REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 7 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Data I/O Corporation(R)
(Nadsaq: DAIO), the leading provider of advanced programming solutions,
announced today that Aztech Systems Limited has selected Data I/O’s FLX500
automated device programming system for manufacturing operation in Dong Guan,
China.
The Data I/O FLX500 is the industry’s first desktop-size automated
device programming system. The robotic system picks memory or
microcontroller devices from trays, inserts the devices in sockets for
programming, and returns high quality programmed devices to trays, ready to
move to production. The system provides low-cost automation for OEM and EMS
companies wishing to control device programming in-house, and to do so with
higher quality results than traditional manual programming can provide.
Aztech has built a growing successful electronics manufacturing services
business including design, material management, logistics services and
customer program management. Aztech’s strategy is to provide important
value to customers to reduce their time to market and in delivering products
of the highest production standard. Aztech will be among the first of a
growing number of operations in China to benefit from the improved quality
and reduced cost that can be realized through automation.
"This first sale of an FLX500 in China is a significant indicator of the
changing nature of electronics manufacturing in China", said Harald Weigelt,
Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Operations for Data I/O
Corporation. "It has been a long-held belief that low labor costs in China
would constrain the growth of automated programming equipment in the
industry. FLX500 disproves that theory by making high quality automation
affordable and cost-effective. Our target market segments -- EMS firms and
OEM producers of consumer, automotive, and wireless products are experiencing
rapid growth that will accelerate this trend toward automation. Data I/O is
well positioned to provide complete solutions for all applications and
volumes."
"We see several forces driving the adoption of automated device handling
and programming," said Zel Liu, President of Data I/O China. "Device
packages continue to shrink, limiting the ability to achieve accurate results
from a manual programming process. Consumer products increasingly use higher
density flash memory devices, representing an important cost component in the
end product. As components increase in value, elimination of errors and
scrap becomes critical to profitability. In addition, economists have
predicted significant increases in labor costs over the next 3 to 5 years,
encouraging Production Managers to plan for efficient use of existing labor
force. The FLX500 system made sense for Aztech for all these reasons. As an
added benefit, Aztech can standardize worldwide on Data I/O programming
platforms and have local support and expertise easily available from our
global support centers."
The FLX500, based on Data I/O’s patented FlashCORE(TM) precision
programming technology, programs all leading Flash and serial memory devices,
NAND flash and programmable microcontrollers from leading manufacturers,
including Intel, Spansion, SanDisk / M-Systems, Fujitsu, NEC, Samsung,
Toshiba, Renesas, Microchip Technology, Freescale, and others. The FLX500 is
production-ready, with package adapter support for leading packages,
including BGA, uBGA, CSP, PLCC, TSOP, QFP and others, delivering exceptional
throughput at more than 500 devices per hour.
About Data I/O
With more than 34 years of innovative leadership in the device
programming industry, Data I/O(R) Corporation (Nasdaq: DAIO - News) provides
semiconductor device handling and programming systems, manufacturing and
process control applications to manufacturers of automotive electronics,
wireless and consumer products, and semiconductors. Data I/O Corporation is
headquartered in Redmond, Washington, and has sales and service offices
worldwide. For more information, see http://www.dataio.com or call 800-426-
1045.
Forward-Looking Statements
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purposes only. The matters discussed in this news release include forward-
looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause
actual results to vary significantly. These risks include market and
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