Palo Alto, California. February 26, 1996
Hewlett-Packard Company has developed a new algorithm for its Four Pi 5DX X-ray process test systems that expands the system's test coverage to include defects on even rare component packages.
The new universal test algorithm, which inspects any solder-joint type, enables the Four Pi 5DX system to handle printed-circuit-board assemblies (PCBAs) with any uncommon or new package that lacks a specialized test-development algorithm. Previously, an existing algorithm would have to be modified for a nonstandard component package, but now Four Pi 5DX system users can employ the universal algorithm and simply adjust the parameters to meet their requirements as they would for any common package type with its own specific test algorithm.
"The new universal algorithm covers those few unusual components that have prevented complete fault coverage in the past," said Bruce Bolliger, business development manager for the Four Pi 5DX systems. "All PCBA manufacturers need this capability at one time or another."
Other new developments in software for the Four Pi 5DX system include improvements to the gullwing and chip capacitor/resistor algorithms. The gullwing algorithm now uses a learning method to adjust acceptance thresholds automatically, making it much easier to set up.
The algorithm also has a new capability that more accurately finds misalignments along the pad -- the most difficult to detect.
The chip capacitor/resistor algorithm has been enhanced to accommodate a new high-frequency, low-capacitance material being used by some capacitor suppliers. This capability is especially helpful for cellular phone boards in which capacitors made of the new material and the standard capacitor material are likely to be used interchangeably. The new material is transparent to X-rays whereas the standard material is opaque.
Demonstrations of the new algorithm's capabilities will be given at NEPCON West `96, Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 26 - 29 in HP booth No. 4245.
HP plans to distribute the new universal algorithm and software improvements to all Four Pi 5DX Series customers with software support contracts with the next software release, which is scheduled for March. All systems shipped during and after March will include this enhanced software.
Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 102,300 employees and had revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.
Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.
