Laser Height Sensor
The new CCD noncontact laser height sensor for the Millennium Series M-2000 system is said to provide high-speed dispense height measurement for delicate substrates, hybrids and ICs that may be compromised by tactile sensing. In addition, noncontact height sensing reportedly eliminates concerns regarding flex, vibration and substrate contamination. The sensor's high-speed light-processing capability accommodates variations in substrate finish, including rough, dark and mirrored surfaces, for enhanced throughput and greater yield. Asymtek, a Nordson Co., Carlsbad, Calif.
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Random Access Die Delivery System
The RADDS feeder is a 300-mm random access die delivery system for supplying bare semiconductor die to SMT assembly equipment and to semiconductor assembly equipment. This die delivery system reportedly addresses the surface mount assembly and semiconductor assembly industries' needs to automatically supply bare semiconductor die to flexible placement machines. The system occupies 9 square feet of floor space. Laurier Inc. USA, Londonderry, N.H.
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Thick Film Technology
International Resistive Co. has introduced its new thick film on steel technology, which enables a new class of resistors for a range of applications. Said to be robust, vibration and shock-resistant, this thick film technology operates at temperatures up to 400°C and reportedly is suitable for applications such as household appliances, water heaters and automotive. The technology is produced by binding a thick ceramic dielectric glaze to stainless steel. The resulting three-layer product can be formed, welded and molded for various applications. International Resistive Co. Inc., Wirewound and Film Technologies Div., Boone, N.C.
Optical Adhesive
Optocast 3421 is a low-viscosity, low CTE UV and/or heat cure epoxy for optical uses. It is said to exhibit low shrinkage on cure, be ionically clean and have 85/85 (85°C/85 percent relative humidity) and 50°C DI water soak resistance. This product is the seventh in the Optocast 3400 series, all of which are silica-filled to varying levels and reportedly display low shrinkage, low CTE and 85/85 results on cure. The very low CTE – as low as 12 ppm/°C – means fixtured components will not go out of focus, even after thermal cycling. Electronic Materials Inc. (EMI), Breckenridge, Colo.
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RF Generator
The Cesar FST frequency shift tuning RF generator changes frequency electronically and reportedly reduces tuning time, enabling ultra-thin films to be deposited uniformly from run to run. The new generators can be used for a variety of thin-film applications, including sputtering, etching, CVD and excitation of ion beam and high-density plasma sources. Since the tuning is performed electronically instead of mechanically, there are no moving parts, which reportedly increases reliability and decreases maintenance. Manitou Systems Inc., Danbury, Conn.
Software
Compaq Computer Corp., in association with Camstar Systems Inc., a developer of Manufacturing Execution Software, announced the release of TAP Suite, a CIM solution for semiconductor test, assembly and packaging. The software is said to provide a means for paperless operation, offer wireless technologies for I/O convenience and allow manufacturing data to be shared over the Internet. The solution is based on Microsoft Windows' DNA technologies, including Component Object Model, Visual Basic for Applications, ActiveX and Object Linking and Embedding for Process Control. Compaq Computer Corp., Houston, Texas.
Measurement Software
The newest version (v 3.11) of WinFTMWindows-based software for Fischerscope X-ray fluorescence coating thickness measurement instruments is said to feature autofocus, electronic part magnification (1 to 4x), material identification and programmable measurement asking. The software is designed to provide high-precision measurement based on analysis of the fluorescence spectrum using the Fundamental Parameter method. This software allows alloy analysis for up to four elements and has solution-analysis capabilities for plating solutions containing one or two cations. Fischer Technology Inc., Windsor, Conn.
MCPs
Fujitsu has introduced three versions of the industry's first MCPs with stacked flash memory and the company's Fast Cycle RAM (FCRAM). The new stacked packages are designed to meet the high-density memory, small-footprint and low-power requirements of coming generations of cellular telephones. The new flash and FCRAM-stacked MCPs use the company's FlexBank architecture, including 64 Mb dual-operation flash memory and 16 Mb FCRAM with an asynchronous static RAM (SRAM) interface. They also feature 2.3- to 2.7-V operation. The company is also introducing nine new versions of compact MCPs, linking flash memory and SRAM in a single package. Fujitsu Ltd./Fujitsu Microelectronics Inc., San Jose, Calif.
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Low-viscosity Encapsulant
Tra-Bond 931-1 is for microelectronic component encapsulant and underfill applications. Said to have flow and wetting properties, it is suitable for underfilling components that require adhesion, low shrinkage and low ionic content. The product is designed for high-reliability applications, where capillary action is desired. When fully cured, this adhesive reportedly is an electrical insulator with impact and thermal shock resistance. This low- viscosity, ultra-pure system is said to be resistant to water, weather, gases, galvanic action, most solvents, salts, alkalis and mild acids. Tra-Con Inc., a National Starch & Chemical Co., Bedford, Mass.
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Contactor
Pad Series high-performance contactors, with peripheral contacts and a Center Body Contact are said to reduce inductance and insertion loss for electrical and mechanical test in characterization and production. The Center Body Contact reportedly acts as a ground plane, reducing overall ground inductance and providing low inductance, thermal heat dissipation and high signal fidelity. The peripheral contacts have less than 1.0 nH inductance individually, or 0.232 nH inductance mutually. Johnstech International Corp., Minneapolis, Minn.
Spray Fluxer
The Econo-Flux spray-fluxing system is for application of flux to PCBs. Using the patented Ultra-Spray technology, the system is said to cut the amount of flux used while still achieving through-hole penetration. The technology uses a solid vibrating titanium surface to atomize the flux. The ultrasonic energy produces very small droplets of flux, which are then shaped and propelled by Air Director. This reportedly results in a uniform rectilinear spray pattern with enough force for coverage and penetration. Ultrasonic Systems Inc., Amesbury, Mass.
Laser Marking System
Unitek Miyachi Lasers has introduced the Class 4 system for oversized applications and developmental work. It features an adjustable Z-axis rack and pinion linear motion guide and a large 16 x 16-in. worktable, allowing easy access to oversized parts. It is capable of permanently marking metals, plastics, semiconductors and ceramics. Its Windows-based software can create, edit and execute both simple and complex marking programs. The system can also accept up to seven marking schedules, 24 standard bar codes and 23 graphic files. Unitek Miyachi Lasers, Monrovia, Calif.
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Personal Ground Tester
The Personal Ground Tester tests both wrist strap and coil cord components to ensure safety and proper connection on the operator's wrist. An optional foot plate is available for foot grounder testing. The range of the tester is factory-set at 750 kW to 10 MW. The user can adjust the tester to between 250 kW and 100 MW. The unit comes with a detachable power supply. Model 19310 is 120 VAC; Model 19320 is 220 VAC. Both are NIST-calibrated. Desco Charleswater, Chino, Calif.
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Laser Modules
The RE Series of diode-pumped solid-state laser modules reportedly produces in excess of 450 W at 1.064 µm. These units are intended for high-power industrial and scientific Nd:YAG laser systems. One module can be used in a system to achieve greater than 450 W multimode Cutting Edge Optronics offers customers cavity design and resonator configurations. For high-power systems, numerous modules can be placed in series to generate several kilowatts of CW output at 1.064 mm. Such systems can be used to make smaller, more portable welding systems. Cutting Edge Optronics Inc., St. Charles, Mo.
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SMT Carrier Products
Cornett Taping Products is offering a line of SMT packaging products and services for OEMs. SMT carrier tape is made from a conductive polystyrene material and is available in widths ranging from 8 to 152 mm with thickness up to 0.024-in. This material is said to offer static resistance and deep-pocket capability up to 16 mm. Its surface reportedly provides adhesion and peel-back properties for cover tapes. The company's application engineers also can provide for custom tooling needs. The company also supplies cover tape, reels, ESD supplies and bags. Cornett Taping Products, Ontario, Calif.
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Laser Height Sensor
The new CCD noncontact laser height sensor for the Millennium Series M-2000 system is said to provide high-speed dispense height measurement for delicate substrates, hybrids and ICs that may be compromised by tactile sensing. In addition, noncontact height sensing reportedly eliminates concerns regarding flex, vibration and substrate contamination. The sensor's high-speed light-processing capability accommodates variations in substrate finish, including rough, dark and mirrored surfaces, for enhanced throughput and greater yield. Asymtek, a Nordson Co., Carlsbad, Calif.
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RF Generator
The Cesar FST frequency shift tuning RF generator changes frequency electronically and reportedly reduces tuning time, enabling ultra-thin films to be deposited uniformly from run to run. The new generators can be used for a variety of thin-film applications, including sputtering, etching, CVD and excitation of ion beam and high-density plasma sources. Since the tuning is performed electronically instead of mechanically, there are no moving parts, which reportedly increases reliability and decreases maintenance. Manitou Systems Inc., Danbury, Conn.
