Circuits Assembly Online Magazine - Features

Cadstar 9.0 desktop PCB design software features major usability and flexibility enhancements, along with functionality for adopting new technology. Improvements include graphical representations of every function assignment, making the tool both easier to work.

"Trunk" routing functionality, within P.R.Editor XR, can now swap equivalent pins quickly and easily to improve routability. The report generator, post drill files, DXF post processing, general menu and tool bars have been made more user friendly. Back annotation function has been enhanced to make file transfer from PCB design into the schematic smoother and simpler.

Cadstar SI Verify, which offers a complete post-layout signal integrity simulation toolset with seamless integration into Cadstar, also features many new functions for ease of use and accuracy. This includes upgrades to the via modelling function, to provide more in-depth analysis details and user defined n-port circuit models to take into account components such as filters and ferrite beads. Both of these enhancements are also supported by Scenario Editor, a “what-if” simulation scratch pad.

Zuken, zuken.com

The latest addition to the Helix automated device programmer has the same dph and is based on the Helix-TU-10 design. As a desktop automated system, the Helix comes standard with two precision-designed tray input and output handling systems with a reject location.The tray version uses the same core programming technology and socket modules as standard automated lines. The pressure plates are exchangeable between the two units. Integrated in the handler are two Enhanced 7th Generation programming sites with FX4 socket module capability, which permits programming of up to four devices simultaneously per site.

Handles such packages as MSOP, SOIC, PLCC, SSOP and TSSOP.

A tray-only version will be available at a later date.

BPM Microsystems, www.bpmmicro.com.

The GEM Series tabletop AOI comes with new easy-to-use iPro√ software with a new graphical interface said to be easier to use. The software guides users on setting up inspection parameters, resulting in improvd productivity and less training time.

Also, coverage of the Ultra 850G system has been expanded to wire bond and die placement inspection. Flying Color Technology has been added to broaden the defect coverage and lower false rejects.

Machine Vision Products, www.machinevisionproducts.com.

The Quadrus Mini ESD-safe miniature fixed-mount imager is for reading codes on sensitive components without discharging static. Can be safely and easily integrated into ESD-sensitive assembly processes. Has a nickel coating and ESD-resistant labels, and requires no aerosol coating or restrictive mounting distances. Permits close-range reading of static-sensitive parts and components. Features a megapixel sensor and powerful algorithms for reading long bar codes and high density 2-D symbols in any direction on multiple surfaces. Autofocus, EZ button setup, and Good Read green flash provide exceptional ease of use.
RoHS/WEEE compliant.

Microscan, microscan.com

The KE-2080 high-speed flexible mounter is a sixth-generation multi-purpose mounter featuring six nozzles that have a laser alignment and an additional IC head for fine-pitch components. The system has a reported IPC-9850 speed of 15,400 cph, 23% faster than its predecessor.

Handling ranges to 01005 placement capability (0402 in metric) and up to 33.5 mm sq. The LNC60 laser align sensor, which includes laser-centering placement capability for most 1.27 mm pitch BGAs and an optional placement load control, can measure six parts simultaneously. Step motors control the input and output buffer conveyors, enhancing speed. Data, feeders, nozzles and floor trolleys are interchangeable with other Juki lines. Comes standard with a new axes control system, which means more motors on the pick-and-place head but fewer cables. Conforms to RoHS.

Juki Corporation, jas-smt.com

Mentor Graphics released of the latest version of its Board Station design flow for large, enterprise customers. The Board Station flow includes tools for design creation, layout and manufacture, and is for enterprise design teams.

The release offers improved integration with the enterprise, as well as improved design productivity and 'what if' signal integrity analysis. New feature include:

Library and data management -- Tighter integration with DMS and added functionality to provide off-the-shelf RoHS design-for-compliance capabilities.
Constraint editor system -- Addition of electrical rules entry, layout and analysis functionality to complement the high-speed physical rules already provided.
Signal integrity verification -- Addition of the newly released ICX Pro Explorer functionality to the flow, Mentor's high-speed constraint development tool.
Design layout -- Significant productivity enhancement capabilities including additional support for layout of flex boards; trace glossing so designers can more closely control interactive routing on dense designs; hard and soft autorouting "fences" to help control routing around dense BGAs as opposed to through them resulting in higher routing completion rates; additional gate and pin swapping capabilities to optimize layout.
FPGA-on-Board -- Improved integration of I/O Designer to accommodate high pin count, high performance FPGA implementation.

Mentor Graphics, mentor.com