Provider of test solutions Seica has responded to the ongoing market trend of miniaturisation of electronic printed circuit boards by launching the new Compact RT NEXT Series, a fully automatic rotary table based system ideal for medium/high volume production.
In-line robot integration
The 450mm wide Compact RT has been designed to allow immediate in-line robot integration to reduce the impact of part loading and unloading times. In either case, the system can operate in automatic mode (by robot/cobot) or manual mode (by operator). The rotary table offers the advantage of saving loading/unloading time. While the UUT is being tested, the next UUT can be loaded into the empty slot.
The versatility and modularity of the NEXT Series allows different concepts of automated handling lines to be implemented: more systems can be aligned or placed in a circle. The NEXT Series is the new generation of the company’s systems with a renovated look thanks to new materials for the chassis.
ICT and functional testing
Like any other company solution, the Compact RT NEXT test system uses the NEXT platform, whose main feature is the possibility to deliver the best integration of technology and ease of use. It is possible to combine the following test solutions:
- ICT (In Circuit Test): Open/Short, R/L/C, Diodes, Transistors, FETs, regulators, etc.
- Functional testing
This is possible thanks to the measurement system (based on ACL proprietary module) and to the VIVA management software. The ACL module contains the measurement and stimuli internal instruments. The DSP technology integrates all of the testing capabilities while enabling fully automated test execution. The user can deploy an intuitive graphical software conceived for compiling and running functional tests: Quick Test.
In-line integration: rotary table
The Compact RT has been designed to provide immediate in-line integration, since any element which made it incompatible with robotized lines from a mechanical point of view has been reduced. To ensure ease of use and to facilitate the approach to DUT loading/unloading operations, 2 modes of operation are available:
- With operator: the operator loads the UUT manually, and then the test sequence is executed automatically.
- With Robot/Cobot: the loading/unloading procedures are managed automatically by the Robot/Cobot, and then the test sequence is executed automatically.
Radio Fixture Identifier Option (RFID)
The machine features a Radio Fixture Identifier Option (RFID), which allows the automatic control through unique identification codes for the proper combination of fixture, Castle, and test program in ICT automatic tester, preventing any possibility of error in the system setting.
Rotary Table and Fixture Adapter
The rotary table concept satisfies applications that require high throughput to reach maximum productivity in an automatic in-line process. While the Robot/Cobot is loading one UUT, a second one is under test. The fixture adapter is a dedicated hardware customized for the specific product and can be easily interchanged for different devices. Moreover, the small sizes make the fixture handling easier for the operators and for storage purposes. Indeed, the fixture storage costs are drastically reduced. The fixture-receiver interface blocks used are the configurable “Pylon connector units” that offer strong reliable contact quality.
