2019_4q_omron_e

25/39 IAB: X-ray Substrate Inspection Equipment

As quality assurance for electronic substrates has become increasingly important, we have seen inspections migrate away from simple external visual checks to the use of X-rays to inspect the interior of substrates. We are also seeing an evolution in X-ray inspections. Look at the left-hand side of the slide. To date, the mainstay inspections have been 2D inspections using radiographic technologies. However, in response demand for more sophisticated testing capabilities, increasingly the mainstay for inspections is 3D technologies, such as Computed Tomography (CT), as shown on the right-hand side. To understand the difference between 2D and 3D inspections, we will use a medical analogy. The 2D inspection is the equivalent of an X-ray. It captures a 2-dimensional image from a static fixed angle. In contrast, the 3D inspection is the equivalent of a CT scan. A CT scan captures the target object from 360?, taking multiple X-ray images, which can then be reconstituted into a 3D image. This makes it possible to conduct a more precise inspection. The images with arrows at the bottom of the page are actual images of substrates. We compare the 2D and 3D images of the soldering on the circuit board. In the image on the left, you can see the image of the cavities is blurred and the backside of the circuit board is showing through. In contrast, the 3D image clearly shows the soldering defect. In the heavy-duty environment of an engine room, this type of excess solder residue can lead to electrical shorts. This is a major defect which can only be identified through a 3D scanning inspection. 3D inspection has many merits but the technology had its challenges as well. 3D inspections require the acquisition of a large volume of images, which makes the tact time for a single inspection very long and highly inefficient. For this reason, it had not been possible to inspect each individual substrate using 3D; instead 3D inspections to date were done on a sampling basis. Using revolutionary technology, OMRON’S AXI makes high-speed, high-resolution inspections possible, resolving these issues. This is the reason why OMRON’s AXI is so strongly supported by the German auto and auto parts makers. I will discuss this in more detail in the next slide.