Circuits Assembly Online Magazine - Features

North Reading, MA, March 23 - Teradyne Inc. has announced a new 3-D x-ray imaging technology for detecting PCB solder and production defects.

Using a patented off-center tomosynthesis imaging technique, ClearVue is suited for densely packed single- or double-sided boards that use BGA-style components, or when loss of electrical or optical access is problematic.

Compared to laminography and other 3-D x-ray techniques, the technology reportedly provides superior image clarity, diagnostic capabilities and full board coverage to expose solder (including lead-free) flaws that are otherwise overlooked.

Operates using a stationary x-ray source and detector and, unlike conventional systems, does not require complex or rotating mechanical parts. Said to result in lower false call rates (promising up to 40 times improvement over existing solutions), improved reliability, better repeatability and improved cycle times.

LOUISVILLE, KY --Sypris Solutions Inc. today promoted Robert Sanders to president of Sypris Electronics. Sanders, recently named group vice president of the Electronics Group, replaces James G. Cocke.

Sanders is a former general manager and site executive for the Defense & Space Electronics Systems division of Honeywell.

Sypris Electronics is a contract desginer and assembler of missile guidance systems, and gear and satellite communication systems.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Connecticut area designers and engineers are sought for the Connecticut chapter of the SMTA.

A new leadership team is being established for the Nutmeg (Connecticut) chapter and will be planning meetings for 2005. The group will meet in April. Those interested in serving on the leadership team should contact Gayle Jackson at SMTA, gayle@smta.org.

Jackson is also accepting input on technical topics for upcoming meetings.

The next chapter meeting will be held in May; visit www.smta.org for details.

San Diego — KIC, Kester and Metcal will co-host a seminar, "Project 2005: Achieving Lead-free RoHS Assembly," on Thursday, April 7, 2005, at the Four Points Sheraton in Sunnyvale, CA.

The companies' experience in soldering technology (both leaded and lead-free) can help industry companies become compliant with the RoHS directives. The seminar is designed to assist companies in transitioning reliably without false starts. The series brings together the information that will save companies many engineering hours of research and will give what is needed to achieve lead-free and RoHS compliancy rapidly.

Topics include: lead-free and RoHS directive overview; impact to a company's operations; impact of dual systems, leaded and lead-free; boards and RoHS requirements; components and RoHS requirements; lead-free soldering and alloy selection; surface finish changes and solderability; equipment changes and process modifications; optimizing the wave solder operation; BGA rework practices; hand soldering and rework production issues; preventing soldering defects with lead-free; contamination controls; training and documentation with lead-free; field service issues with lead-free; and finished assembly identification and traceability.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Attendees will receive a lead-free assembly technical manual and detailed white papers; a subscription to the Lead-Free Connection Newsletter; and valuable process information and technical tips to achieve solid lead-free processes.

March 21 -- The newly formed JEDEC JC64 committee will have its first meeting on June 6 in Seoul, Korea at the Shilla Hotel, immediately following the JC42.4 flash memory device committee.

Created by the JEDEC Board of Directors at the request of industry leaders in flash memory, the committee is focused on standardizing flash memory modules for the industry.

At the meeting, JC64 members will elect a chairman, establish plans for their activities and future meetings, and initiate the standardization work. Mian Quddus from Samsung has been appointed temporary chairman until elections are held.

All interested companies are invited to join.