REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 16 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- Data I/O(R) Corporation
(Nasdaq: DAIO), the leading provider of device programming solutions for the
automotive industry, and ICOS Vision Systems Corporation NV (Euronext and
Nasdaq: IVIS), a leading supplier of inspection solutions for the
semiconductor industry, have collaborated on the integration of ICOS 3D
inspection for semiconductor devices into Data I/O PS588 high-volume offline
programming system. The new system combines programming and 3D inspection
into one high-speed process, assuring that programmed devices delivered to
the production line are properly programmed and free from defects.
The market for component inspection is expected to grow rapidly over the
next several years, driven by stringent quality requirements and ever
smaller, higher performance Integrated Circuits. Routine handling of
semiconductor components can result in coplanarity problems, bent leads, or
lead burrs that can negatively impact quality in the final product.
Coplanarity problems can cause solder joints to fail during manufacture,
or reduce system reliability in the field. By introducing post-programming
inspection, Data I/O’s PS588 system with inspection ensures that all passed
devices fall within the coplanarity tolerances before output to media. The
increased manufacturing yield and reduction in subsequent failures offer
substantial savings for electronics manufacturers.
"A single solution that can now accomplish both programming and
inspection brings great value to Data I/O customers" said Andre Dehuysser,
Sales Manager Europe of ICOS. "Conducting inspection on successfully
programmed devices is an efficient way to assure that only good devices are
presented to the production line. The combination of the most advanced
programming technology with our Compact LIM inspection module is unique in
the industry."
Upon completion of a successful programming operation, the PS588 robotic
head picks up the device and presents it to the ICOS inspection module, where
the X, Y, and Z axes are visually inspected for flaws or damage.
In addition to coplanarity measurement, the system also offers inspection
of lead pitch and slant. Upon successful inspection, the device is then
placed in an output media -- tray, tape, or tube.
"The ICOS inspection capability, combined with high-speed device
programming, is a powerful solution that assures that only the highest
quality devices move into the PCB assembly process," said Harald Weigelt, VP
of Operations for Data I/O. "We anticipate that the programming/inspection
system will be a very effective solution for our customers implementing fine
pitch leaded devices in automotive, industrial and consumer products."
The PS588 is a high performance automated programming system offered by
Data I/O for volume programming of microcontroller, Flash memory and NAND
flash devices. Designed for OEM/ODM or programming centers producing in high
volumes for small or large batches, the system provides flexible control over
data file management, job creation and programming process control.
About ICOS
ICOS designs and manufactures inspection equipment for the semiconductor
packaging industry. It is a world-leading supplier of equipment for the
final visual control of chips before they are used in various applications,
such as PC’s, cars or portable phones. ICOS’ systems perform two- and
three-dimensional (2D and 3D) inspections as part of the final visual quality
control step in the manufacturing of chips, wafers, flexible tapes for flat
panel displays, sockets, substrates and solar cells. Aside from its complete
systems, ICOS also offers inspection subsystems for integration in other
equipment. ICOS’ headquarters are located in Leuven, Belgium and it has R&D
centers in Belgium, Germany and Hong Kong and sales and support offices in
Japan, the USA, Singapore, Korea and Hong Kong and production facilities in
Belgium, Hong Kong and China.
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
All company and product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders and are used for identification
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
competitive factors, and other risks described in the Company’s most recent
annual report and/or in any of its other filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update the
information in this release. Reference to the Company’s website above does
not constitute incorporation of any of the information thereon into this
press release.
