Printed circuit boards are very important in manufacturing and designing electronic circuits used at industrial as well as domestic levels. Mounting and connectivity of electronic devices can be easily supported by PCB. There are special protocols developed for manufacturing and testing PCB based on the sensitivity of electronic devices. Improper manufacturing or mounting errors can cause accidents or failures.
To nullify such errors peculiar testing procedures of PCB components are done. PCB testing justifies the quality of the product and the chance to eliminate all possible errors before customer use. AOI referred to as Automated Optical inspection is a system used to test the quality of PCB and other circuits. PCBgogo provides appropriate PCB testing to develop high-quality PCB and PCA.
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AOI for PCB testing:
To check and evaluate possible manufacturing faults in PCB boards AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) is used. AOI is a primary testing method based on visual inspection of the circuit and its assembly. AOI is used for multiple products like PCB, PCBAs. AOI system limits the imperfections in the assembly and designing of circuit boards.
AOI testing system:
After assembly and manufacturing manual inspection is done and then the PCB is undertaken for the AOI testing system. High-resolution cameras are used to check the design, components, and assembly of circuits. LED illuminated cameras and laser scanners are also used depending on the type of evaluation. Cameras take high-resolution images of PCB and the inspector verifies the errors or missing parts from the circuit. Comparative evaluation is done through the AOI system between standard and new circuit images. Information of Standard circuit already tipped in AOI software database. AOI machine gives an alert to the operator for error or any missing components in scanned PCB.
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AOI testing machine:
AOI testing machine administers drawbacks like dimensional defects, placement of component defects, and surface defects, etc. Along with Image-based testing, various algorithms such as Pattern match and Pixel counting are programmed in AOI machine-based proficiency to evaluate and differentiate standard PCB boards referred to as ‘Golden’ with defective boards. High-resolution cameras based on UV, IR, or LED light sources installed in AOI machine which is responsible to capture high definition image arrays. PCB surface is scanned by cameras and Images are undertaken for comparative evaluation by professional administrators.
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Programming of AOI:
Professional programmers and experienced engineers run the programming of AOI software or algorithm. Programming is done in six main steps:
- Name new program: New program is required for every new PCB or SMT. It can be established by clicking on ‘New’ and naming the program as desired.
- PCB size setting: PCB size for Golden standard can be set by moving the cross-line according to the required PCB size. Image of PCB will be programmed automatically.
- Marking: Inspection area can be marked in this step for assurance of size, position, possible deformation by the oven, and correction in a match of the loaded and programmed circuit board.
- Editing: PCB components are registered by AOI programming and then edited by using 2 methods.
- Manual programming
- CAD programming
- Debugging: AOI machine provides three Debugging modes.
- Auto-learning Mode
- Error pause Mode
- Auto-positioning Mode
- Inspection: After careful debugging of every fault in the loaded PCB the operator run inspection as final step by clicking on ‘start inspection’.
Tuning of AOI:
For more accuracy in inspection, desirable adjustments can be done by tuning the AOI program according to PCB. Tuning enable the program to detect an error that is unseen or missed in assembly or PCB processing.
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Inspection range of AOI:
AOI system capable of inspecting the PCB and PCBAs at fabrication as well as assembly stage. Such as:
- Surface defects and scratches
- Cuts and openings
- Stains and circuit shorts
- Excessive or deficient solder
- Labels and marking
- Missing components
- Design and size
Advancements and benefits of AOI by PCBgogo:
- an accurate and efficient system of inspection
- Low cost
- Tenable/adjustable program
- Capable of multiple objects inspection
- Flexible and reliable system
- Faster testing
- Limiting labor requirements and manual errors
- Insurance of High-quality PCBs for customers
PCB Quality assurance:
There are different testing methods and protocols are being developed for betterment of customers’ service and assure quality of product. PCBgogo has high-quality AOI testing machines and professional staff who ensure the quality of PCBs and other products. Quality assurance is maintained by the justified assembly as well as proper testing of PCB products. PCBgogo undertakes efficient testing procedures like AOI (automated optical inspection), E-test (electrical test), AXI (automated X-ray inspection), and impedance control.
PCBGOGO bears a professional team of experts and engineers working for turnkey services of PCB orders. The team of engineers is specialized and expert in PCB manufacturing as well as SMT prototype. The components provided by the company or on customer’s demand, it is assumed that all the components and SMT assembly process are well checked and tested which efficiently match with your required design and request.