Hand-held Probe inspects surface-mount devices.

Press Release Summary:



SolView allows evaluation of PCB without removing it from line. SolView-90 is placed beside components, allowing inspection under surface mount devices to determine solder bond integrity. Portable eyepiece has entrance pupil height of 0.3 mm, wide field of view optical inspection system, and high intensity LED illumination. SolView-00 direct viewing instrument facilitates general component inspection including through-hole plating quality, device positioning, and track and solder deficiencies.



Original Press Release:



"OLYMPUS SolView" Hand-Held, Solder Bond Inspection Probe



Affordable Quality Inspection Solution for Surface Mount Devices

Olympus is world-renowned for bringing innovative solutions in opto-electronics to cameras, microscopes, and endoscopes. Combining these areas of expertise, Olympus has announced its latest product for the industrial market, SolView, a revolutionary, hand-held inspection tool for the examination of solder bonds beneath surface-mount electronic components.

The new Olympus SolView, for the first time, allows the development engineer to quickly and easily evaluate a PCB without removing it from the line. SolView is available in either a lateral or direct viewing configuration. SolView-90 is placed beside components, allowing inspection under surface mount devices to determine solder bond integrity. With an entrance pupil height of just 0.3mm, wide field of view optical inspection system and high intensity LED illumination this portable instrument is the modern engineers eyepiece. SolView-00 is a direct viewing instrument for general component inspection including through hole plating quality, device positioning, track and solder deficiencies

Placement and thermal issues can affect the solder used to connect surface mount devices (SMDs) onto a board's substrate, which subsequently affect the reliability of the solder joint. Hidden and high-density solder connections can create difficulties during inspection and rework processes. A number of fault conditions can occur, resulting in malfunction of the finished circuitry. SolView can help detect these failures, such as:

- Cracked solder joints resulting in faulty connections within the circuit;

- Excess solder causes rigid joints and short circuits, increasing the risk of cracks;

- Disorientated or misplaced components resulting in circuit malfunction;

Olympus also provides a range of value-added accessories to extend the capabilities of SolView, including:

- Digital CCTV equipment to allow recording and archiving of captured images;

- A laboratory bench stand to provide a practical housing for SolView when not in use;

- "OmniStage" - a purpose designed XYZ Stage for mounting PCBs for inspection over an extended period of time, including an innovative counterbalanced mounting arm to support SolView above the PCB.

- The Olympus range of Camedia digital cameras - these connect easily to SolView with the use of adaptors that attach to the probe eyepiece of the probe;

- "Discover Essentials" software from Soft Imaging Systems providing linear measurement analysis, so that further investigation can be performed off-line, such as identification of crack length or solder ball size;

- An electro-statically safe case with foam inserts for convenient probe storage;

SolView is but one in a comprehensive range of products provided by Olympus Industrial America to the electronics industry, including:

- Stereo microscopes;

- Compound microscopes;

- Measuring microscopes;

- Specialist semiconductor microscopes and wafer - handlers;

- Laser confocal microscopes;

- Remote visual inspection equipment;

- High speed video cameras;

Increasing component sophistication and the implications of the RoHS directive on manufacturers will ensure demand for inspection solutions provided by SolView.

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