Error Proofing for Integrated Circuit Chips Loaded in Pocket Tape

Join the strengths of the Q4X and iVu vision sensor for a triple inspection of IC Chips

Integrated circuit (IC) chips are tested before installation onto a circuit board. After they pass quality tests, they are placed into a pocket tape and spooled onto a reel. The tape and reel make transport and storage for such small components easy and simplify the way that the product is fed into assembly machines.

Each IC chip is placed onto the pocket tape by a high-speed machine. Incorrectly oriented chips will result in improper installation onto a circuit board. There are three common failure modes with pocket tape: no chip in the pocket, two chips in the pocket, and one chip upside down in the pocket. To prevent these errors, each chip’s presence and orientation needs to be confirmed before it is sealed in the pocket tape. Multiple sensors are often used to identify these failures. Supporting multiple sensors can drive up expenses and lead to increased downtime required for maintenance and installation.

Your Benefits

More thorough detection of errors before installation on circuit boards
Confirmation of writing orientation on IC chips
Reduced cost using fewer sensors to solve the application

The Q4X and the iVu vision sensor are a strong couple for IC chip analysis
Versatile, rugged laser distance sensors are capable of detecting sub-millimeter changes in distance
An iVU sensor has the simplicity of a photoelectric sensor and the intelligence of a smart camera

One sensor for three modes

The Q4X laser distance sensor can complete all the functions previously performed by multiple sensors. This versatile sensor can be taught to recognize items at a specific distance, meaning that it can tell the difference between no chip, one chip, or two chips, in each slot as the chip passes. If the sensor reads the correct distance, this means that one chip is placed into the pocket tape. If the distance read is too short, this means a duplicate chip has been placed on top of the first chip. If nothing is sensed, or the distance is too long, this indicates a missing chip. Also, used in dual mode, the Q4X will also detect differences, in contrast, to determine if a chip is right side up or right side down. The Q4X can detect all of these conditions (missing, duplicate, or right side down chips) and trigger an indication that operator attention is required.

iVu Vision Sensor provides powerful match tool

In some instances, text or images, such as logos or lot codes, may be printed on the chips and it may be necessary to have these features all oriented that same direction. An iVu vision sensor can be used to determine the correct orientation of the writing by utilizing the powerful match tool. If there is no match, an operator is notified of the fail.

In an industry where components are required to be tremendously small, errors and a bad product can be challenging to detect. The offered solution fits the needs of these applications. By using the Q4X and iVu vision sensor simultaneously, the manufacturer can detect three different types of errors and confirm writing orientation on integrated circuit chips. By using fewer devices, companies are saving time and money with an easy to use solution.

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