VShare product lifecycle management toolset supports DfM collaboration between PCB design and engineering by means of a centralized, scalable platform that offers secure access to important design information and DfM issues. The tool’s dashboard is said to capture all relevant DfM data in a centralized environment so that all users can work in real-time with the same, graphically-rich data set. Runs using standard Internet browsers within a secure, Web-based environment. Can import DfM results other Valor tools and attach graphical or text objects. Generates reports on critical steps, project status and details, and approvals. The platform starts at $25,000 for a company-wide package.

Valor Computerized Systems, valor.com

The open-source Interconnector design suite enables design and testing of chip-to-chip interconnections supporting signaling rates of up to 25Gbps. The software can be used to assemble a system, select ICs, channels and connectors; test components to analyze performance; and trigger the signal generator to create source and sink data.

The first version is offered to solicit user feedback to help shape the production version. Future versions will use S-parameter data from tests of actual materials and structures.

SiliconPipe, www.SiliconPipe.com

Circuitmedic’s Flextac Wire Dots, for wire tacking, consist of pre-cut shapes of a thin, flexible polymer film, membrane coated on one side with a high performance sensitive adhesive.

Flextac Wire Dots are said to apply instantly to a clean PCB surface with no curing time and no bonding to skin or clothes or difficult cleanup. They reportedly maintain their hold across a wide range of process and operating temperatures, and will hold securely after exposure to numerous chemicals. Will hold securely through a typical PCB hot water wash. Are RoHS/WEEE compliant.

CircuitMedic, www.CircuitMedic.com

Ultra PP dispense tips, with flexible polypropylene shafts, reportedly reach into hard-to-access areas and work with scratch-prone substrates.

Designed for use with air-powered benchtop dispensers or automated dispense valves, precision engineered PP tips are available in 0.5² or 1.5² lengths, with internal diameters from 0.054² (15 gauge) to 0.010² (25 gauge). Color-coded tip hubs feature SafetyLok threads for secure attachment to handheld syringe barrels or automated dispense valves. The tips come packaged in lint-free, lot-numbered transparent boxes.

EFD, www.efd-inc.com/components.html

The FLX500 portable automated programmer is said to be the first such device to provide plug and program automation capabilities. The touch screen user interface is language independent. Can be plugged into a standard wall outlet. The self‑contained air supply eliminates the need for an external air system. The system picks devices from tray media, places them in sockets for programming, then returns them to output trays.

The ImageWriter, for in‑system programming, can program final application code or localized content into the device.

Data I/O, www.dataio.com

The Medalist SJ50 Series 3 automated optical inspection system improves ease of use, throughput, component location and supportability over the previous generation and can handle 01005 components.

Includes algorithms designed to bring greater image clarity to low-contrast components, for better defect analysis. The image clarity results in lower false-call rates and improved defect detection.

Is ergonomically advanced with significant user and system interfaces. Can be deployed in a 2-D paste, pre-reflow, mixed-mode and post-reflow environment while quickly converting the optics head for inline 3-D solder paste inspection.

Links to downstream repair stations and statistical process control.

Agilent Technologies, www.agilent.com/see/aoi.