The VPI-1000 Series Optical Inspection Systems by Easy Braid (Figure 5-1) change the way technicians “see” array packages. The unit allows the operator or technician to check every solder ball, every joint, and verify that the attachment has been performed to the specification. The endoscope enables the operator to view the object tighter, closer, and lower than other optical inspection systems currently available.
Unique to the system is Easy Braid’s advanced endoscopic lens. The lens is capable of rotating 90° left/right and has a 5° angle of swing up/down. With the VPI-1000, operators can inspect under array packages with standoff heights as low as 0.002" and with clearances of just 0.043" between components. The lens design uses 2/3 fewer optical elements than other vision systems. As a result, much sharper and clearer direct images are relayed to the system’s high resolution CCD camera as compared to the “shadowy” images relayed by other vision systems.
The Easy Braid optical design shows the subject imagery in vibrant detail. While conventional designs relay an internal image repeated throughout the length of the endoscope, Easy Braid’s lens has only one image – the image in front of the eyepiece. By turning the adjustment ring, the operator can easily check for bridging, cold solder joints, shorts, and other process-related failures that some inspection systems, including X-ray, may not see.
A powerful white halide light floods the underside of the component with a brightness that replicates natural daylight, maximizing the amount of visual information that can be gathered. Using a compact, high-resolution CCD camera linked to a superior flat screen LCD display, the VPI-1000 creates an image of tremendous clarity and sharpness. Images are displayed in real-time, allowing quick and easy inspection to verify the soldering process, confirm quality assurance, and identify and correct process defects. Images can also be captured and stored for future reference or reports.
The software package includes precise measurement and analysis tools, multi-focusing and image enhancement capabilities, defect diagnostics, an exhaustive defects library, preset calibrations and an easy-to-use CD manual. Operators have the data available to measure, record, annotate, analyze, and communicate component information.
The VPI-1000 is a very flexible and versatile optical inspection unit for examining component BGAs and PCBs both large and small. The endoscope is one of the crucial inspection tools for the EMPF.
For more information related to this article or to schedule a demonstration of the VPI-1000 endoscope, contact Ken Friedman at 610.362.1200, extension 279 or via email at kfriedman@aciusa.org.
