Product category:
ATE Systems
News Release from: Schaffner | Subject: Machine vision
Edited by the Electronicstalk Editorial
Team on 08 May 2001
Machine vision makes PSU ATE run even
faster
The fast measuring speed of the Intepro 9000 series ATE from Schaffner EMC Ltd can now be complemented with the addition of an advanced machine vision system.
The fast measuring speed of the Intepro 9000 series ATE from Schaffner EMC Ltd can now be complemented with the addition of an advanced machine vision system, which eliminates many of the bottlenecks of the test process, increasing throughput and thereby reducing the costs of quality control The new system uses one or more high-resolution CCD cameras mounted on the power supply test fixture of the Intepro 9000 series tester, combined with Neuro-Check advanced pattern-recognition software called up within the object linking environment of Schaffner's own PowerStar 5 test executive
This article was originally published on Electronicstalk on 16 May 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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The software can be invoked at any time during a test routine.
Typical tasks would include: checking the physical outline of the PSU under test to verify basic assembly; bar-code reading to identify the unit under test; checking the positions of any onboard switches prior to testing; and, perhaps most importantly, verifying the illumination of any onboard LEDs during the test process.
According to Chris Cann, Power Electronics Sales Manager at Schaffner EMC Ltd: "We have rather become the victims of our own success.
The measurement speed of the Intepro 9000 tester is light years ahead of previous generations of equipment.
But while this appeals to many of our high-volume users, their overall throughput is being hampered by the continual need for operator intervention".
Cann continues: "Indeed, on a simple DC/DC convertor, for instance, the simple act of stopping the test, verifying an LED is lit and clicking a mouse to log it can take nearly as long as the rest of the test routine put together!".
As, in practice, no two power supplies are exactly the same, the machine vision option is being made available as part of Schaffner's custom fixturing service.
This will allow the camera(s) to be mounted and calibrated in exactly the correct position to ensure repeatable results.
Machine vision will initially be available as an option on all new Intepro 9000 installations.
It will subsequently be available for retrofit to existing installations and previous generations of Schaffner and Intepro power supply ATE. Request a free brochure from Schaffner ...
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