Inspecting PCB Assembly


PCB assembly is fast-paced, and small defects like solder voids, lifted leads, and misaligned or missing parts can slip through, leading to costly rework, scrap, and increased warranty risks. Zebra frame grabbers enable high-speed image capture and real-time defect detection. The AltiZ 3D Profile Sensor adds micron-level solder profiling, identifying defects missed by 2D systems, while industrial scanners enhance traceability by linking individual parts to inspection data. Aurora Imaging Library streamlines automated optical inspection (AOI) development with tools for 2D/3D inspections and hardware adaptability.

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Accelerate PCB inspection with synchronized 2D imaging, 3D solder profiling, and track-and-trace

Enabling high-speed PCB assembly inspection with frame grabbers

Zebra frame grabbers play a vital role in PCB assembly inspection by enabling high-resolution image capture at high speeds for real-time defect detection in Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) machines. By offloading intensive image processing from the host computer's CPU, they allow large, high-resolution images to be processed efficiently. In AOI applications, where high resolution is critical, Zebra frame grabbers deliver the processing bandwidth needed for effective defect detection and quality assurance, making them indispensable in modern electronics manufacturing.

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Add 3D solder profiling and traceability

AltiZ 3D Profile Sensor provides high-resolution structured-light profiling for consistent micron-level measurements. This sensor extends inspection by measuring solder joint height, volume, and coplanarity, identifying issues like insufficient solder and lifted leads that a 2D inspection might miss. Further downstream, a fixed industrial scanner can help confirm component IDs, lot codes, and revisions, linking each board’s barcode to its inspection data. This connection facilitates traceability, faster root-cause analysis, and efficient exception handling by logging any unread or out-of-tolerance conditions.

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Develop adaptable AOI systems for PCB assembly

Aurora Imaging Library is a machine vision software development kit (SDK) that provides the tools to build and customize AOI systems for printed circuit board (PCB) inspection. It enables developers to create solutions for detecting defects, measuring dimensions, verifying components, and performing both 2D and 3D inspections. Aurora Imaging Library’s tools are integral to various stages of PCB manufacturing, such as pre-reflow, component placement, and post-reflow inspections, automating tasks that are traditionally error-prone and time-consuming. Its hardware-independent architecture, featuring a consistent API, ensures compatibility with a wide range of cameras and frame grabbers, minimizing code changes during hardware upgrades and protecting developers’ investments. The library also supports accelerated application development through tools like Aurora CoPilot, which simplifies prototyping, automates code generation, and streamlines hardware integration.

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