The EMPF demonstration factory utilizes a Dazor speckFINDER electronic video microscope for inspections of commercial and military PCB assemblies. Specifically, our technicians use this system for inspection and reworking of extremely small microelectronics used in the printed circuit board assembly; inspection of solder fillets; detection of microscopic shorts such as hairline solder bridges and heel bridges; and identification of cracked components. Open and shorted circuits are located with the assistance of the coaxial inspection light source that provides glare-free side or angular illumination. The microscope is also used at the EMPF Training Center for hands-on training and presentations (the microscope’s video outputs are compatible with computers, projectors, and television monitors). An additional training benefit is that the speckFINDER’s video screen can display the image for group viewing, collaboration, and analysis.

The speckFINDER was designed specifically for users to perform tasks under magnification using a video display screen that provides a 9-inch working distance (reduces user eye strain) and allows them to sit comfortably in front of the screen, using their hands freely for production or inspection tasks (the workstation can be easily adjusted to allow freedom of movement). The unit’s ability to be connected to an external monitor for distributed viewing and its ability to save the images to a computer for archival or remote processing requirements offer a comparative advantage over conventional units. Its video capture ability enables images to be saved for monitoring product and process variations. Using special software that is available with the speckFINDER, the unit can be connected to a laptop or desktop computer so that images can be captured and e-mailed to other support personnel for analysis without a complex setup of additional equipment (all that is needed is one PCMI card). The composite video out signal can also be used with a variety of other image capturing devices.

In many instances, the speckFINDER may be able to replace the standard bench magnifiers and microscopes in the 3.5X to 64X magnification / power range. The system’s design provides many of the same tasks performed with stereo microscopes and optical magnifiers. Because of its ergonomic design, users can sit while working with the system and have their hands free to work as they observe objects on the video screen. The system’s mouse has a zoom-in, zoom-out function that can be used to control magnification settings, as well as sharpness, brightness, shutter speed, inversion, and other viewing options.

Users have twice the previous working distance to maneuver tools used for production and inspection. Using the video microscope’s mouse to choose from an onscreen menu of available adjustments, users are now able to select the appropriate magnification power and adjust image sharpness and brightness to reduce glare on the electronic components which they are viewing.

The speckFINDER comes mounted on a workspace articulating arm, but it also features a high resolution CCD camera for saving and documenting images and a multi-function mouse that allows the user to switch magnification properties at the touch of a button.

If you would like a demonstration of the speckFINDER, please contact Jeff Stong at the EMPF at 610-362-1200, extension 224 or jstong@aciusa.org.