held in Hall 3 on 17 November, which will<br />

cover technological highlights and trends in sensors<br />

and measurement technology.<br />

Supplementary event programme<br />

Electronica is traditionally complemented by a<br />

comprehensive array of conferences, forums and<br />

special events. Organizers say this year’s supporting<br />

programme will focus on knowledge transfer and interpersonal<br />

exchanges with experts.<br />

The Automotive Conference on 14 November will<br />

comprise around 18 presentations, and focus on the<br />

transformation of cars into intelligent IoT devices<br />

with electric drive systems.<br />

On November 16, the Embedded Platforms Conference,<br />

which will also last one day, will concentrate<br />

on the challenges and solutions surrounding<br />

the embedded systems of the future. Across around<br />

35 presentations on three parallel stages, experts<br />

will be addressing subjects ranging from power electronics<br />

and supply, across AI and sensors, through to<br />

communications and software.<br />

Last of all to take place is the Wireless Congress<br />

2022. Systems & Applications, organized by WEKA,<br />

will be the meeting point for the international wireless<br />

community from November 16 to 17. The event<br />

will concentrate on the latest developments and the<br />

practical application of wireless technology.<br />

World Ethical Forum<br />

New this year is the World Ethical Electronics<br />

Forum (WEEF) taking place on 15 November. This<br />

event will address questions including: what does<br />

ethical conduct mean for electronics companies?<br />

What guidelines, structures and concepts promote<br />

fair play in our industry?<br />

electronica.com/en/<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 15


COVER STORY » CCI SOLUTIONS<br />

Thickness<br />

measurement<br />

for transparent<br />

materials<br />

ANZ_KOHYOUNG_epp_europe_316x207_3__01_2209_4c.indd 1 20.09.22 12:52<br />

Koh Young examines the future of dispensing inspection (DPI)<br />

Overcoming the<br />

challenges of CCI<br />

16 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


AT A GLANCE<br />

In this article, Koh Young<br />

details the importance of<br />

accurate CCI and<br />

measurement, and explains<br />

how its new 3D in-line DPI<br />

equipment can conduct<br />

2D and 3D inspection of<br />

transparent materials.<br />

Conformal coatings protect electronics<br />

from moisture, debris, and corrosion.<br />

They also add mechanical stability to<br />

help reduce failures and improve an<br />

electronic device’s reliability when it is<br />

exposed to harsh environments. But<br />

what happens if a coating is defective<br />

or simply too thin? Koh Young discusses<br />

the challenges of conformal coating<br />

inspection (CCI) and how its latest<br />

Neptune series can help.<br />

A<br />

conformal coating is a transparent protective<br />

film with a thickness of around 50um applied<br />

to a PCB to protect the board and its components<br />

from corrosion (caused by vibration, temperature<br />

changes, and so on) and from the environment. It is<br />

used on parts that need to offer increased product<br />

reliability via dustproofing and waterproofing. As<br />

conformal coatings significantly reduce the chance<br />

of circuit failure due to moisture, they are now being<br />

increasingly applied to products which necessitate a<br />

high level of reliability. There are various coating<br />

methods used today including dipping, brushing, and<br />

spraying. Selective spraying methods that only coat a<br />

specific area are also being more widely used.<br />

In addition to conformal coatings, various other<br />

dispensing technologies such as underfill and overcoating<br />

are emerging in the market. Underfill redistributes<br />

the thermomechanical stress created by<br />

the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between<br />

the silicon chip and organic substrate and is<br />

often applied to BGAs and CSPs in semiconductors<br />

or during SMT processes. In some medical applications,<br />

a droplet-shaped coating needs to be<br />

placed on the pad, in a process known as overcoating,<br />

and the height of this droplet needs to be<br />

measured. Indeed, as this example makes clear,<br />

some dispensing applications now also require specific<br />

inspection processes.<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 17


COVER STORY » CCI SOLUTIONS<br />

The overlay of reference signal and measurement signal creates a convergence signal caused by reflections at the refraction lines.<br />

The distance between the convergence peaks is the height of the material.<br />

Source: Koh Young<br />

3D inspection<br />

Until recently, 2D inspection was all that was<br />

required for conformal coating inspection; now however,<br />

there is rising demand for 3D inspection. This<br />

has come about because it is necessary to ensure the<br />

coating attains a particular thickness. If the conformal<br />

coating is applied too thinly, the parts that<br />

require protection may not be sufficiently shielded.<br />

If, on the other hand, the coating is applied too<br />

thickly, the unnecessary stress this adds to the board<br />

can cause side effects such as bubbles and cracks.<br />

“Proper coating thickness is very<br />

important to ensure the quality of a board<br />

yet 3D thickness inspection is not easy<br />

because the coating itself is transparent.”<br />

IPC recommends a thickness of between 30um and<br />

130um depending on the type of conformal coating.<br />

Proper coating thickness is very important to ensure<br />

the quality of a board, yet 3D thickness inspection is<br />

not easy because the coating itself is transparent.<br />

Biggest inspection challenges<br />

So, what are the biggest challenges when it<br />

comes to coating inspection? Conformal coatings<br />

are done using different materials meaning that, in<br />

some cases, the coating thickness and UV color<br />

may be different – even for the same type of board.<br />

As conventional 2D CCI (conformal coating inspection)<br />

systems inspect according to the UV color,<br />

and are susceptible to the board environment, this<br />

can lead to a high rate of 2D false calls. In order to<br />

solve these problems, it is also necessary to continuously<br />

draw and set the region of interest (ROI).<br />

Finally, as explained above, because the conformal<br />

coating is itself transparent, 3D thickness measurement<br />

using existing inspection technology becomes<br />

a challenge. In the case of IC components, for instance,<br />

we find that, because the coating flows<br />

down, it remains thin on top of the leads but<br />

relatively thick in between them because it has gathered<br />

here.<br />

In the case of underfill, there is a need to check the<br />

fillet height using 3D. Accurate measurement is difficult<br />

due to the steep slope of the fillet. Although, it<br />

looks black, underfill may, in some cases, have some<br />

transparency. Before curing especially, it is even<br />

18 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


The LIFT measurement principle.<br />

The sample is scanned by an IR<br />

laser beam. The signal is split<br />

into a reference signal and a<br />

measurement signal (beam<br />

splitter). The overlay of both<br />

signals returns to the detector.<br />

Source: Koh Young<br />

more transparent. With a level of transparency like<br />

this, there is no guarantee that the 3D shape is of the<br />

correct height or not, as the light is slightly transmitted<br />

when it is reflected. As such, it is difficult to<br />

obtain reliable 3D data with existing CCI technology.<br />

Currently, in order to ensure the reliability of 3D<br />

measurements, some boards must be destroyed.<br />

The Neptune series<br />

To help overcome these challenges, Koh Young has<br />

launched the Neptune series for conformal coating<br />

inspection. The tabletop Neptune T and the inline<br />

Neptune C+ machine. The tabletop machine is optimized<br />

for thickness measurement, and the Neptune<br />

C+ is the industry‘s first 3D in-line DPI, (Dispensing<br />

Process Inspection) system, which is able to offer<br />

both the 2D and 3D inspection of various transparent<br />

materials.<br />

In addition to 2D conformal coating inspection,<br />

Neptune C+ also provides solutions for various areas<br />

that undergo 3D inspection. As explained above, in<br />

existing 2D CCI, defects are detected using only the<br />

UV brightness color, leading to frequent false calls.<br />

Bubble detection is, for instance, an area with a very<br />

high false call rate.<br />

In order to minimize this false call rate, Koh Young<br />

employs an image-based machine learning-algorithm<br />

for bubble detection. First, bubble images from<br />

the field are collected, and classified by bubble shape<br />

based on the collection of images, in order to continuously<br />

enhance the bubble detection engine. The<br />

“It is difficult to obtain reliable 3D data<br />

with existing CCI technology.”<br />

Neptune C+ thus enables customized bubble detection<br />

according to bubble classification. For example,<br />

some customers may wish to class a bubble that occurs<br />

far away from the lead as not defective, while<br />

others prefer to classify any bubble – no matter<br />

where it is detected – as a defect.<br />

User-friendly software<br />

Programming that was difficult with existing CCI<br />

systems has also been made easier by our userfriendly<br />

software. The user interface is very intuitive<br />

and easy to use. Everything from recipe creation to<br />

result review is possible in one piece of software.<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 19


COVER STORY » CCI SOLUTIONS<br />

Source: Koh Young<br />

The Neptune C+ enables customized bubble detection according<br />

to bubble classification<br />

Source: Koh Young<br />

Koh Young CCI systems deliver tomographic information by area inspection meaning<br />

the image shown on the right in which multiple layers of fluid structure can be clearly<br />

seen can be acquired<br />

Zusammenfassung<br />

Eine Beschichtung schützt Elektronik vor Feuchtigkeit,<br />

Schmutz sowie Korrision und sorgt so für<br />

zuverlässige Funktion der Baugruppen selbst in<br />

rauen Umgebungen. Um eine einwandfreie<br />

Beschichtung zu garantieren, sind innovative<br />

Testsysteme zur Qualitätssicherung notwendig.<br />

Résumé<br />

Un revêtement protège l'électronique de l'humidité,<br />

de la saleté ainsi que de la corrosion et assure de<br />

cette façon un fonctionnement fiable des modules,<br />

même dans des environnements difficiles. Afin de<br />

garantir un revêtement parfait, des systèmes de<br />

test innovants sont nécessaires pour assurer la<br />

qualité.<br />

Резюме<br />

Покрытие защищает электронику от влаги,<br />

грязи и коррозии и тем самым обеспечивает<br />

надежную работу узлов даже в тяжелых<br />

условиях окружающей среды. Для<br />

обеспечения безупречного покрытия<br />

необходимо использовать инновационные<br />

испытательные системы для гарантии<br />

качества.<br />

Drawing the ROI is also very simple using a rectangle,<br />

circle, polygon, and so on. After selecting a<br />

type of inspection, the user need only to draw an<br />

ROI, and the inspection process is ready to go.<br />

Most importantly, Koh Young’s systems provide the<br />

most accurate and reliable 3D inspection regardless<br />

of the surface condition of transparent materials.<br />

Unlike other CCIs, the Neptune can inspect within 3<br />

minutes without any damage to the board. Existing<br />

CCI systems normally measure the height by adjusting<br />

the position of this reference mirror, but our<br />

technology does this by adjusting the frequency.<br />

Also, instead of inspecting only one point, our CCI<br />

systems deliver tomographic information by area inspection.<br />

As such, the image shown above is acquired,<br />

and as you can see, multiple layers of fluid<br />

structure can be clearly seen.<br />

DPI beyond CCI<br />

Our Neptune C+ can perform 2D and 3D inspection<br />

of conformal coatings, as well as 3D inspection of<br />

underfills and overcoatings. Currently, it offers a<br />

measurement range of 10 microns to 3.5 mm for<br />

these transparent materials, in the absence of refraction.<br />

Moreover, just to briefly explain the hardware,<br />

it has a 12M pixel camera and 15um. There is not<br />

much difference in size from the existing SPI and AOI<br />

systems, but in the case of the Neptune C+ we also<br />

have a flipper-type ready system so there may be<br />

some differences in PCB thickness and machine<br />

weight.<br />

www.kohyoung.com<br />

20 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


MK Versuchsanlagen<br />

PCB maker acquires Danish PCB solutions provider<br />

Icape Group acquires Møn Print<br />

Global technology distributor of printed circuit boards, Icape<br />

Group, has acquired Møn Print, a major supplier of PCB solutions<br />

in Denmark. The company, which has been active in the<br />

industry for over 50 years, will be known as Icape Denmark.<br />

According to a press release, the purchase price was €0.7 million,<br />

although this may be subject to additional payments depending<br />

on the company‘s 2022 and 2023 results. In 2021, the<br />

Danish company generated annual net sales of DKK 9.4 million<br />

(EUR 1.27 million) and EBIT of DKK 0.7 million. The Group expects<br />

Møn Print‘s annual sales to grow by slightly more than<br />

10% and its EBIT margin to significantly improve in 2022.<br />

“We are thrilled to welcome within our Group such a renowned<br />

player in Denmark and Northern <strong>Europe</strong>, strengthening our position<br />

in this region,” Cyril Calvignac, Icape Group‘s CEO, stated in<br />

the release. “This acquisition is in line with our ambitious external<br />

growth strategy, as announced during our IPO, in order to<br />

consolidate our global leadership in the PCB distribution<br />

through now 29 subsidiaries worldwide. This strategic operation<br />

enables us to offer a close proximity to our industrial customers<br />

by joining forces with a local player, guaranteeing a high quality<br />

Your contribution to<br />

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Source: Icape Holding<br />

“With Icape Group, we expect to be one of the leading PCB suppliers in<br />

Denmark,” said Tina Pedersen, CEO of Møn Print<br />

of service. It is with enthusiasm that we will share our knowhow<br />

with Møn Print which will benefit from the complete range<br />

of high value-added services of [the] Group. We are confident to<br />

complete several other acquisitions by the end of the year, with<br />

the same objective of generating commercial and purchasing<br />

synergies, in line with our profitable growth objectives.”<br />

“Icape Group is a great structure with local offices in many<br />

countries, and with more than 600 employees around the world,”<br />

said Tina Perdersen, CEO of Møn Print. “Thanks to its organization,<br />

network, global strategy, and proven processes, [it] became<br />

a major player in the PCB industry. We are happy to integrate<br />

such a serious, dedicated, and successful company to look<br />

ahead with confidence for our customers. With Icape Group, we<br />

expect to be one of the leading PCB suppliers in Denmark,”<br />

Icape Denmark will continue to operate from the Møn Print facility<br />

in Stege with its current team, which will be reinforced by<br />

the Icape Group’s local sales engineers in the country.<br />

www.icape-group.com<br />

è minienvironments<br />

(PP / VA Table)<br />

è OPC UA<br />

interface<br />

è optional:<br />

Spin Coater und<br />

Quick Dump<br />

Rinse (QDR-) Sink<br />

MK Versuchsanlagen und Laborbedarf e.K.<br />

Stueckweg 10 • 35325 Muecke-Merlau<br />

Tel.: +49(0)6400 -9576030<br />

Fax: +49(0)6400 -9576031<br />

Metal-free<br />

wet workbench<br />

è highest product<br />

protection with<br />

simultaneous<br />

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è each plant is<br />

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request<br />

info@mk-versuchsanlagen.de<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 21<br />

www.mk-versuchsanlagen.de


» PCB & ASSEMBLY<br />

Removing insoluble particulate from semiconductors<br />

Vapor degreasing explained<br />

Vapor degreasing is an efficient and sustainable way of removing contaminants,<br />

like insoluble particulate, from semiconductor wafers and components.<br />

In so doing, it helps to ensure their later reliability and operability, as Senior<br />

Chemist at MicroCare, Elizabeth Norwood, explains.<br />

Semiconductor manufacturing typically<br />

takes place in cleanrooms to protect the<br />

complex chips from contamination. But<br />

almost all semiconductor wafers need<br />

some cleaning during manufacture to reticulate<br />

accumulates on the wafer surface,<br />

it can interfere with and degrade<br />

deposited films that come later. It can<br />

also cause shadowing during lithography,<br />

reduce contact exposure resolution or<br />

create an uneven surface that could result<br />

in cracking during exposure.<br />

Particulate is also a common contaminant<br />

found on FOUPs (Front Opening Unified<br />

Pods) used for wafer transferring. So,<br />

the FOUPs should also be cleaned to prevent<br />

FOUP-to-wafer contamination.<br />

Particulate is not soluble in traditional<br />

cleaning fluid, so it must be removed by<br />

either chemical or mechanical means.<br />

There are various ways to clean semiconductors<br />

and FOUPs. One is via vapor degreasing<br />

with specialty particulate displacement<br />

fluids.<br />

Source: Microcare<br />

Vapor degreasing combines cleaning, rinsing and drying in one step to optimize throughput time<br />

Demand for sophisticated, complex<br />

electronics is rising. But the intricate<br />

nature of these assemblies, which<br />

include delicate semiconductor wafers,<br />

can cause a reliability risk if post-etching<br />

cleaning is not performed well. Contaminants<br />

must be removed without damage<br />

or alteration to the wafers. Failure to remove<br />

these impurities could cause etching,<br />

corrosion or pitting, resulting in poor<br />

semiconductor operability and reliability,<br />

Cleaning semiconductors<br />

move contamination resulting from the<br />

manufacturing process. Contaminants<br />

come from many sources including chip<br />

transport, handling, storage and manufacturing.<br />

Soils vary and can include dust,<br />

fingerprints, oils and water.<br />

One of the most common semiconductor<br />

contaminants is particulate. This comprises<br />

dust particles, skin flakes, fibers<br />

and other process contaminants. Particulate<br />

contamination comes from the air,<br />

from the abrasion of moving parts, from<br />

clothing, or from dirty, unfiltered etching<br />

fluids. These particles either electrostatically<br />

bond to the substrate or they get<br />

trapped in the wafer substrate geometry.<br />

Particulate impacts wafer performance<br />

in different ways. For example, as par-<br />

What is vapor degreasing?<br />

Vapor degreasing is a closed-loop system<br />

with two components: a vapor degreaser<br />

and particle displacement fluid.<br />

Most vapor degreasing systems are toploading<br />

batch-style cleaning machines<br />

with two compartments: the boil sump<br />

and the rinse sump. In the boil sump, a<br />

batch of parts including FOUPs, MOSFETS<br />

Almost all semiconductor wafers require cleaning<br />

to remove contamination caused by the<br />

manufacturing process<br />

Source: Microcare<br />

22 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Bild: Microcare<br />

Particulate contamination comes from the air,<br />

from the abrasion of moving parts, from clothing,<br />

or from dirty, unfiltered etching fluids<br />

(Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect<br />

Transistors) or other semiconductor components<br />

are immersed in the heated fluid<br />

for cleaning. Often, agitation helps enhance<br />

the cleaning fluid’s effectiveness.<br />

This is done by leveraging the boiling action<br />

of the cleaning fluid, adding vibrating<br />

ultrasonic energy or using a spray<br />

wand to loosen the particulate off the<br />

substrate. Once cleaned, the parts mechanically<br />

transfer to the rinse sump. The<br />

parts rinse in pure, uncontaminated fluid<br />

or inside the fluid vapors themselves. The<br />

components come out cool so they are<br />

immediately ready for use or for the next<br />

stage of processing. Unlike the commoner<br />

aqueous cleaning, vapor degreasing combines<br />

cleaning, rinsing and drying in one<br />

step to maximize takt time. It takes as<br />

little as 6–20 minutes per batch.<br />

Moreover, vapor degreasers typically<br />

have a smaller footprint than aqueous<br />

cleaners. The systems take up less valuable<br />

production space and, because vapor<br />

degreasing cleaning is a simple, predictable<br />

and repeatable process, it is easy to<br />

qualify and validate for cleanroom use.<br />

Good particle displacement<br />

The displacement cleaning fluids used<br />

inside vapor degreasers have chemical<br />

and physical properties that are advantageous<br />

to particle displacement and help<br />

accelerate the cleaning process. Small<br />

particles can be difficult to remove from<br />

wafers since strong electrostatic forces<br />

exist between the particles and the wafer<br />

substrate. A particle adheres to the substrate<br />

through adhesion forces, whether<br />

it is an electrostatic charge or Van der<br />

Waals force. This adhesion creates a friction<br />

force parallel with the surface: static<br />

friction if the particle is not moving, dynamic<br />

friction if it is. To remove the contaminant,<br />

the cleaning fluid must reduce<br />

the thickness of the laminar boundary<br />

layer, break the bond and allow the particles<br />

to release from the substrate.<br />

Some displacement fluids are a mixture<br />

of hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) and ethanol<br />

that removes fine particulate down to the<br />

micron or even sub-micron range. The alcohol<br />

component forms hydrogen bonds<br />

at the fluid-substrate interface, reducing<br />

the intermolecular forces between the<br />

particle and the substrate. This allows the<br />

particulate to lift more easily from the<br />

substrate.<br />

Plus, the fluorocarbon-based fluids are<br />

synthetically derived, allowing for a<br />

higher purity level than traditional hydrocarbon-based<br />

cleaning fluids. These<br />

ultra-pure fluids dry quickly and completely<br />

without leaving spots or residue<br />

behind.<br />

High density & low viscosity<br />

Particulate displacement fluids are<br />

dense: typically, 20–40% heavier than<br />

water and 50% heavier than alcohol.<br />

They also have a lower viscosity than IPA<br />

(Isopropyl Alcohol), water or water with<br />

surfactant additives. The combination of<br />

the higher density and the lower viscosity<br />

About the author<br />

Elizabeth Norwood is a<br />

Senior Chemist at MicroCare,<br />

which offers precision cleaning<br />

solutions. She has been in<br />

the industry more than 25<br />

years and has a BS in Chemistry<br />

from the University of St.<br />

Joseph. Norwood researches,<br />

develops and tests cleaningrelated<br />

products. She currently<br />

has one patent issued<br />

and two pending for her<br />

work. For more information,<br />

visit www.microcare.com.<br />

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www.odu.de<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 23


» PCB & ASSEMBLY<br />

FOUPs and other storage facilities should<br />

be cleaned to prevent cross-contamination<br />

of the wafers<br />

Source: Microcare<br />

of the hydrofluoro-olefin fluids results in<br />

greater drag forces acting on the particles.<br />

This makes it easier to dislodge the<br />

particulate from the substrate. The particles<br />

push away from the substrate and<br />

wash away, dispersing into the cleaning<br />

fluid.<br />

Low boiling point<br />

Particle displacement fluids are lowboiling<br />

with typical boiling points between<br />

40˚C/105˚F and 65°C/165°F. This<br />

minimizes the risk of damage to wafers<br />

and other delicate components. Vaporization<br />

displacement fluids (below 100°C)<br />

are aggressive enough to remove the particles,<br />

yet won’t damage the substrate,<br />

including composite materials. They are<br />

compatible with most hard plastics, ceramic,<br />

glass and metal.<br />

Low boiling fluids also allow the vapor<br />

degreaser to run more efficiently. And<br />

since vapor degreasing cleans and dries in<br />

one step, there is no need for blowers, air<br />

knives or any other drying method that<br />

uses power. This translates into less fossil<br />

fuel consumption, lower carbon emission<br />

and reduced greenhouse gas output. All<br />

with the added benefit of energy cost<br />

savings.<br />

Environmentally friendly<br />

Environmentally-friendly HFO-based<br />

displacement fluids replace higher GWP<br />

(Global Warming Potential) hydrofluorocarbon<br />

(HFC) and hydrofluoroethers<br />

(HFE)-based fluids. They also are better<br />

for the environment than high ODP<br />

(Ozone Depleting Potential) solvents like<br />

CFC-113, HCFC-141b, HFC-225 and 1,1,1<br />

trichloroethane. They meet strict regional<br />

air quality regulations and many are not<br />

considered HAPs (Hazardous Air Pollutants).<br />

Many fluids are accepted by key<br />

environmental and governmental regulatory<br />

agencies in the United States and<br />

most countries around the globe. They<br />

meet global environmental directives including<br />

the <strong>Europe</strong>an F-Gas and REACH<br />

(Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation<br />

and Restriction of Chemicals) legislation.<br />

Environmentally sustainable<br />

Vapor degreasing with particle displacement<br />

fluids uses no water, conserving<br />

this precious non-renewable resource.<br />

In addition, the process doesn’t produce<br />

wastewater that requires specialty filtration<br />

or treatments before disposal.<br />

Another environmental benefit of particle<br />

displacement through vapor degreasing<br />

is its suitability for recycling. The<br />

displacement fluid is used for hundreds of<br />

cycles before it requires refreshing or replacing.<br />

Additionally, the vapor degreaser<br />

concentrates the contaminants as it<br />

works. This reduces waste generation and<br />

lowers hazardous waste disposal costs.<br />

Wrapping up<br />

Particle contamination is detrimental<br />

to intricate semiconductors and silicon<br />

wafers. Removing contamination is essential<br />

to ensuring their performance.<br />

Vapor degreasing using particle displacement<br />

fluid not only ensures semiconductor<br />

cleanliness, it also addresses environmental<br />

and regulatory concerns.<br />

Companies looking for help with displacement<br />

cleaning should partner with<br />

an expert that has displacement fluid and<br />

vapor degreasing expertise. They can conduct<br />

on-site audits or perform in-lab<br />

tests with sample wafers to ensure cleaning<br />

success. Based on the wafer substrate<br />

and the particulate, these specialists can<br />

recommend, or engineer, the fluids and<br />

processes that achieve the best results.<br />

www.microcare.com<br />

Zusammenfassung<br />

Die Entfernung von Verunreinigungen bei komplexen Halbleitern<br />

und Silizium-Wafern ist durch Dampfentfettung mit Partikelverdrängungsflüssigkeit<br />

gewährleistet und berücksichtigt zudem Umweltaspekte<br />

sowie gesetzliche Vorgaben.<br />

Résumé<br />

L'élimination des impuretés dans le cas de semi-conducteurs complexes<br />

et de plaquettes de silicium est assurée par un dégraissage à<br />

la vapeur avec un liquide de déplacement des particules. Elle tient<br />

également compte des aspects environnementaux et des exigences<br />

légales.<br />

Резюме<br />

Удаление загрязнений в случае сложных полупроводников и<br />

кремниевых пластин осуществляется методом паровой<br />

очистки с использованием вытесняющей жидкости, при этом<br />

учитываются аспекты охраны окружающей среды и<br />

требования законодательства.<br />

24 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Rework technologies<br />

PDR launches integrated solder<br />

paste print part system<br />

Source: PDR<br />

The system mounts to<br />

all Evolution Series<br />

rework platforms for<br />

vertical lift utilizing<br />

the Integrated Vacuum<br />

Pick Up Feature/<br />

Gram Force placement<br />

settings.<br />

PDR, a manufacturer of BGA rework systems, test and X-ray inspection<br />

systems, has introduced a new ‘Integrated Solder Past<br />

Print Part System’ for rework. The company said the tools are<br />

designed to work with all its Evolution Series rework systems.<br />

“Treated with high durability carbon nanotube technology for<br />

superior paste-to-component release, the new print part system<br />

offers superior paste printing to component results with<br />

minimal effort,” the company said. “Key to the success of any<br />

print part operation is the ability of the print part fixture to<br />

supply correct and equal pressure to the component when<br />

undergoing the pasting operation. [Our] exclusive design offers<br />

a hands-free/tool-free calibrated pressure nest to ensure constant<br />

and direct pressure is achieved, thus providing superior<br />

paste application and deposition, virtually eliminating the need<br />

for re-prints.”<br />

www.pdr-rework.com<br />

Reflow oven technology<br />

24-channel profiling option from KIC<br />

The new option consists of two<br />

12-channel SPS units, paired<br />

together and run as a single<br />

24-channel profiler inside of a<br />

new thermal barrier.<br />

Source: KIC<br />

KIC has introduced a<br />

new Dual Profiling option<br />

for Profiling Software<br />

2G and SPS<br />

Smart Profilers, allowing<br />

up to 24 thermocouple locations in a single profile run for<br />

temperature profiling measurements. This added value is key<br />

for customers who require more sample locations on some of<br />

their products, but still want to use their profiler on smaller<br />

boards requiring less. Dual profiling allows this flexibility. Using<br />

the Profiling Software 2G application, a user can ‘pair’ two<br />

standard 12-channel SPS Smart Profilers together, and they<br />

will function as a single profiler.<br />

www.kicthermal.com<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 25


» PCB & ASSEMBLY<br />

Processing larger PCBs with precision<br />

More flexibility in solder<br />

paste printing<br />

The DEK TQ solder paste printer by ASMPT is known, even by the world’s<br />

most demanding electronics manufacturers, for its ability to deliver<br />

maximum precision and speed within a compact footprint. The updated<br />

DEK TQ L model adds flexibility into the mix. Able to process boards<br />

of up to 600 mm x 510 mm, the new system fits seamlessly into the<br />

company’s non-proprietary Open Automation concept.<br />

With an alignment accuracy of ±12.5 microns<br />

@ 2 Cmk and a certified wet accuracy of<br />

±17.0 microns @ 2 Cpk, the DEK TQ platform is one<br />

of the most precise paste printers on the market, enabling<br />

it to print pads for 0201 (metric) components<br />

and other modern ultra-fine-pitch applications. Featuring<br />

the same level of positioning accuracy and<br />

process stability as its forerunner, the new DEK TQ L<br />

delivers significantly enhanced performance within a<br />

footprint that is only slightly larger (1.3m x 1.5m<br />

rather than 1m x 1.3m). All DEK TQ printers can also<br />

be combined to operate in tandem by positioning<br />

two machines back-to-back: doubling the line’s<br />

printing capacity without increasing its length.<br />

Source: ASMPT<br />

The new printing platform from ASMPT<br />

(right) offers more flexibility and is<br />

able to process circuit boards measuring<br />

up to 600mm x 510mm.<br />

26 <strong>EPP</strong> » 11 | 2022


Versatile format<br />

The biggest difference in the DEK TQ L compared to<br />

the earlier model is the significant increase in the<br />

size of the boards it is able to process. The new system<br />

is suitable for PCBs measuring up to 600mm x<br />

510mm (approx. 23.6“ x 20“) - a 90 percent increase<br />

compared to the DEK TQ. At 560mm x 510mm (approx.<br />

22“ x 20“), the DEK TQ L’s printable area has<br />

also grown by more than 78 percent. This generous<br />

production format offers electronics manufacturers<br />

new degrees of freedom. Not only can they print<br />

larger PCBs but, with the speedy three-stage conveyor,<br />

they can also process three substrates with a<br />

length of up to 345 millimetres in one pass.<br />

Off-belt speed with linear drives<br />

ASMPT has also employed linear motors throughout<br />

the DEK TQ L. This off-belt concept improves not<br />

only the machine’s precision and repeat accuracy, it<br />

also helps it deliver high processing speeds with a<br />

core cycle time of 6.5 seconds or less with the threestage<br />

conveyor. The innovative clamping system, a<br />

more advanced printhead and the NuMotion controller<br />

with fiberoptic cabling (developed by ASMPT)<br />

further contribute to improvements in production<br />

speed.<br />

The high-speed understencil cleaning system also<br />

operates with its own linear drives, which makes it<br />

twice as fast as conventional systems. Additionally,<br />

depending on the board size, the cleaning system<br />

can be equipped with three different sizes of fabric<br />

rolls that can be changed quickly and easily.<br />

Zero-line-stop philosophy<br />

The new platform‘s printers are designed to run for<br />

more than eight hours without user intervention. For<br />

normal cleaning cycles, a 22-meter fabric roll is long<br />

enough for a whole shift, and the seven-litre cleaning<br />

fluid tank requires a refill only after eight hours<br />

or longer. The cleaning agent is applied (from above<br />

via a dispenser) onto the board area being processed,<br />

significantly reducing consumption. The pivot design<br />

ensures coplanary contact with the stencil underside<br />

for maximum cleaning quality.<br />

To minimize manual assists, an optional paste<br />

management system with automatic paste dispenser<br />

and integrated paste height control with individually-configurable<br />

warning and stop thresholds is<br />

available. Also available to facilitate non-stop printing<br />

is the optional Dual Access Cover, whose laterally<br />

movable portion provides full access to the paste<br />

cartridge so that it can be replaced while the main<br />

cover stays closed and the printer keeps operating.<br />

The three-stage transport system means that while a board is being printed, the one<br />

previously processed is moved out and the following one is loaded<br />

Needs-oriented automation<br />

The DEK TQ L printer has been designed to fit in<br />

with ASMPT’s Open Automation approach. This costoptimized<br />

alternative to the fully-automated shop<br />

floor has proved successful in electronics production.<br />

By allowing users to automate existing lines and<br />

processes in stages according to their needs, the<br />

company offers a variety of solutions for step-bystep<br />

automation for the new platform (based on ROI<br />

considerations). As Jens Katschke, Senior Process<br />

Solutions Manager at ASMPT, explains, “the various<br />

automation options for the latest generation of DEK<br />

TQ printers enable SMT manufacturers to design an<br />

Integrated Smart Factory in accordance with their<br />

own ideas without having to depend on a specific<br />

equipment manufacturer.”<br />

Customers who opt for the additional Smart Pin<br />

Placement feature can also benefit from fewer manual<br />

assists. The system operates with two pin sizes<br />

(4mm and 12mm in diameter). In the DEK TQ L, the<br />

magazine holds up to 60 pins and the system automatically<br />

verifies the position and the height of each<br />

pin after setting it. This prevents any single pin<br />

which is perhaps minimally elevated by dirt on the<br />

table from damaging the entire assembly.<br />

Automation options for the Integrated Smart Factory<br />

go even further. Together with the WORKS Process<br />

Expert software, the Process Lens SPI system<br />

partners with the DEK TQ L to form a system that is<br />

as productive as it is functional. It provides the<br />

printer with continuous feedback about the print<br />

quality and can even modify settings on the system,<br />

allowing the printing process control and optimization<br />

functions to run autonomously. It can even<br />

take process data from third-party systems into ac-<br />

Source: ASMPT<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 27


» PCB & ASSEMBLY<br />

The Dual Access Cover option allows solder paste cartridges to be swapped out during operation, meaning fewer line stops<br />

Source: ASMPT<br />

count, for example from AOI systems at the end of<br />

the line. The understencil cleaning process can also<br />

be controlled automatically. It is no longer carried<br />

out based on a rigid schedule, but only when the in-<br />

Zusammenfassung<br />

Für mehr Flexibilität in der Verarbeitung von großen<br />

Leiterplatten wird ein neuer Lotpastendrucker vorgestellt,<br />

der Boards von bis zu 600 mm x 510 mm mit<br />

durchgängigem Automatisierungskonzept verarbeitet.<br />

Résumé<br />

Une nouvelle imprimante à pâte à braser est<br />

présentée, pour plus de flexibilité dans le traitement<br />

des grands circuits imprimés. Elle traite des cartes<br />

allant jusqu’à 600 mm x 510 mm avec un concept<br />

d’automatisation continu.<br />

Резюме<br />

Для обеспечения большей гибкости в обработке<br />

больших печатных плат представлен новый<br />

принтер для нанесения паяльной пасты,<br />

позволяющий обрабатывать платы размером до<br />

600 мм х 510 мм на основе концепции сплошной<br />

автоматизации.<br />

telligent quality management system recognizes,<br />

based on measurements data, that a cleaning cycle is<br />

needed.<br />

Easy integration via open interfaces<br />

Since open, non-proprietary and easily retrofittable<br />

systems are major advantages of the Open<br />

Automation concept, the new printer features<br />

multiple interfaces and protocols. Examples include<br />

the IPC-HERMES 9852 and IPC-CFX standards for<br />

process data and ASMPT workflow solutions such as<br />

the WORKS module Command Center, plant-wide<br />

asset and maintenance management with Factory<br />

Equipment Center, or the entire WORKS smart shop<br />

floor management suite. Third-party systems and IT<br />

systems such as MES or WMS solutions, extensive<br />

remote support solutions, and many more are also<br />

supported. With WORKS, for example, print jobs can<br />

be programmed entirely offline.<br />

Reference class<br />

The precise printing, high process stability, small<br />

footprint and flexible automation options of the new<br />

solder paste printing platform have raised the bar.<br />

Thanks to standardized, open interfaces, it is just as<br />

easy to integrate the new high-speed printer into an<br />

existing line as it is to combine it with machines<br />

from other manufacturers or to automate the production<br />

in stages. If you need to print large boards<br />

with precision or want to make your production<br />

more flexible, you should take a look at the DEK TQ L.<br />

smt.asmpt.com<br />

28 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Product Updates « PCB & ASSEMBLY<br />

Integrated robotic solutions<br />

Orbit One builds robot manufacturing cell<br />

Swedish contract manufacturer of electronics<br />

and electromechanics, Orbit One,<br />

has announced that it has built a new<br />

robot cell at its plant in Ronneby, Sweden.<br />

The cell has been specially designed on<br />

behalf of a large Swedish industrial company<br />

in order to manufacture identification<br />

and traceability solutions with builtin<br />

analytical tools.<br />

”We received an inquiry on whether we<br />

could design an effective and sustainable<br />

solution for their manufacturing.<br />

Thanks to our fantastic cooperation with<br />

the customer and the automation consultants<br />

Spectrum Technology, we have<br />

now built a unique solution, which is<br />

fully operational,” said Vice President &<br />

Chief Operating Officer at the OEM, Ulf<br />

Karlsson.<br />

”The robot cell has a fascinating complexity<br />

and is unbelievably space-efficient.<br />

It is fitted with three robotic arms<br />

and requires only one operator. The cell<br />

manufactures the entire unit and the<br />

robot handles all steps from depanelisation<br />

with laser, laser soldering, printed<br />

circuit board testing, battery assembly for<br />

plastic encapsulation and laser marking<br />

The robot handles all steps from depanelisation with laser, laser soldering, printed circuit board testing,<br />

battery assembly for plastic encapsulation and laser marking of the finished product,“ explained Ulf<br />

Karlsson, Vice President and COO at Orbit One<br />

of the finished product. The quality<br />

requirements are extremely high and<br />

casting is done with the maximum possible<br />

accuracy. The robot cell configuration<br />

delivers one product every 30 seconds,”<br />

continued Karlsson.<br />

”It is also gratifying that with this deal<br />

we show that we can compete with lowcost<br />

countries like China, for example,<br />

thanks to our high technical expertise.<br />

Manufacturing is also brought closer to<br />

the customer, which is of utmost importance<br />

during the development of complex<br />

products, when close collaboration is essential<br />

for the final result. The project<br />

has also strengthened and improved our<br />

own competence and competitiveness in<br />

a manner that will benefit all our customers.”<br />

www.orbitone.eu/news<br />

Source: Orbit One<br />

LPKF_RZ_LM_ANZ_Schneiden_188x88_EN.pdf - Oktober 6, 2022 x<br />

Stress-free Cutting Services<br />

Laser cutting of the smallest geometries with excellent<br />

cutting quality and high flexibility of rigid and flexible PCBs.<br />

Find out more: www.lasermicronics.com<br />

electronica: November 15–18, Hall B1, Booth 219<br />

LaserMicronics is a brand of LPKF Group:<br />

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG Phone +49 (5131) 7095-0<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 29


Source: ED&A<br />

The ED&A site in<br />

Kalmthout, Belgium<br />

Case study: Ersa soldering systems in practice<br />

It all began with a coffee machine…<br />

Manufacturer of soldering systems Kurtz Ersa chronicles the history of its<br />

customer ED&A, a Belgian developer and manufacturer of custom-made<br />

electronic controllers, and explains how the company came to rely on Ersa<br />

systems once it started its own manufacturing operations in 2012.<br />

For over 40 years, ED&A has been developing and<br />

producing customized electronic controllers for<br />

consumer and industrial applications. The company,<br />

based in Kalmthout, Belgium, is more than just a supplier,<br />

describing itself as the “in-house electronics<br />

department” for its customers. As part of a recent expansion<br />

of its production capacity, the developer has<br />

expanded its machinery portfolio with the addition of<br />

an Ersa Versaflow 4/55 selective soldering system.<br />

Source: ED&A<br />

ED&A has been awarded a Factory of the Future<br />

designation by Agoria/Sirris for the third time<br />

Background<br />

ED&A was founded in 1981 by<br />

Agnes Francken and her husband<br />

Flor D´Handschotter, who<br />

was at that point working as a<br />

teacher of electronics. The idea<br />

to start a company was sparked<br />

after a student’s father asked<br />

Flor to develop a controller for a<br />

coffee machine. Not content<br />

with simply saying, “yes, let’s do<br />

it”, he seized the opportunity<br />

and founded his own business. It<br />

took four years before the enterprise<br />

hired its first two employees<br />

– and both are still<br />

within the company. Fast forward 37 years and ED&A<br />

employs 110 people (50 in production) and reported<br />

a turnover of over 25 million Euros last year. 20% of<br />

business takes place in Belgium, the rest is for export.<br />

In 2009, Gert D´Handschotter took over management<br />

of the business from his parents.<br />

Centrally located in Kalmthout with a production<br />

area totalling 5,000m 2 , the company’s current focus<br />

is on the development and production of custommade<br />

electronics for innovative machine and appliance<br />

manufacturers, such as makers of washing<br />

machines, ventilation systems, heat pumps, coffee,<br />

and baked goods machines.<br />

In-house production<br />

On 8 October 2012, ED&A took the groundbreaking<br />

step of opening its own production facility with the<br />

help of various systems, including a number of Ersa<br />

soldering machines. Having previously outsourced all<br />

its manufacturing, mainly to Belgium and Romania,<br />

the decision to manufacture its own designs inhouse<br />

was made after intensive evaluation and research.<br />

The quality of the outsourced electronic assemblies<br />

did not always meet requirements and an<br />

increasing number of bottlenecks was affecting<br />

production capacity.<br />

30 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


PCB & ASSEMBLY «<br />

Source: ED&A<br />

Source: ED&A<br />

Part of the production opened in 2012: an Ersa stencil printer<br />

View of the ED&A production – at the front: the Ersa Hotflow 3/14e reflow soldering system<br />

One person was central to the transformation: Eric<br />

Vets. Vets joined ED&A in November 2011, and<br />

brought with him many years’ experience of electronics<br />

production working for a large mobile phone<br />

manufacturer where he had become very familiar<br />

with Ersa systems (provided via Belgian representative<br />

Smans NV). After one day on board, Eric and<br />

the ED&A team went to the Productronica trade<br />

show in Munich to see the Ersa portfolio up close.<br />

Shortly afterwards, they ordered a Hotflow 3/14e reflow<br />

machine, a Versaflow 3/45 selective machine, a<br />

Versaprint 2 stencil printer and an HR 600 Rework<br />

System. Driven by Eric, ED&A went on to invest in a<br />

top-class machine park with state-of-the-art soldering<br />

systems, which, among other things, enabled full<br />

inline X-ray inspection of every PCB and comprehensive<br />

digitization of production with traceability down<br />

to the component level.<br />

“Of course, it was a big challenge to begin an electronics<br />

manufacturing operation from scratch – we<br />

actually had zero experience until we started production<br />

in the fall of 2012,” Gert D´Handschotter recalls.<br />

“Eric and his extensive experience in electronics<br />

manufacturing were worth their weight in<br />

gold for ED&A, it was an absolute win-win situation<br />

for everyone involved – otherwise it would have been<br />

very difficult to get such a production up and running,”<br />

says Tom Berx, Ersa Sales Manager responsible<br />

for Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg at the<br />

time. Eric retired in 2017, but he, together with the<br />

ED&A team, had initiated a development that allowed<br />

the company to grow to its current size. “The local<br />

support from the Smans team, who is not far away<br />

with its headquarters in Turnhout, was invaluable,<br />

especially at the beginning,” says D´Handschotter.<br />

For every machine ED&A has ordered, quality has always<br />

been the most important factor. This is where<br />

Eric´s expertise came in, as he had had the most experience<br />

with high-quality machines. “Our goal with<br />

our own production was to become the leader in<br />

terms of production quality in Belgium. We succeeded<br />

in this, and the Ersa systems we ordered initially<br />

and subsequently have contributed significantly<br />

to this,” D´Handschotter adds.<br />

More flexibility, more speed<br />

Since starting its own production line, the company<br />

has reduced lead times by more than 60%<br />

while increasing product quality by a factor of 10<br />

(compared to its previously outsourced manufacturing<br />

model). A few years after starting, the selective<br />

Versaflow 3 machine was exchanged for the larger<br />

Versaflow 4 model with four solder pots and two flux<br />

“After ten years, we have gotten to know<br />

each other well, have a stable business<br />

partnership and know what our teams<br />

and systems are capable of – we are<br />

looking forward to the next decade and a<br />

strong continued cooperation.”<br />

Gert D´Handschotter, Managing Director, ED&A<br />

heads (at that time, the first system of its kind in<br />

Belgium). The highly modular character of the large<br />

4/55 machine offers a great deal of freedom of configuration<br />

and meets high process and qualitative<br />

productivity standards. This results in reliably repeatable<br />

solder joints, as well as complete documentation<br />

of all individual process parameters.<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 31


» PCB & ASSEMBLY<br />

Another such system was installed at the end of<br />

February. This time, the company invested in a<br />

Versaflow 4/55 with six solder pots with y/z-variable<br />

double crucible, power convection and automatic<br />

nozzle activation for processing PCBs with a maximum<br />

size of 508 x 508 mm. Just recently, a service<br />

technician from Ersa was on site at the company for<br />

three days to help to, as D´Handschotter put it,<br />

“breathe even more flexibility and speed into the<br />

machine – whether in soldering or through appropriate<br />

programming.” The machine operators, who are<br />

up to date on selective soldering technologies, took a<br />

lot away from this visit, learning from a technician<br />

who has accompanied the machine since the start of<br />

its development and knows it inside out, down to the<br />

smallest screw. “The ED&A team is really fit [regarding]<br />

the process and continuously wants to get even<br />

more out of the machine, which of course benefits<br />

the customer in the end,” says D´Handschotter.<br />

“Factory of the Future”<br />

This is something that has also been recognized<br />

externally by the “Factory of the Future” designation,<br />

which ED&A received for the third time this year (as<br />

Zusammenfassung<br />

Ein belgischer Entwickler und Hersteller von<br />

kundenspezifischen elektronischen Steuerungen hat<br />

zur gezielten Erweiterung der Produktionskapazitäten<br />

den Maschinenpark um eine Versaflow<br />

Selektivlötanlage erweitert.<br />

Résumé<br />

Un concepteur et fabricant belge de commandes<br />

électroniques sur mesure a ajouté une ligne de<br />

brasage sélectif Versaflow à son parc de machines<br />

afin d’augmenter ses capacités de production de<br />

manière ciblée.<br />

Резюме<br />

Бельгийский разработчик и производитель<br />

индивидуально разрабатываемых систем<br />

электронного управления в рамках<br />

целенаправленного увеличения своих<br />

производственных мощностей расширил свой<br />

станочный парк станком для селективной пайки<br />

Versaflow.<br />

Source: ED&A<br />

Managing Director Gert D´Handschotter (right) with Aad<br />

Vermaat from Smans (Ersa agent in the Benelux since 2001)<br />

well as in 2016 and 2019). The award, which stems<br />

from an initiative by the Belgian technology association<br />

Agoria & Sirris, evaluates “seven pillars of<br />

transformation” every three years.<br />

“Of course, we make sure that our colleagues and<br />

engineers leave the manufacturing site once in a<br />

while in order to stay up to date, or to take a look at<br />

other productions,” says D´Handschotter. “For us, this<br />

is a fundamental part of it. We cannot stand still if<br />

we want to continue to be among the best in electronics<br />

manufacturing in Belgium and beyond.<br />

“A ‘factory of the future’ is not created by a great<br />

machine park alone,” he adds. “This can only be realized<br />

with the outstanding commitment of highly<br />

motivated employees – and in cooperation with our<br />

business partners at home and abroad.”<br />

When ED&A now looks back, ten years later, to the<br />

start of its own production, it is clear it has experienced<br />

a massive surge in development. Whereas, at<br />

that time, the company employed 25 to 30 people<br />

and generated five million in sales, today’s workforce<br />

numbers 110 and sales recently reached five times<br />

that amount. The fact that it manufacturers its own<br />

products means the company can respond to<br />

changes more quickly and flexibly from the development<br />

stage onwards. In the future, when new demands<br />

pop up and a renewed SMD line investment is<br />

on the cards once again, Ersa soldering systems will<br />

at the top of the list for ED&A decision-makers.<br />

“After ten years, we have gotten to know each<br />

other well, have a stable business partnership and<br />

know what our teams and systems are capable of –<br />

we are looking forward to the next decade and a<br />

strong continued cooperation,” says D´Handschotter.<br />

www.edna.eu/en | www.kurtzersa.com<br />

32 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Adhesives manufacturer strengthens position in Thermal Interface Material (TIM) market<br />

Henkel acquires Thermexit business from Nanoramic<br />

Leading adhesive technologies provider Henkel has<br />

acquired the Thermal Management Materials business<br />

of Nanoramic Laboratories (Nanoramic) headquartered<br />

in Boston, MA, USA, and marketed under<br />

the brand Thermexit.<br />

Nanoramic, known until 2018 as FastCAP Systems<br />

Corporation, is an R&D company focused on developing<br />

high-end energy storage and thermal management<br />

technologies based on carbon composites. The<br />

acquisition strengthens the company‘s position in<br />

the growing Thermal Interface Material (TIM) market<br />

and expands its offerings for applications in highgrowing<br />

market segments that require specialized<br />

know-how with regards to heat management in<br />

electronics, including 5G infrastructure, semiconductors,<br />

and power conversion for industrial and<br />

automotive electronics.<br />

The Thermexit portfolio includes patented, high-performance<br />

thermal interface gap pads based on an innovative<br />

nano-filler technology. This technology provides<br />

unique materials with extremely high thermal<br />

conductivity and excellent stability.<br />

“Thermal management solutions are an important<br />

growth technology within our materials portfolio<br />

and play a major role to further drive innovations<br />

with regards to global megatrends such as connectivity,<br />

mobility and sustainability,” explained Jan-Dirk<br />

Auris, Executive Vice President Henkel Adhesive<br />

Technologies. “The acquisition of Thermexit complements<br />

our existing portfolio with offerings in highgrowing<br />

market segments to further create value for<br />

our customers.”<br />

www.henkel.com<br />

Source: Henkel<br />

The acquisition of the<br />

Thermexit business<br />

strengthens Henkel´s<br />

position in the<br />

growing markets for<br />

Thermal Interface<br />

Materials by expanding<br />

its capabilities in<br />

high-performance<br />

segments.<br />

By far the best<br />

3D AOI solution<br />

‹ 3D measurement capability at<br />

the highest state of the art<br />

‹ Side-View camera solutions<br />

for expanded inspection<br />

capabilities<br />

‹ Auto programming based on<br />

artificial intelligence<br />

Koh Young <strong>Europe</strong> GmbH<br />

Industriegebiet Süd E4<br />

63755 Alzenau<br />

Tel. +49 (0)6188 9935663<br />

E-mail: europe@kohyoung.com<br />

www.kohyoung.com<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 33


PCB & ASSEMBLY » Product Updates<br />

New ventilation management system enables energy savings of up to 50%<br />

MK Versuchsanlagen introduces further developed wet workbench<br />

Source: MK Versuchsanlagen<br />

Frontal view of two MK wet workbenches with<br />

different internals and connections<br />

German special equipment manufacturer, MK Versuchsanlagen und<br />

Laborbedarf has announced it has further developed its wet workbench.<br />

The company says the applications of the wet workbench,<br />

which it newly introduced two years ago, are extremely diverse. The<br />

metal-free system is particularly suitable for use in the semiconductor<br />

industry: substrate cleaning; and pre- and post-treatment of silicon<br />

wafers, glass substrates and all other start and end products in these<br />

fields.<br />

The manufacturer says it developers have paid particular attention to<br />

the intelligent ventilation management system, which enables energy<br />

savings of up to 50 percent. Continuous monitoring of the wet workbench<br />

ensures that the volume flow of the air introduced is automatically<br />

adjusted. The control variables are controlled via dedicated PLC<br />

modules. Possible control loops such as activity or particle monitoring<br />

are individually defined and implemented, depending on the application.<br />

Energy improvements for existing laboratories are also possible<br />

- in many cases in the form of a so called ‘retrofit’.<br />

mk-versuchsanlagen.de<br />

Pressure-temperature sensor technology<br />

ViscoTec debuts miniature flush pressure sensor<br />

ViscoTec has announced the launch of the<br />

world’s smallest flush pressure sensor<br />

with a chemical – largely inert – pressure<br />

membrane made of FFKM. The company<br />

says the miniature sensor known as flowplus-SPT<br />

M6 is also currently the only<br />

sensor that achieves both pressure and<br />

temperature measurement with an M6<br />

thread as process connection and a sensor<br />

body that is only 15.3 mm short.<br />

The new sensor is able to measure the<br />

pressures of the material to be dispensed<br />

up to 40 bar at a temperature range from<br />

5 to 50°C. It fits into the material outlet<br />

of the manufacturer’s dispensing systems,<br />

but can also be installed in other applications,<br />

where its small design reduces<br />

possible material losses due to dead<br />

space-optimized components. Thanks to<br />

its intuitive mechanics and short cable<br />

length, integration into the company’s<br />

own dispensers is quick and easy, so that<br />

the sensor is immediately ready for process<br />

data acquisition.<br />

According to the company, the integrated<br />

electronics convert the recorded pressures<br />

and temperatures into an analog<br />

voltage signal, which enables uncomplicated<br />

and fast integration into control<br />

systems such as a PLC. The low measurement<br />

tolerance of only 2 % and the resulting<br />

high measurement accuracy ensure<br />

precise and, at the same time, simple<br />

processing of the recorded measurement<br />

data. In addition, possible cable breaks<br />

can be detected via a drop in the pressure-dependent<br />

voltage signal below 0.1 V<br />

using the master-level control system.<br />

“Thanks to its dust- and splash-proof design<br />

(protection class IP54), the new sensor<br />

operates confidently and reliably in<br />

industrial environments even without the<br />

attachment of further housing components,<br />

the company said. The sensor body<br />

is made of stainless steel and is therefore<br />

largely resistant to the effects of every<br />

conceivable material. Furthermore, the<br />

measuring membrane made of FFKM is<br />

significantly more resistant than conventional<br />

membranes, which is reflected in<br />

noticeably reduced maintenance and<br />

spare parts costs. By means of a chemical<br />

resistant, drag chain suitable sensor connection<br />

cable, the smooth coupling with<br />

ViscoTec controllers via a 4-pole M8<br />

standard connection is possible.”<br />

www.viscotec.de<br />

The company says the miniature sensor known as flowplus-SPT M6 is also currently the only sensor<br />

that achieves both pressure and temperature measurement with an M6 thread as process connection<br />

and a sensor body that is only 15.3 mm short<br />

Source: ViscoTec<br />

34 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Dual-curing adhesive for medical device applications<br />

Panacol develops first UV moisture-curing medical adhesive<br />

the adhesive to cure while still in the dispensing needle. This offers the user<br />

a wide process window. In addition, there are no blooming of frosting effects<br />

on the plastics, which can occur when using cyanoacrylates.<br />

Source: Panacol<br />

The company says the UV acrylate is ideally suited for fixing<br />

batteries on glucose sensors (corner bonding)<br />

Industrial adhesives provider Panacol has developed<br />

a new adhesive system certified for use in the medical<br />

industry known as Vitralit UD 8050 MV F. The<br />

company says that in addition to its primary curing –<br />

UV crosslinking, the new adhesive also offers secondary<br />

moisture post-curing. This means that components<br />

in medical devices can be cured in a process-safe<br />

manner and without thermal influence,<br />

even if shadow zones are present in component cavities.<br />

Two challenges commonly arise in medical applications<br />

when bonding plastics or assembling PCBs<br />

and FPCBs. Not every plastic is transparent, which<br />

makes it difficult to cure UV adhesives in a processsafe<br />

manner. In most cases, thermal post-curing is<br />

relied upon. However, thermal curing often becomes<br />

the second challenge. Not all electronic components<br />

and plastics can be subjected to thermal stress. In<br />

these cases, curing with heat is not a viable option.<br />

Dual-curing<br />

The primary curing of the new adhesive can be<br />

carried out in seconds with UV or LED UV light. LED<br />

curing units with a wavelength of 405 nm, such as<br />

the LED Spot 100 IC from Hönle, are best suited here.<br />

Secondary curing of the adhesive in the shadow<br />

areas that are not reached by the UV/visible light<br />

takes place through a moisture curing process.<br />

Surface and atmospheric moisture react with the<br />

adhesive to initiate a curing process. Unlike moisture<br />

curing cyanoacrylates, the new adhesive can be processed<br />

reliably because its primary curing is based on<br />

UV crosslinking. Moisture in the air does not cause<br />

Adhesion to different substrates<br />

Vitralit 8050 MV F is certified according to ISO 10993–5/-10/-23 biocompatibility<br />

testing. Since the dual-curing adhesive exhibits high adhesion to<br />

many different substrates, it is the optimal solution for a wide variety of<br />

bonding applications. The UV acrylate is ideally suited for fixing batteries<br />

on glucose sensors (corner bonding). It can also be used as a glob top for<br />

protecting SMD components. The adhesive will cure reliably and stress-free,<br />

even in the shadow areas under the bonding wires. When used for structural<br />

bonding, it can be applied between transparent and non-transparent<br />

substrates. Bonding is accomplished in seconds with UV/visible light.<br />

Shadowed areas will subsequently post-cure with moisture. Due to its high<br />

ionic purity, the adhesive can be processed on metallized surfaces without<br />

hesitation. For optical quality control of the bond, the material is additionally<br />

equipped with fluorescent markers that can be excited with short-wave<br />

light.<br />

www.panacol.de<br />

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<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 35


PCB & ASSEMBLY » Product Updates<br />

Benchtop solutions<br />

Hot air rework system offers high thermal performance<br />

The new system can<br />

generate 900 watts of<br />

heat with a maximum<br />

temperature of 600 °C<br />

Benchtop solutions provider and<br />

member of the OK International<br />

brand, Metcal, has announced<br />

the launch of the new HCT-910<br />

Hot Air Rework System. The<br />

company says the system is accurate<br />

and intuitive-to-use, with<br />

high thermal performance capable<br />

of meeting the full spectrum<br />

of application requirements<br />

needed for production<br />

and rework in electronics manufacturing.<br />

The new system can generate 900 watts of heat with<br />

a maximum temperature of 600 °C, expanding the<br />

capability of the HCT-910 beyond standard thermal<br />

demand applications to higher thermal demanding<br />

applications in military, defense, and aerospace,<br />

using highly metalized circuit boards.<br />

Source: Metcal<br />

The system incorporates a novel control method<br />

making it easy to quickly adjust the temperature and<br />

airflow rates without looking away from the application.<br />

In addition, a multi-color status light on the<br />

hand-piece is a visual cue to the operator regarding<br />

the “current status” of the unit.<br />

“The hot air system improves the user experience significantly<br />

by adding features such as ‘On-the-fly’<br />

manual control which utilizes a single push-button<br />

knob to adjust, control, and quickly toggle between<br />

temperature and airflow. This intuitive design, in<br />

combination with accurate temperature, and the<br />

performance of the 900-watt heater, will improve<br />

throughput while controlling a tight quality process,”<br />

said Curtis Yamauchi, Product Manager at the company.<br />

According to the company, it can be configured for<br />

any worldwide standard voltage and power outlets.<br />

metcal.com<br />

Advanced robotic technology<br />

Altus partner Promation USA launches robotic soldering platform<br />

Altus Group has announced that its<br />

partner, soldering systems specialist Promation<br />

USA has launched an intelligent<br />

robotic soldering platform called the<br />

Panda 500 Series.<br />

“The Panda 500 Series Intelligent Robotic<br />

Soldering Platform is designed for manufacturers<br />

seeking a high performance PC<br />

based in-line soldering system,” the company<br />

said. “Recently launched, the system<br />

is already receiving attention from Altus’<br />

customers and several early orders.”<br />

“The robotic soldering momentum has<br />

been building here in the UK and Ireland,<br />

with many successful installations since<br />

we partnered with Promation USA several<br />

years ago,” said Joe Booth, Altus CEO.<br />

“Things will be going up a notch with the<br />

launch of the brand-new [soldering platform].<br />

It is the most technologically advanced<br />

robotic soldering system on the<br />

market and incorporates much of the<br />

customer feedback over the last years and<br />

focuses on upcoming trends in electronics<br />

manufacturing taking this proven production<br />

process to a new level.<br />

“This unit is PC based, with vision assisted<br />

programming, barcode reading and automatic<br />

barcode driven program selection.<br />

It also includes fiducial recognition and<br />

keymark capabilities to control production<br />

risk and ensure the same high quality<br />

Source: Altus<br />

The company says the new platform is designed<br />

for manufacturers seeking a high performance PC<br />

based in-line soldering system<br />

soldering every time. These new functionalities<br />

come alongside the all-important<br />

networkability and data export for<br />

traceability which many customers in the<br />

UK and Ireland have been requesting to<br />

support their high-tech, high value production<br />

requirements.<br />

“The [new system] will be a game changer<br />

for many of our customers and we are<br />

looking forward to introducing it to our<br />

network of clients in the coming months<br />

as our first unit arrives soon.”<br />

Following two years of research, the robotic<br />

soldering system has been designed<br />

with a number of key features to assist<br />

electronics manufacturers. It has a<br />

500mm x 500mm working area and is<br />

equipped with the same proven 180W<br />

power supply and N2 at tip and range<br />

feeding mechanisms. It also includes a<br />

new robotic end-effector design that uses<br />

dual articulating arms that mimic the<br />

human hand‘s dexterity. This allows the<br />

soldering iron or solder material to be removed<br />

independently from each another.<br />

www.altusgroup.co.uk<br />

36 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Selective soldering systems<br />

Sasinno debuts fully automatic screen printer<br />

Provider of selective soldering and turkey THT line<br />

solutions Sasinno has announced the introduction of<br />

its new H Series fully automatic screen printer. By<br />

separating the cleaning unit from the CCD camera,<br />

the company says the new printer minimizes the<br />

motor load and improves positioning precision and<br />

speed. Additionally, the double sliders ensure that<br />

the printer head is accurate and stable while the<br />

scraper runs back and forth.<br />

The programmable printing head and motor controls<br />

ensure precise PCB control. Additionally, the new<br />

screen printer offers automatic conveyor width adjustment,<br />

auto stencil cleaning (dry/wet/vacuum)<br />

and automatic 2D paste inspection. The Windows 10<br />

interface is simple to learn and programme.<br />

www.sasinno.com<br />

Source: Sasinno<br />

According to the<br />

company, the new<br />

printer minimizes<br />

the motor load and<br />

improves positioning<br />

precision and speed<br />

by separating the<br />

cleaning unit from<br />

the CCD camera<br />

Innovaon Quality Customer Support<br />

PRECISION ASSEMBLY SMT FINAL DEVICE CLEANROOM<br />

Electronics<br />

Manufacturing<br />

Services<br />

Assembly of rigid or flex PCBs • Reliable soldering with N2 and vacuum soldering • Selecve soldering of TH<br />

components with N2 • Solder Paste Inspecon (SPI) • Applicaon of underfill materials • Ultrasonic welding<br />

of plasc parts • Laser cung machine • Laser engraving machine • Electrical tesng and programming<br />

Funconal tests • Precise assembly of complex & high density PCBs • Assembly of 0201 • Assembly of fine<br />

BGA, µBGA • Flip Chip – down to 80µm ball size • Final assembly of OEM products • Small and midsize series<br />

Automated Opcal Inspecon (AOI) • X-RAY inspecon • Thermal cycle tests • Pull and Shear Tests<br />

ISO 14644: Class 6/7 (US1000) cerfied clean rooms with microbiological control • Engineering test lab<br />

Full traceability in the producon processes • eDMS (Electronic Document Management System) • ERP&MES<br />

ISO 13485:2016, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 cerfied<br />

CENTILLION LTD.<br />

ILIYA BESHKOV STR. 6A<br />

1592 Sofia, Bulgaria<br />

+359 2 439 88 80<br />

cenllion@cenllion.eu<br />

www.cenllion.eu<br />

MEDICINE<br />

AEROSPACE AND AVIONIC<br />

PRECISION <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> INDUSTRIAL » 11 | 2022 EQUIPMENT 37


TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE » Product Updates<br />

Increased test efficiency for automotive radar test chamber<br />

Antenna test system gets new features<br />

Global provider of test and measurement software, instruments<br />

and systems Rohde & Schwarz has augmented its R&S<br />

ATS1500C antenna test system with a new temperature test option<br />

and a new feed antenna. The company says these additional<br />

features enable temperature-controlled measurements in a<br />

wide temperature range as well as parallel access to both polarizations,<br />

increasing test efficiency and flexibility.<br />

The movable R&S ATS1500C is a compact antenna test range<br />

(CATR)-based chamber. It is designed to eliminate ghost targets<br />

within the chamber during target simulation tests and includes<br />

a highly accurate positioner for angular measurements.<br />

The new temperature test option creates a temperature-controlled<br />

enviroment for the radar under test and supports a wide<br />

range from –40 °C to +85 °C. The heated or cooled air is provided<br />

by an external thermal air stream system that supplies the<br />

air to the temperature bubble mounted on the positioner. This<br />

changes the temperature without affecting the chamber‘s<br />

measurement performance. This feature makes it possible to<br />

automate measurements at different temperatures without a<br />

separate climatic chamber, which increases radar testing speed.<br />

In addition, the new universal feed antenna, which supports 60<br />

GHz to 90 GHz, can be added to the test chamber. The antenna<br />

includes an orthomode transducer, which enables parallel access<br />

Source: Rohde & Schwarz<br />

to vertical and horizontal polarizations.<br />

With these new options, developers can efficiently characterize<br />

RF transmitters, calibrate antenna manifolds, measure antenna<br />

patterns, test robustness against interference, check compliance<br />

with regulations such as ETSI and FCC as well as plan testing<br />

and calibration procedures for later mass production. The test<br />

system is is used as a reference environment before porting the<br />

procedures to a production tester.<br />

www.rohde-schwarz.com<br />

The antenna test<br />

system can be used<br />

for automotive radar<br />

module development,<br />

validation, calibration<br />

and compliance<br />

testing<br />

Boost for AI electronic component analytics software provider<br />

Cybord enters OEM partnership with Siemens Digital Industries Software<br />

Source: Cybord<br />

"With this solution, our customers can gain increased transparency<br />

over their components, enabling them to reduce risk<br />

through more comprehensive validation,“ Izik Avidan, Analytics<br />

Business Unit Manager, Digital Manufacturing, at Siemens<br />

Digital Industries Software, said<br />

Developer of an inline AI electronic component<br />

analytics software solution, Cybord,<br />

has announced that it has signed a new<br />

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)<br />

partnership with Siemens Digital Industries<br />

Software. The company’s inline visual AI<br />

solution will be offered as part of Siemens‘<br />

manufacturing analytics solutions for elec-<br />

tronics manufacturers. It can<br />

be integrated as part of a<br />

Manufacturing Execution System<br />

(MES) system or as a standalone<br />

solution.<br />

“Our strong partnership with<br />

Siemens amplifies the value<br />

of [our] platform and expands<br />

our market reach,“ said Zeev<br />

Efrat, CEO of Cybord. “We are<br />

looking forward to working<br />

with Siemens to bring the<br />

power of our combined solution<br />

to electronics manufacturers<br />

across the industry.”<br />

“The Cybord SaaS solution helps fill a key<br />

gap by providing electronics manufacturers<br />

with an accurate and scalable way<br />

to help confirm that all PCB components<br />

are authentic and with satisfactory<br />

quality,” Izik Avidan, Analytics Business<br />

Unit Manager, Digital Manufacturing, at<br />

Siemens Digital Industries Software, said.<br />

This is even more necessary today with<br />

manufacturers being forced to source<br />

components from new or less-familiar<br />

suppliers due to supply chain disruption.<br />

“With this solution, our customers can<br />

gain increased transparency over their<br />

components, enabling them to reduce risk<br />

through more comprehensive validation.”<br />

About the solution<br />

Cybord inline visual AI solution uses SMT<br />

machines‘ component imaging for visual<br />

verification and analyzes 100% of the<br />

electronic components at production before<br />

they are placed on the circuit board,<br />

without changing SMT throughput. It is<br />

available to production line operators and<br />

electronics manufacturers, providing production<br />

data analytics and verification to<br />

all stakeholders.<br />

www.cybord.ai<br />

38 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


New online offering for 4K digital inspection systems<br />

Inspectis launches new website<br />

Global manufacturer of 4K digital inspection<br />

systems, Inspectis, has launched a<br />

new website, www.inspect-is.com. The<br />

new site includes all the company’s 4K<br />

digital inspection for electronics, medical,<br />

and other critical inspection applications.<br />

In making the announcement, Alistair<br />

Gooch, Marketing Manager, said, “If you<br />

haven‘t looked at the Inspect-is.com<br />

website recently, please do so now! It has<br />

been completely replaced by a fresh,<br />

modern and more effective one that presents<br />

the Inspectis product range in a crisp<br />

and clean presentation, providing richer<br />

content and more easily accessible information.”<br />

Much of the improvement, he adds, is<br />

owed to the complete modernization and<br />

revision of its structure behind the screen<br />

that makes it more responsive and faster<br />

The company says its new website is a complete ‘re-do’<br />

for most users. “It also helps us create<br />

greater visibility and improves traceability<br />

of interest whilst complying to the latest<br />

privacy rules,” Gooch said.<br />

www.inspect-is.com<br />

Source: Inspectis<br />

Discover our latest<br />

innovations at<br />

Besuchen Sie uns auf der electronica<br />

Viscom präsentiert vom 15. bis 18. November 2022 seine<br />

neuesten Inspektionslösungen auf der Weltleitmesse<br />

electronica in München. An unserem Messestand A3-642<br />

zeigen wir Ihnen, wie höchste Qualitätsanforderungen in<br />

der Elektronikfertigung zielgenau erfüllt werden – schnell,<br />

präzise und rundum vernetzt. Eins unserer Highlights, auf<br />

das Sie sich freuen können: das leistungsstarke 3D-AXI-<br />

System iX7059 PCB Inspection XL.<br />

15. bis 18. Nov. 2022 Booth: A3-642<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 39


» TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE<br />

Automatic x-ray inspection (AXI)<br />

What are AXI systems<br />

capable of in 2022?<br />

In modern SMT production lines, AXI systems are mainly used for fully-automatic<br />

inspection of hidden solder joints that are not visible to an AOI system. For anything<br />

that requires close to one hundred percent optical inspection coverage,<br />

there is no getting around the use of both an AOI and an AXI device, as the<br />

authors of this article explain. So what exactly can modern AXI systems do?<br />

And why are they so important?<br />

Source: Göpel electronic<br />

In modern SMT production lines, AXI systems are used for the fully-automatic inspection of hidden solder joints not visible to an AOI system<br />

An AXI system is absolutely comparable<br />

to an AOI system – only the<br />

images are not as beautifully colourful,”<br />

jokes Andreas Türk, product manager AXI at<br />

Jena-based testing and inspections solutions<br />

provider Göpel Electronic. The company’s<br />

most recent AXI systems offer a<br />

wide array of features including fast-scanning<br />

image acquisition; inspection programme<br />

creation; industry 4.0 integration;<br />

and, thanks to the digital predictive maintenance<br />

concept, self-monitoring. In addition,<br />

the systems are all connected within<br />

one network. If an anomaly is found, data<br />

from the SPI, AOI and AXI systems is displayed<br />

together on the verification station.<br />

This helps operators track down the source<br />

of the fault (see image overleaf).<br />

Image acquisition tech<br />

The newest AXI systems are able not<br />

only to scan assemblies vertically (socalled<br />

2D) or at an oblique angle (socalled<br />

2.5D) in order to inspect solder<br />

joints, but also using a technique called<br />

3D x-ray inspection. This technology<br />

allows for the inspection of solder joints in<br />

several layers and, as such, offers the hig-<br />

hest degree of defect detection and coverage.<br />

In part, it is the combination of all<br />

three image acquisition technologies that<br />

provides the best inspection result. Since<br />

3D technology generates a synthetic 3D<br />

image using several obliquely-captured<br />

images (in a process known as image reconstruction),<br />

the image acquisition time<br />

is longer than when using conventional 2D<br />

or 2.5D technologies. 3D systems with<br />

flat-panel detectors struggle here because<br />

the time for stop-and-go movement of<br />

the axes is significantly longer than the<br />

actual time required for image acquisition.<br />

40 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Source: Göpel electronic<br />

AXI text programme creationis similar to that of AOI. After the CAD data import, the image data sets required for tuning are recorded once. Further test<br />

programme creation can then be carried out completely offline<br />

"As a rule of thumb, when using eight oblique<br />

images for a 3D image field, you can<br />

expect an image acquisition time of about<br />

3–5 seconds,“ explains Türk. Depending on<br />

the image field size and the number of 3D<br />

image fields required, this can add up, and<br />

the acquisition time for a high-runner<br />

product is too long. Göpel has come up<br />

with a solution for this (see image below).<br />

Cycle time reduction<br />

The company‘s AXI system X Line 3D<br />

relies on line detectors to keep image acquisition<br />

time low. Several detectors take<br />

2D, 2.5D and 3D X-ray images in parallel,<br />

and in motion. This concept makes it<br />

possible to inspect larger areas of the PCB<br />

or complete multiple panels in 3D. In addition<br />

to the image acquisition time, the<br />

time for PCB handling, image processing<br />

and optional MES export are included in<br />

the total cycle time. For this reason, X<br />

Line 3D systems have a three-chamber<br />

principle. There are three PCBs in the system<br />

at one time in inline mode. Once<br />

image acquisition of the board has been<br />

completed, it is immediately moved out<br />

of the beam path into another chamber.<br />

This is where post-processing takes place.<br />

This reduces both total cycle time and<br />

radiation exposure for the components<br />

(see top two images overleaf).<br />

Intelligent PCB handling<br />

Over the years, the systems have also<br />

become smarter in terms of PCB handling.<br />

The PCBs that are inspected by AXI systems<br />

vary in size, weight and friction coefficient,<br />

among other things. In the past,<br />

these differences were not taken into account<br />

and PCBs were always transported<br />

at the same belt speed. This can take up<br />

valuable cycle time. For this reason, the X<br />

Line 3D system belt transportation system<br />

independently learns the optimal belt<br />

speed by means of intelliFLOW. After an<br />

automated teach-in process, the machine<br />

stores the optimal transport parameters<br />

specific to the inspection programme.<br />

Usage-based maintenance<br />

System downtime for maintenance<br />

work is often problematic. At Göpel, systems<br />

use a service & maintenance app<br />

which creates usage-based maintenance<br />

plans in advance and monitors the machine.<br />

Self-diagnosis using predictive and<br />

preventive maintenance management ensures<br />

stable machine conditions and repeatable,<br />

consistent performance. Every<br />

key component of the machine is monitored<br />

and a detailed maintenance summary<br />

is generated. A preventive maintenance<br />

plan reduces machine downtime<br />

and therefore costs. On a practical level,<br />

work no longer has to be carried out according<br />

to scheduled maintenance cycles.<br />

Instead, usage-related values (such as<br />

kilometres travelled by the axes; pneumatic<br />

strokes, and X-ray source radiation<br />

hours) are monitored. These values are<br />

given a warning and service threshold. If<br />

the warning threshold is exceeded, preventive<br />

maintenance can be initiated. The<br />

app enables operators to simultaneously<br />

monitor several machines. This makes<br />

maintenance easier to plan and reduces<br />

downtime.<br />

Source: Göpel electronic<br />

On the left, a 2D X-ray image of a BGA. Capacitors on the bottom<br />

side reduce the inspection coverage. In the 3D slice image (right),<br />

the capacitors are no longer visible. The BGA itself can be evaluated<br />

in several layers<br />

Matthias Müller is Public<br />

Relations Manager<br />

at Göpel electronic<br />

Andreas Türk is<br />

Product Manager AXI<br />

at Göpel electronic<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 41


» TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE<br />

The x-ray image chain<br />

of the X Line 3D consists<br />

of a maintenancefree<br />

micro-focus X-ray<br />

source and several line<br />

detectors. Only the<br />

printed circuit board is<br />

moved in X and Y for<br />

image acquisition.<br />

The X-ray source is<br />

mounted on a Z-axis.<br />

The line detector<br />

package is not moved<br />

Source: Göpel electronic<br />

Source: Göpel electronic<br />

Three independent chambers in the system allow<br />

image acquisition and post-processing (reconstruction,<br />

saving measured values, MES and so on) to<br />

take place in parallel- saving cycle time<br />

Source: Göpel electronic<br />

Human-machine interaction<br />

Human operators will certainly continue<br />

to be required in 2022, as the enhanced<br />

human-machine concept demonstrates.<br />

Consisting of light bars integrated<br />

into the system‘s external design in the<br />

corners of the exterior cladding, these enable<br />

operators to check the statuses of<br />

various systems easily and quickly and<br />

even from a distance. This helps operators<br />

to react quickly and avoid a line stoppage.<br />

In basic operating modes, static colours<br />

are used to indicate if machine is checking,<br />

waiting, is in service mode or has a<br />

fault. In the event of an error, a distinction<br />

is also made between the left and<br />

right sides of the machine. If there is a<br />

problem with the PCB infeed on the lefthand<br />

side, it lights up red. A lack of material<br />

in the infeed or a PCB jam in the<br />

outfeed is also signalled using coloured<br />

lights. In addition to static colours, certain<br />

functions are also represented by<br />

animations. The x-ray source warm-up is<br />

indicated by a progress bar, for example.<br />

The results of the last ten inspected assemblies<br />

can also, for instance, be displayed<br />

in statistical form (see image to<br />

the left).<br />

Source: Göpel electronic<br />

Time is money. The integrated light bars help to detect problems from a distance.<br />

This helps to avoid downtime<br />

The radiation dose<br />

(kerma air) is calculated<br />

in grays in the<br />

offline programming<br />

software Pilot AXI as<br />

soon as the test<br />

programme is created<br />

Lower radiation exposure<br />

Reducing the time that components are<br />

exposed to radiation is becoming increasingly<br />

important. The X Line 3D tries to<br />

keep radiation exposure low in several<br />

ways. Firstly, low-energy radiation components<br />

that do not directly contribute to<br />

imaging are reduced via filters in front of<br />

the x-ray source. Secondly, the assembly<br />

is transported out of the beam path onto<br />

another belt module directly after the<br />

image has been acquired in order to avoid<br />

unnecessary radiation. Thirdly, the fact<br />

that the image acquisition process has<br />

very short exposure time minimises the<br />

dwell time of the test specimen in the<br />

beam path. This further reduces the components‘<br />

radiation dose. The offline programming<br />

software Pilot AXI has an inte-<br />

42 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


Zusammenfassung<br />

Röntgensysteme müssen an Bedingungen wie zunehmende Miniaturisierung,<br />

hohe Durchsätze in Verbindung mit engeren Produktionsprozessen<br />

angepasst werden, um auch in Zukunft eine große Rolle im Bereich<br />

der Bauteilinspektion zu spielen<br />

Résumé<br />

Les systèmes à rayons X doivent être adaptés à des conditions telles<br />

que la miniaturisation croissante, les débits élevés associés à des processus<br />

de production plus serrés, afin de continuer à jouer un rôle majeur<br />

dans le domaine de l’inspection des composants.<br />

Резюме<br />

Рентгеновские системы необходимо адаптировать к таким<br />

условиям, как растущая миниатюризация и высокая<br />

производительность в сочетании со сжатыми производственными<br />

процессами, чтобы они и в будущем продолжали играть большую<br />

роль в области проверки компонентов.<br />

AXI systems are connected to MES by our<br />

own software team during delivery (see<br />

images below).<br />

Conclusion<br />

Since the first manual and automatic<br />

X-ray systems found their way into electronics<br />

manufacturing, the industry has<br />

experienced enormous technological<br />

leaps forward. While system performance<br />

continues to improve, test specimens are<br />

becoming ever more miniaturised and thus<br />

more difficult to inspect using conventional<br />

methods. Additionally, high<br />

throughputs and more closely-timed production<br />

processes call for a tighter framework.<br />

X-ray systems such as the X Line 3D<br />

have been specifically adapted to these<br />

conditions and will play a major role in<br />

component inspection in the future.<br />

Electronica, Booth A3.351<br />

www.goepel.com<br />

grated calculation tool for calculating the<br />

radiation dose (see lower image on p.50).<br />

Common defect display<br />

The test results and measured values<br />

generated by the AXI are stored in a central<br />

database. These can be used by humans<br />

to classify the defect as well as to<br />

help optimise the entire process. Göpel‘s<br />

Pilot Connect software is at the heart of<br />

the central data storage. Here, the date<br />

from the SPI, AOI and AXI are merged together<br />

and can be jointly displayed on the<br />

verification station Pilot Verify. Devices<br />

from other manufacturers can also be<br />

connected. The evaluation of automatically<br />

detected anomalies is taken into<br />

account to avoid common error displays.<br />

Source: Göpel electronic<br />

Combined SPI, AOI, AXI fault representation of a<br />

lean solder joint. Left: overview image of the PCB<br />

with marking of the defect position by crosshairs;<br />

middle: SPI, AOI, AXI image of the faulty component;<br />

right: SPI, AOI, AXI detailed image of the<br />

individual solder joint including good comparison<br />

image, additionally, an AXI/AOI error image in<br />

different oblique views<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 43<br />

1794036-3.indd 1 06.10.22 10:04


TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE » Product Updates<br />

BGA rework systems<br />

PDR debuts new integrated reball system<br />

Manufacturer of BGA rework systems,<br />

test and X-ray inspection systems, PDR<br />

Rework Systems, has released a new integrated<br />

reballing system for all PDR Evolution<br />

Series Rework Systems.<br />

The company’s latest reball system incorporates<br />

both solder paste application and<br />

reball sphere attach in one system, incorporating<br />

advanced nano-technology for a<br />

clean, high precision reball method for<br />

rework.<br />

The new system also incorporates an integrated<br />

excess sphere recovery chamber<br />

to capture excess spheres that can<br />

easily be accessed on the reball<br />

platform for later use, or to accelerate<br />

the process when re-balling<br />

multiple BGA’s concurrently.<br />

Although made specifically to integrate<br />

into the company’s own systems,<br />

the new reball system can be used as<br />

stand-alone device for any reballing application<br />

where highly accurate reball applications<br />

are required.<br />

They are made of high-quality materials<br />

and are manufactured with new, state-<br />

The reball system incorporates both solder<br />

paste application and reball sphere attach in<br />

one system<br />

of-the-art laser technology to ensure<br />

highly accurate stencil fabrication and<br />

ultra-smooth edge/bore finishes.<br />

www.pdr-rework.com<br />

Source: PDR Rework Systems<br />

2.5 & 3D DFT automation solution software<br />

Siemens introduces multi-die software for 2.5D and 3D IC<br />

design-for-test tasks<br />

Siemens Digital Industries Software has<br />

introduced the Tessent multi-die software<br />

solution to help customers dramatically<br />

speed up and simplify critical design-fortest<br />

(DFT) tasks for next-generation integrated<br />

circuits (ICs) based on 2.5D and 3D<br />

architectures. The company says the<br />

technology paves the way for mainstream<br />

adoption of 3D ICs.<br />

As demand for smaller, more power efficient<br />

and higher performing ICs continues<br />

to challenge the global IC design community,<br />

next-generation devices increasingly<br />

feature complex 2.5D and 3D architectures<br />

that connect dies vertically (3D IC)<br />

or side-by-side (2.5D) so that they behave<br />

as a single device. However, these approaches<br />

can present significant challenges<br />

for IC test, since most legacy IC<br />

test approaches are based on conventional<br />

two-dimensional processes.<br />

The company says its multi-die software<br />

is the industry’s most comprehensive DFT<br />

automation solution for highly complex<br />

DFT tasks associated with 2.5D and 3D IC<br />

designs. It works seamlessly with Tessent<br />

TestKompress Streaming Scan Network<br />

software and Tessent IJTAG software,<br />

which optimize DFT test resources for<br />

each block without concern for impacts<br />

to the rest of the design, thereby stream-<br />

lining DFT planning and implementation<br />

for the 2.5D and 3D IC era. Using the new<br />

software, IC design teams can rapidly<br />

generate IEEE 1838 compliant hardware<br />

featuring 2.5D and 3D IC architectures.<br />

“IC design organizations are seeing dramatic<br />

spikes in IC test complexity due to<br />

the rapid adoption and deployment of designs<br />

featuring densely packed dies in<br />

2.5D and 3D devices,” said Ankur Gupta,<br />

vice president and general manager of<br />

the Tessent business unit for Siemens<br />

Digital Industries Software. “With<br />

Source: Siemens Digital Industries Software<br />

Using the new multi-die software, IC design<br />

teams can rapidly generate IEEE 1838 compliant<br />

hardware featuring 2.5D and 3D IC architectures,<br />

the company explained<br />

Siemens’ new [m]ulti-die solution, our<br />

customers can be ready for the designs of<br />

tomorrow, while slashing test implementation<br />

effort and simultaneously optimizing<br />

manufacturing test cost today.”<br />

In addition to supporting comprehensive<br />

test for 2.5D and 3D IC designs, the new<br />

software solution can generate die-to-die<br />

interconnect patterns and enable package<br />

level test using the Boundary Scan<br />

Description Language (BSDL).<br />

“As the limits of traditional 2D IC design<br />

approaches become increasingly clear<br />

over time, more design teams are leveraging<br />

the power, performance and form factor<br />

advantages that 2.5D and 3D IC architectures<br />

can deliver. But deploying these<br />

advanced schemes in new design starts<br />

without first establishing a DFT strategy<br />

that acknowledges the inherent challenges<br />

these architectures present can<br />

raise costs and undermine aggressive<br />

timelines,” said Laurie Balch, president<br />

and research director for Pedestal Research.<br />

“However, by evolving DFT technology<br />

to keep pace with the rapid adoption<br />

of multi-dimensional designs, EDA<br />

vendors can play a key role in further enabling<br />

global, mainstream adoption of<br />

2.5D and 3D architectures.”<br />

eda.sw.siemens.com/<br />

44 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


RF performance characterization<br />

Test solution unveiled for on-wafer device characterization<br />

Providers of test & measurement solutions, technology systems,<br />

Rohde & Schwarz now offers a test solution for full RF performance<br />

characterization of the DUT on-wafer. The solutions combines<br />

its R&S ZNA vector network analyzer with engineering<br />

probe systems from FormFactor. As a result, chipmakers can perform<br />

reliable and repeatable on-wafer device characterization in<br />

the development phase, during product qualification and in production,<br />

the company explained.<br />

The company supplies the ZNA vector network analyzer, which<br />

characterizes all RF qualification<br />

parameters at coaxial<br />

and waveguide levels,<br />

as well as frequency extenders<br />

for application<br />

ranges above 67 GHz.<br />

FormFactor addresses the<br />

wafer contact with manual,<br />

semi-automated and fully<br />

automated probe systems<br />

including thermal control,<br />

high-frequency probes,<br />

probe positioners, and calibration<br />

tools. The calibration<br />

of the complete test<br />

system, including the R&S<br />

ZNA, is supported in the<br />

FormFactor WinCal XE calibration<br />

software.<br />

In the test setup, the user<br />

has access to all test capabilities<br />

of the R&S ZNA<br />

thanks to the fully calibrated<br />

setup. Generic<br />

S-parameter tests allow<br />

characterization for filters<br />

and active devices, but distortion,<br />

gain and intermodulation<br />

tests can also<br />

be performed to qualify<br />

power amplifiers. The fully<br />

calibrated setups also allow<br />

all results to be directly<br />

taken from the VNA without<br />

postprocessing as the<br />

calibration data are applied<br />

directly to the VNA. Frequency<br />

extenders open up<br />

sub-THz frequencies such<br />

as Dband, currently in the<br />

focus of 6G research.<br />

www.rohde-schwarz.com<br />

Source: Rohde & Schwarz<br />

The company’s ZNA<br />

performing onwafer<br />

measurements<br />

together with<br />

FormFactor<br />

SUMMIT200 probe<br />

system<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 45


» TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE<br />

Source: Omron Electronic Components <strong>Europe</strong><br />

The company says its G3VM-MT MOSFET module offers maintenance-free operation and a simplified design that saves on board space<br />

Solid-state modules for test applications<br />

Minimizing leakage current with<br />

T-circuit MOSFETs<br />

There have long been concerns about the performance of solid-state relays – particularly<br />

with regard to leakage current – when used in test applications. Gabriel Sikorjak, Technical<br />

Sales Manager at Omron Electronic Components <strong>Europe</strong> explains how the newest solid-state<br />

modules address these technical drawbacks, and advocates for their wider adoption.<br />

MOSFETs are superior to reed relays in many respects.<br />

Those continuing to use traditional relays<br />

because of their low current leakage are missing the<br />

benefits offered by alternative solid-state components.<br />

Benefits of MOSFET relays<br />

MOSFET relays deliver substantial benefits for test<br />

equipment. They take up less space on boards, offer<br />

faster switching times, and provide longer service life<br />

than traditional reed relays. Many applications also<br />

benefit from the lower power requirements, stable<br />

on-resistance and better resistance to shock/vibration<br />

they provide.<br />

One of the key benefits of MOSFET relays is their<br />

package size. Reed relay packages, placed in high<br />

volumes on PCBs, require much more space. Increasing<br />

demands from the semiconductor industry, test<br />

equipment with a more advanced design, and higher<br />

integration needs all affect the number of inspection<br />

channels. All these extra requirements are transferred<br />

into a larger number of switching components.<br />

Using more compact MOSFET relays can thus<br />

make a huge difference in terms of the amount of<br />

board space utilised.<br />

Then there is the question of reliability which, in<br />

turn, translates into operating life. In test applications,<br />

reed relays need to be regularly maintained.<br />

Mechanical relays have generally been preferred in<br />

the semiconductor industry (as well as for other test<br />

equipment) – in part due to their isolation characteristics.<br />

They do, however, have a shorter lifespan due<br />

to abrasion of the contacts – which reduces equipment<br />

durability over time. When used intensively,<br />

mechanical relays need to be regularly replaced –<br />

pushing up maintenance costs. Moreover, replacement<br />

is necessary as soon as contact resistance goes<br />

46 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


G3VM-21MT reference design board testing result (DUT: FJH1100)<br />

above a specified threshold, and this end-of-life moment<br />

is not easy to predict or evaluate.<br />

Alternative solid-state relays provide incomparable<br />

electrical endurance and, when used with semiconductors,<br />

do not suffer from mechanical contact wear.<br />

There is thus no need for maintenance. Nonetheless,<br />

there are still some performance trade-offs when<br />

using these alternative relays. These are summarised<br />

in the table on p. 56.<br />

Leakage current – a barrier to<br />

adoption?<br />

Though used advantageously in many applications<br />

in test equipment, MOSFET relays, like reed relays,<br />

are stretched to their limits by increasingly demanding<br />

test requirements. Despite boasting exceptional<br />

reliability and tiny packages, to meet the needs of<br />

the T&M industry, they must also deliver in terms of<br />

performance. One of the most critical ratings for<br />

semiconductor components is leakage current. During<br />

DC parametric testing in automatic test equipment<br />

(ATE), for example, minimizing leakage current<br />

at the test line is a key factor to ensure accurate<br />

measurement. Increasing drain-source voltage results<br />

in increased leakage currents. This creates issues<br />

with performance values. In circuit designs<br />

where multiple lines are used, such as semiconductor<br />

devices switching various DUTs and measurement<br />

pins, MOSFET relays can reach their limit.<br />

Are T-modules the solution?<br />

Using T-circuit solid-state modules, however, it is<br />

possible to address leakage current issues associated<br />

with MOSFET relays. These modules are based on a<br />

T-circuit built on three MOSFET pairs (as shown in<br />

A T-circuit configuration<br />

can dramatically<br />

reduce leakage current<br />

from MOSFET relays<br />

Source: Omron Electronic Components <strong>Europe</strong><br />

Source: Omron Electronic Components <strong>Europe</strong><br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 47


» TEST & QUALITY ASSURANCE<br />

Source: Omron Electronic Components <strong>Europe</strong><br />

Isolation and insertion loss characteristics for G3VM-21MT<br />

the diagram on p. 55). This design facilitates a higher<br />

degree of control over leakage current. As shown in<br />

the diagram, the leakage current flows to the ground<br />

via a central joint when the relay is in the OFF position<br />

and the primary line is open. The result is a substantially<br />

lower level of leakage from the DUT than in<br />

a standard circuit configuration.<br />

The technical construction centres on MOSFET<br />

pairs and enables effective control of the leakage<br />

current, delivering minimal levels of pA or even fA.<br />

The Omron G3VM-21MT module, for instance, specifies<br />

a maximum leakage current less than 1pA at<br />

V OFF<br />

20V. Real-world values are usually lower by a<br />

factor of ten. This indicates that T-circuit solid-state<br />

modules represent a real alternative to conventional<br />

solutions provided by reed relays in terms of<br />

measurement performance.<br />

Reference design is encouraging<br />

A reference design is available to help design engineers<br />

evaluate the impact of transitioning from<br />

reed relays to these new T-circuit solid-state modules.<br />

The aim of this is to show the value of MOSFET<br />

relays in standard and T-circuit configurations and<br />

reed relays on the same board under identical conditions.<br />

Comparison of measurement accuracy can be<br />

achieved across mature mechanical reed relays,<br />

MOSFET relays and the MOSFET T-module.<br />

The reference design highlights further differences<br />

between these options and reveals the value of the<br />

T-module. The results (shown in the graph on p.55)<br />

prove that levels of leakage current from T-module<br />

and reed relays are almost same as the reference<br />

value from the DUT diode.<br />

Gabriel Sikorjak is <strong>Europe</strong>an Technical<br />

Sales Manager at Omron Electronic<br />

Components <strong>Europe</strong>. He is<br />

responsible for managing its Technical<br />

Competence Center in Bratislava,<br />

Slovakia. He joined the company in<br />

2005 and has a degree in control and<br />

automation engineering from the<br />

Technical University in Kosice.<br />

Source: Omron Electronic Components <strong>Europe</strong><br />

Comparison of reed relay characteristics with those of a typical solid-state relay<br />

48 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


The range of T-circuit<br />

MOSFET relay modules<br />

currently available<br />

Source: Omron Electronic Components <strong>Europe</strong><br />

One of the key attributes of G3VM-MT modules is<br />

their performance at higher frequency levels. While<br />

continuing to offer reliability and durability like<br />

other MOSFET relays, these modules also deliver<br />

further positive characteristics at higher frequencies.<br />

As shown in the diagram, results from the G3VM-<br />

21MT confirm that a device with a high reliability,<br />

small size and extremely low leakage can offer outstanding<br />

RF performance. Its isolation performance<br />

is less than –30dB at 1 GHz and the insertion loss is<br />

more than –3dB (see graphs on p. 56).<br />

The combination of benefits offered by MOSET relays<br />

and mechanical relays mean the G3VM-MT<br />

series is suited not only to ATE solutions, but is also<br />

worth considering in other applications.<br />

More than a component<br />

With their T- circuit structure, Omron’s G3VM-MT<br />

MOSFET modules demonstrate exceptionally low<br />

leakage current, giving accurate measurements in all<br />

types of test equipment. Their compact size (5mm x<br />

3.75 mm x 2.7mm), achieved by incorporating the<br />

MOSFETs into the module, allows for simpler PCB<br />

board design owing to the elimination of crossovers<br />

in PCB tracks and simplified wiring patterns. The device<br />

is designed for surface mounting and offered in<br />

SPST-NO form with ambient temperature ranges<br />

above 100°C. New solutions include a high current<br />

and high voltage model (as seen in the diagram and<br />

graph above). Together, these specifications help<br />

pave the way for wider use of T-circuit MOSFET relay<br />

modules.<br />

In summary, these modules offer maintenancefree<br />

operation and a simplified design that saves<br />

space on PCBs as well as great measurement performance:<br />

contributing to industry progress and adding<br />

value for the customer.<br />

Electronica, Booth A3.538<br />

components.omron.com<br />

Zusammenfassung<br />

Die Verwendung von MOSFET-Modulen bietet einen<br />

wartungsfreien Betrieb zusammen mit einem vereinfachten<br />

Design, welches Platz auf der Leiterplatte<br />

spart bei gleichzeitig hervorragender Messleistung<br />

zum Mehrwert für den Kunden.<br />

Résumé<br />

L'utilisation de modules MOSFET offre un fonctionnement<br />

sans entretien ainsi qu'une conception<br />

simplifiée qui permet d'économiser de l'espace sur<br />

le circuit imprimé tout en fournissant d'excellentes<br />

performances de mesure, ce qui constitue une valeur<br />

ajoutée pour le client.<br />

Резюме<br />

Системы, работающие на основе модулей<br />

MOSFET, не требуют обслуживания, имеют<br />

упрощенную конструкцию, занимающую<br />

меньше места на печатной плате, и<br />

одновременно обеспечивают прекрасные<br />

измерительные характеристики, что в<br />

совокупности экономит время и средства<br />

клиента.<br />

<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 49


» ADVERTISERS<br />

Altus Group 36<br />

ASMPT 26<br />

CENTILLON LTD 37<br />

CyberOptics Corporation 52<br />

Cybord 38<br />

Göpel Electronic 40<br />

Henkel 33<br />

Infineon Technologies 12<br />

Inspectis 39<br />

IPC 13, 51<br />

ITW EAE – Speedline World Headquarters 5<br />

KIC 25<br />

Koh Young <strong>Europe</strong> GmbH 1, 9, 33<br />

Koh Young 16<br />

Kurtz Ersa 30<br />

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG 29<br />

Messe München 14<br />

Metcal 36<br />

MK Versuchsanlagen<br />

und Laborbedarf e. K. 21 , 34<br />

Mouser Electronics 7<br />

Nanoramic Laboratories 33<br />

ODU GmbH & Co. KG 12, 23<br />

Omron Electronic Components <strong>Europe</strong> 46<br />

Panacol 35<br />

PDR Rework Systems 44<br />

PDR 25<br />

PIEK International Education<br />

Centre (I.E.C.)GmbH 13<br />

Promation USA 36<br />

Rebound Electronics 8<br />

Rehm Thermal Systems GmbH 11<br />

Rohde & Schwarz 38, 45<br />

Sasinno 36<br />

SEHO Systems GmbH 25<br />

Siemens Digital Industries Software 38, 44<br />

Speciality Coating Systems Inc. 45<br />

Tresky GmbH 6<br />

VISCOM AG 39<br />

ViscoTec 34<br />

Yamaha Motor <strong>Europe</strong><br />

N.V. Niederlassung Deutschland 35<br />

YXLON International GmbH 2<br />

ZEVATRON Löttechnik GmbH 43<br />

ISSN 1618–5587<br />

Trade journal for all fields of production in the<br />

electronics industry, manufacturing equipment,<br />

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50 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022


MEETINGS<br />

& COURSES Jan. 21-26<br />

CONFERENCE<br />

& EXHIBITION Jan. 24-26<br />

SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER | CA<br />

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<strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022 51


Think Fast. See Small.<br />

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52 <strong>EPP</strong> <strong>Europe</strong> » 11 | 2022<br />

www.cyberoptics.com<br />

Copyright © 2022. CyberOptics Corporation. All rights reserved.

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