Meaning
Optical scanning systems that measure the deflection of laser beams from component contacts determine the height profile of surface-mount devices before assembly. Incorporating laser reflection coplanarity measurements on automated placement lines ensures that components with bent leads or missing solder balls are rejected before being mounted. The inspection method is not applied to components with matte or rough surfaces that scatter the laser light, which prevents accurate height calculation.
Sensor Calibration
Calibrating the angle of incidence is critical for obtaining repeatable height measurements. Variations in the reflectivity of the solder balls can introduce noise into the calculated surface profile.
Inspection Throughput
High-speed line operations require the optical inspection system to scan each multi-lead component in fractions of a second. The processing algorithm must calculate the reference plane and check every pin against the height limit without slowing down the placement head. If the algorithm is too slow, the assembly line capacity is constrained, which increases the manufacturing cost per board because the entire line must run below its rated capacity.
Yield Protection
Catching deformed components before they reach the solder reflow oven prevents expensive scrap and rework. When the scanner identifies a component that exceeds the coplanarity limits, it triggers an automated rejection mechanism to discard the part. This real-time filtering ensures that only flat components are soldered, which results in a higher assembly yield.