Gemini X - Linear
Description/Benefits
The Linear module provides an entry level registration system for PCB fabricators wishing to understand the fundamental causes of registration errors exhibited in the manufacturing processes. The system provides an analysis engine to interpret measurement data from industry standard measuring systems. The graphical interfaces allow users to see the systematic and variable errors present in the product. Systematic errors can then be eliminated and the effect or variable errors reduced in the next registration process using data provided from the module's optimisation algorithms.
Graphical representation of a single target/feature measured on a sample of parts allows quick interpretation of systematic and variable errors.
Average position of points shows magnitude and direction of systematic error. Scatter of points around the average position shows variation caused by process or materials.
Tolerance band shows if points measured fall within specification.
For measurement of targets/features on each layer within a multilayer construction, the layers are superimposed so that layer to layer shift can be seen.
If a number of targets are distributed around the panels, it is possible to interpret the errors as offset, rotation or scaling errors.
For points measured around the perimeter of a panel, the four charts clearly show if there is a scaling error in both axes. As a result, any subsequent registration process (in this case a through hole drilling operation) would potentially add to the misregistration. Dependent upon the design requirements of the PCB being manufactured this could lead to reduced yields and/or reduced reliability of the final PCB in service.
Where the measured positions of targets are close to the tolerance limits, yields and ultimately product reliability would be improved if the drill program were modified to match the measured errors.
Gemini X uses a number of optimisation algorithms to determine the compensations to be applied to the next registration process so that registration errors are minimised.
Graphical representation of a single target/feature measured on a sample of parts allows quick interpretation of systematic and variable errors.
Average position of points shows magnitude and direction of systematic error. Scatter of points around the average position shows variation caused by process or materials.
Tolerance band shows if points measured fall within specification.
For measurement of targets/features on each layer within a multilayer construction, the layers are superimposed so that layer to layer shift can be seen.
If a number of targets are distributed around the panels, it is possible to interpret the errors as offset, rotation or scaling errors.
For points measured around the perimeter of a panel, the four charts clearly show if there is a scaling error in both axes. As a result, any subsequent registration process (in this case a through hole drilling operation) would potentially add to the misregistration. Dependent upon the design requirements of the PCB being manufactured this could lead to reduced yields and/or reduced reliability of the final PCB in service.
Where the measured positions of targets are close to the tolerance limits, yields and ultimately product reliability would be improved if the drill program were modified to match the measured errors.
Gemini X uses a number of optimisation algorithms to determine the compensations to be applied to the next registration process so that registration errors are minimised.
Features Modules
Operator InterfaceThe operator interface allows comparison of the measured data against the design rules of the PCB to determine if corrective action is required. The display clearly indicates to the operator if the product is suitable to continue manufacture and can display customised messages according to corrective actions required.
Any scaling errors detected are calculated as "ppm" errors and displayed so that subsequent batches of the same product can be compensated to remove these scaling errors.
Engineer Interface
This module allows the engineer to visualise the effects of the errors measured at the next process by superimposing the nominal tooling over the measurement results.
The drill circles are shown in the compensated position so that the effects of applying the compensations calculated by the system can be clearly seen. This allows an informed decision to be made regarding the further processing of the measured product.
The optimisation report provides a summary of the optimisation results for application to the next process.
