THE ADVANTAGES OF MODERN PROBE CARD TRIMMING SYSTEMS

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The Advantages of Modern Probe Card Laser Resistor Trimming Systems

Next generation hardware and software designs provide significant performance and speed advantages when compared to older probe card trimming systems developed 30-40 years ago.

Many existing probe card-based trimming systems have undergone minimal design updates since their original development. With continuous design updates, PPI Systems is able to integrate modern electrical, mechanical and software features into its RapiTrim next generation resistor trimming systems.

All of the advantages created by the modern software and hardware found in the RapiTrim resistor trimming system translate into faster, more accurate trims and higher yields when using RapiTrim next generation probe card testing trimmers.

Higher Precision and Accuracy

RapiTrim Systems have been designed with improved circuitry, hardware and software that ensure better precision and accuracy when compared to older designs. Features include:

  • Probe card systems with a high performance 4-axis prober and precision step-and-repeat substrate handling system.
  • Automatic XY and θ alignment performed by XY stages and rotation adjustment.
  • Automated planarization (roll and pitch) and Z calibration performed by actuators holding the probe card.
  • Servo-controlled Z velocity and acceleration enables profiled motion trajectory control to improve probe tip placement and contact precision.

Increased Yields, Cut Quality and Throughput

With over 20 years experience designing and manufacturing laser processing systems, PPI Systems has continuously improved trimming systems, integrating new electrical, mechanical and software advances, ensuring system specifications improve, and that RapiTrim resistor trimmers continue to meet or exceed customer expectations for quality and speed.

  • Automatic job setup including optimized multi-circuit probe card needle assignment.
  • Probe card assembly designed with lever-operated clamping for quick exchange of probe cards.
  • All external instruments (if needed) controlled through the RapiTrim user interface.
  • High speed, real-time measurements during trimming.
  • Extensive system diagnostics continuously monitor all critical components and machine performance.

PPI Systems offers a complete application laboratory providing an array of services for both laser drilling and resistor trimming customers. Our application engineering team has over 100 years of combined experience providing solutions to customers.

Solution Sheet: Comparison of Flying Probes vs. Probe Cards

Greater Flexibility

All RapiTrim systems can handle individual and multi-up substrates up to 300×300 mm and can provide unique vacuum platen configurations  that cover a range of part sizes. Vacuum platen top fixture plates can be exchanged in seconds, minimizing unproductive overhead.  Automation options include stack loaders, magazine loaders, in-line and custom handling.

  • Green and IR laser sources with a range of spot sizes for different applications.
  • PPI can provide unique part fixturing and optional automation that covers a range of substrate sizes.
  • Optional temperature-controlled chuck fixture with feedback from temperature sensors allowing the adjustment of trim targets during processing.
  • The onboard (expandable) switch matrix allows easy interface with optional external instrumentation.
  • Component processing can be tailored to a specific application using a sequence of sub-tasks implemented in a C# script.
external instruments for a laser resistor trimming system

Blog Article: Why It's Time to Upgrade Your Resistor Trimming System

Continuous Software Development

ProSys resistor trimming software offers unmatched ease of use for both operators and process engineers. Machine setup and calibration controls, job process settings, vision and process map, status and diagnostic information is accessible with a single click or tap.  Features include:

  • A simple operator interface.
  • Fully automatic run-time calibration which activates when it needs to, ensuring process stability and accuracy.
  • Real-time system monitoring for process integrity.
  • Automated file conversion and job creation without operator intervention.
  • Automatic multi-step and multi-pass processing with performance optimization.
  • Maintenance tracker which keeps a log of all systems maintenance and history and provides prompts at maintenance intervals.
  • Full system diagnostics and data logging for enhanced product support and predictive maintenance.
  • Windows 64-bit architecture.

Job creation, process control and results are identical between different machines with alternate specifications, reducing training times and ensuring operator proficiency for all applications including both high and low volumes and mixes.

Contact a specialist at PPI Systems to discuss upgrading your laser resistor trimming system.