"Implementing 5S Workplace Organization Methodology Programs in Manufacturing Facilities"

by Lista International

Many manufacturing facilities have opted to follow the path towards a “5S” workplace organizational and housekeeping methodology as part of continuous improvement or lean manufacturing processes. 5S is a system to reduce waste and optimize productivity through maintaining an orderly workplace and using visual cues to achieve more consistent operational results.

The term refers to five steps – sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain – that are also sometimes known as the 5 pillars of a visual workplace. 5S programs are usually implemented by small teams working together to get materials closer to operations, right at workers’ fingertips and organized and labeled to facilitate operations with the smallest amount of wasted time and materials.

"FPGA-Controlled Test (FCT): What It Is and Why It Is Needed"

By Al Couch, Asset InterTech chief technologist for core instrumentation

This white paper describes a new method for validating, testing and debugging circuit boards by embedding a board-tester-in-a-chip. The method, known as FPGA-controlled test (FCT), involves the automatic insertion of multiple embedded instruments into a field programmable gate array (FPGA) to function as a board tester. The embedded board tester is then operated from an intuitive drag-and-drop graphical user interface.

The board-tester-in-a-chip does not require a dedicated FPGA. The inserted tester can be easily removed once it has completed its tasks and reinserted later if needed again. Or, some or all of the tester may remain embedded in the system throughout its life cycle.

Because of significantly escalating gate densities, FPGAs are an effective platform for embedded test and measurement functionality at a time when legacy external probe-based equipment like oscilloscope and in-circuit test (ICT) systems are providing less and less test coverage. Faster speeds and greater complexities have increased the electrical sensitivities of chips and boards to the point where a physical probe will not provide adequate test coverage or reliable results.

The number one cause of downtime on SMT lines is related to material, as either a shortage or a logistical misstep that fails to place the right quantity of the right material at the right location at the right time. From a business perspective, the downtime caused by material problems is often the largest unplanned cost in the manufacturing operation. This paper will review many factors that contribute to the fundamental issue behind the chaos of material related downtime: inventory inaccuracy, and the steps needed to resolve this crucial problem.

http://www.mentor.com/pcb-manufacturing-assembly/techpubs/download/?id=70166&cmpid=6609

The new RoHS Directive became law on July 21, 2011.

Among the highlights: The revised directive adds no new restricted substances, and contains nine exclusion categories: military, space, transportation (trains, planes, autos), fixed installation, large industrial tools, off-road machinery (i.e., bulldozers), implantable devices, solar panels, and R&D equipment. Medical and monitoring/control equipment have three years to comply, in-vitro medical has five years, and industrial monitoring/control has six years. Exemptions will end in five to seven years for telecom and high lead products. Larger companies must go beyond certificates of compliance, and EU importers are now also liable.