Agilent Technologies Inc. has released a limited access solution
for In-Circuit Test (ICT) users that reportedly eliminates the need for
physical test points. According to the company, Cover-Extend is
part of the VTEP v2.0 powered test suite, and is a hybrid between the
Boundary Scan test and VTEP Vectorless Test methodologies used in
electronic manufacturing.
Cover-Extend uses stimulus provided by boundary scan cells, which do
not require physical test points. The benefits include claimed improved
test coverage, savings on fixturing operating cost, and strain relief
on solder joints, resulting from fewer test probes needed underneath
high-density ICs (e.g., BGAs).
"Cover-Extend addresses key concerns in today's manufacturing
environment - cost, coverage, quality and speed," said Daniel Mak, VP
and GM of Agilent's Measurement Systems Division. "The results we are
getting from our customers' lines are very positive, and we will
implement Cover-Extend in full-scale production environments…in April."
Agilent will conduct live demonstrations of Cover-Extend at two major
test and inspection tradeshows: Apex 2008, April 1-3 in Las Vegas, NV,
and Nepcon Shanghai 2008, April 8-11, Shanghai, China.
Tech-Etch has released the “V” Series variable finger
snap-on BeCu gaskets for EMI/ RFI shielding. The company claims that by
reducing the number of full snap-on fingers on a strip, shielding
effectiveness is increased, since there are fewer gaps to close.
Claimed EMI/RFI shielding effectiveness is up to 100db attenuation.
Each gasket is reportedly offered in five slot patterns with a snap-on
mounting offering secure installation with high durability. The “V”
Series is used in bi-directional applications, requires only a low
closing force and closes gaps as small as .02”. Item numbers 187V32FXx,
250V37FXx and 282V60FXx are configurable to custom lengths.
Sunstone's Design For Manufacture (DfM) Add-On for Altium Designer is free and factory-certified. Implements the company's manufacturing capabilities interactively inside Altium Designer. Is said to reduce costs by reducing design errors; reduced time by using existing rule decks instead of user-created versions; and simplify design processes by following a factory-certified rule deck.
OptoTherm introduces the latest version of its EL Thermal Imaging System, which includes a new camera featuring a 320x240 detector array and claimed sensitivity greater than 0.05ËšC, as well as a 16 bit digital camera interface. The camera reportedly displays images at a rate of 30 frames/second with pixel resolution of 70 microns.
The company claims that the system can be used to locate shorts, stressed components and other defects, and can analyze the thermal behavior of individual components. The system includes all necessary mounting hardware, Thermalyze image analysis software, camera stand, and an I/O relay module.
C&K Components has developed a family of right-angle pushbutton-type switches. Designated the ELUM Series,
the switches are available with or without LED illumination, and feature three
different snap-on cap covers. The pushbutton switches will reportedly
eliminate the need for a separate LED and light pipe on a PCB.
"The compact design of the ELUM switches… saves space on the PC board,
enabling product miniaturization and greater on-board functionality,
said David Webber, company products manager.
The company states that the switches feature a 6mm profile, are
available in both through-hole and surface mount configurations, and
have self-cleaning contacts. Product ratings range from 0.01mA to 250mA
and 20mV to 50VDC, with claimed RoHS-compliance, are compatible with
high-speed reflow soldering processes, and have a 30,000 cycle life
expectancy.
The Model 930 oven features an electrically heated, 500°F inert atmosphere used for liquid flow solder masking in a nitrogen atmosphere.
Workspace dimensions measure 38" W x 38" D x 38" H. 30 kW heaters are
installed in Incoloy-sheathed tubular heating elements; a 1500 CFM, 1-1/2 HP
recirculating blower provides horizontal airflow. Features 4" insulated
walls, aluminized steel exterior, Type 430 stainless steel interior and an
automatic door switch. Includes a pressure regulator, flow meter, pressure
gauge, inner oven walls closing directly against a 1/2" thick silicone
rubber door seal, air jacket on the inner oven, blower shaft seal, positive
latching door hardware, adjustable offset door hinges, outlet with pressure
relief, and interior seams welded gas-tight. Oven wall penetrations are equipped
with compression fittings.
