Figure 1: Quality control, or QC, is a vital part of the electronics manufacturing process. Source: Evident Scientific

Quality control, or QC, is a vital part of the electronics manufacturing process. To help ensure that complex components meet targeted specifications and comply with international standards, semiconductor and electronic component manufacturers use industrial microscopes as part of their QC process. Industrial microscopes are essential for detecting defects and variations that can pose a risk to product quality. This includes false positioning of components on printed circuit boards (PCBs), electroconductive contaminants on semiconductor wafers, and dead pixels on camera sensors and screens.

However, the QC process can be costly and time-consuming, which is why manufacturers continually seek ways to streamline their methods and improve efficiency. Choosing the right software to control QC microscopes can significantly impact the bottom line. This is where PRECiV image and measurement software comes in. It can optimize product inspection across multiple users. With standardized microscope operations, manufacturers can speed up detection and improve the repeatability of results.

Here are some of the ways this powerful industrial imaging software can optimize product inspection:

1. Step-by-step guidance for inspectors

PRECiV software has a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy for users of all experience levels to acquire microscope images, take measurements, analyze results, document data and share results. The software's interface has large, clearly labeled buttons to walk users through each step of the inspection process. This enables reliable results and repeatable measurements independent of the operator. Advanced settings remain hidden for new users to shorten the training process and keep them on task. The home screen can even be customized to show the most relevant features for the inspection.

Figure 2: PRECiV image and measurement software comes in. It can optimize product inspection across multiple users. Source: Evident Scientific

2. Simple-to-use measurement tools

Manual measurements are simple to make and can be reloaded when performing measurements on a series of recorded images. PRECiV software provides an extensive set of 2D count and measure tools, including essential tools for defect measurement, such as distance, area, diameter, angle and coordinates, as well as advanced tools. With these tools, users can easily detect and measure defects, improving the speed and accuracy of the inspection process.

Advanced tools include:

• Detect edges automatically defines the start and end points of the measurement using contrast detection
• Link object connects existing measurements
• Auxiliary lines make it easy to perform complex geometric measurements
• Export measurement results buttons directly export results in the desired format to a shared drive

Figure 3: PRECiV software also provides integrated control of compatible microscopes, motorized nosepieces and microscope cameras. Source: Evident Scientific

3. Control of industrial microscopes and cameras

PRECiV software also provides integrated control of compatible microscopes, motorized nosepieces and microscope cameras, including short-wave infrared (SWIR) technology. This enables users to examine large semiconductor wafers and electronic components thoroughly.

The software's live acquisition tools expand the imaging capabilities, providing the ability to acquire large, all-in-focus images of semiconductor wafers and electronic components. For instance, extended focal imaging (EFI) acquires images at different focal places to clearly image thick parts in electronics, while panorama mode moves the stage across large parts to image beyond the microscope’s field of view. With motorized devices, the software automatically acquires combined panorama and EFI images to shorten the inspection time.

With live image enhancement features, such as high dynamic range (HDR) adjustment and halation removal, users can easily capture high-resolution images and examine them with precision.

Figure 4: Flexible imaging is another benefit, as users can switch microscopy techniques to observe defects and features under various imaging conditions. Source: Evident Scientific

4. Flexible imaging conditions to efficiently find defects

Flexible imaging is another benefit, as users can switch microscopy techniques to observe defects and features under various imaging conditions. PRECiV software supports brightfield, darkfield, polarization, differential interference contrast (DIC) and MIX (directional darkfield). Making it easier to see hard-to-see defects and depressions, MIX observation lets users flexibly control the direction of the darkfield illumination and combine it with another observation method such as brightfield, fluorescence or polarization. Infrared (IR) imaging helps users reveal even more by enabling nondestructive inspection through silicon layers of packaged products.

5. Connected workstations for QC teams

A QC team equipped with PRECiV workstations can streamline and standardize its procedures through network sharing of data and settings. Imaging conditions, measurement parameters, files and other settings can be saved and reloaded on any PRECiV workstation. Access rights can be defined so only authorized users can modify system parameters. These features help get the right information in front of the right operator quickly and easily.

6. Automation for greater confidence in results

PRECiV software also provides automated features that help ensure all measurements are conducted in accordance with international fabrication regulations. For example, the software connects to the microscope and automatically calibrates the image magnification using a certified micrometer scale. With optional material solutions workflows for advanced applications, the system guides users through the steps required to obtain measurements that comply with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ASTM International and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS).

Image analysis with deep learning is another way users can take advantage of automation. With TruAI deep-learning technology, users can apply a trained neural network to comparable images to automatically segment objects. Networks trained with instance segmentation offer the powerful capability to distinguish between touching objects with one click, eliminating the need to perform post-processing work. This helps users easily tackle complex applications in just one step while providing a more reproducible and robust analysis.

7. Efficient report creation

Creating a report is just as simple as imaging, taking measurements and performing an analysis. PRECiV software automatically produces compliant and professional reports based on predefined and customized templates. Users can freely modify the report template with the company logo or sample information as needed, and reports can be exported to Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint.

Tools to improve manufacturing quality control processes

Implementing PRECiV software in an electronics manufacturing QC process gives users a range of tools to streamline inspections and save costs. With its user-friendly interface, integrated control of microscopes and cameras, and comprehensive imaging and measurement, PRECiV software increases inspection efficiency and enhances the accuracy and repeatability of measurements. Contact an Evident representative today to learn more about how PRECiV software can improve a QC process.