New 3D X-Ray Inspection System Software

24 May 2012 - GOEPEL electronic introduces the new x-ray inspection system software OptiCon XI-Pilot 3.0. The further stage of the software package running in the OptiCon X-Line 3D x-ray inspection systems enables a higher image recording speed at increased sensibility. Additionally, new features to compensate PCB warpage or for automatic stability control of the image sequence are supported.

A true to height reconstruction of PCB layers in which solder joints are situated is a prerequisite for solder joint analyses. A 3D x-ray inspection (AXI) system must detect and compensate for PCB warpage or waved surfaces because such situation may lead to false calls or even escape.

GOEPEL electronic GmbH utilises a purpose developed method, which detects and compensates PCB slag during the inspection process. The result is a true to height solder layer reconstruction for a high-quality evaluation of solder joints. Based on PCB condition it is possible to select whether the entire assembly or each partial circuit of a value should be compensated.

For PCB warpage determination, a laser triangulation sensor can be applied. It is also possible to compensate for PCB slag directly in the recorded images per software algorithmic.

Automatic Stability Monitoring of X-ray Image Sequence

An x-ray inspection system image sequence generally consists of a source for x-ray emission and a detector to convert radiation weakened by the UUT into visible light.

Natural ageing processes of these components change grey values in the x-ray images, which may lead to faults in algorithmic evaluation of solder joints.

The AXI system OptiCon X-Line 3D automatically detects changes in the x-ray image chain and re-calibrates the images chain at lower deviations of the acceptable tolerances. Thus, it is possible to guarantee constant image quality and measurement values in the system during the inspection process. It ensures that image geometry characteristics as well as intensity (grey values) are situated in an adjustable tolerance range.