Release 4.2 of the graphical Boundary Scan operating system SYSTEM CASCON features more than 20 new technologies and tools. Besides the Navigator, Component Explorer and an improved programmer, the HYSCAN (Hybrid Scan Technology) addition aids the execution and diagnosis of hybrid formatted test patterns.
 
HYSCAN is  based on a new hardware-independent emulation method and relieves the user from the entire handling of serial-to-parallel vectors. Test program generation and fault diagnosis can be done without  knowing the type of test access. The parallel test vectors are connected with the individually configured pin electronic by means of Wrapper Modules. By exchanging these modules, the parallel vectors can be linked to the required pin electronic without re-compilating the test program. The first supported pin electronic are the parallel I/O modules PXI 5296 and PXI 52192 with 96 and 192 test channels, respectively.
 
The Component Explorer is a graphical tool for the interactive generation and manipulation of intelligent design data. Unknown components and complete component cluster can be defined and implemented into the database. Is directly linked with Scan Vision tools for the visualization of schematic and layout as well as the graphical library.    
 
The Navigator tool for the interactive user guidance gives support in terms of hyperlinks, videos or topic related documents.
 
The new version is downwards compatible to all previous versions and supports all Boundary Scan controllers on basis of VXI, PXI, PCI, USB, GPIB, Parallel Port, RS232 and Fast Ethernet.

GÖPEL electronic, www.goepel.com

TestXcell provides automated test equipment (ATE) programming, DFT analysis, fixture design output and schematic viewing. Also features design data importing/exporting and a component database pre-populated with 36,000 electrical models and 1,000 package models.

Allows management of the test process from intelligent graphical design data input through net adaptability checking, component testability checking and full mechanical fixture design to the generation of tester input lists and circuit description files.

Supports all major ATE systems and CAD import formats.

Aegis Industrial Software Corp., aiscorp.com

Focus-Wash is a combination of several wash methods that combine to focus the wash solution into smaller, higher impact areas. New capabilities include:
 
New style spray system increases wash solution impact pressure 5X over previous models. Nozzle's spray angle is decreased from 50° to 15°, and the flow rate is increased by approximately 60%.
 
New style spray arm doubles the quantity of spray nozzles. Uses 10 nozzles arranged to create 10 concentric spray patterns.
 
New oscillating board rack eliminates blind spots by creating infinite impingement angles. The stroke of the oscillating board rack is approximately equal to the nozzle spacing, creating multi-directional impingement.
 

New multi-stage spray pump designs provide increased pump performance and efficiency. The pumps are optimized for pump utilization, longer pump life and lower electrical costs.

 
Aqueous Technologies Corp., aqueoustech.com

The 2005 AS-Interface Selection Guide is a full-color resource to assist users in selecting AS-Interface components for their application. 
 
Featured technologies include scanners and gateways, power supplies and repeaters, I/O modules, Safety at Work components, intelligent photoelectric and inductive sensors, as well as rotary encoders, accessories and cables.  Visitors can request a hard copy or download PDF information at: www.am.pepperl-fuchs.com/literature/litform.asp
 
Pepperl+Fuchs

CATSWeb Records Management allows easy, effective compliance with corporate record retention policies. Designed to address business requirements for electronic recordkeeping and compliance, while allowing a quick ROI, compliance enforcement and lower exposure to risk.

 

Automates the process of archiving or purging records and documents that meet configurable criteria. Facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements and standards related to records management; improves productivity and effectiveness of administrative staff; minimizes legal liabilities by ensuring that records are kept for only as long as they are useful and needed, consistent with corporate policies; and eases location and retrieval of archived records via integration with record-level audit trail and built-in query and search engines.

AssurX Inc., assurx.com

A new tier of elastomeric connector products is available with proprietary Z-Alloy material. The connectors combine the reliability of solid metallic contacts with the flexibility of the silicone support material into one economical package.  Are corrosion-resistant and offer a cost savings compared to traditional gold-plated contacts.
 
Standard connectors feature .002" (0.05 mm) wide conductors on .004 " (0.1 mm) centers for a conductor density of 250 per inch. Despite the fine geometry of the contacts, the material is said to be strong and durable enough to withstand repeated uses and will not break or fracture. 
 
Z-Axis Connector Co., zaxisconnector.com

ALPHA CoolCap thermal protection device cools components and semiconductor packages during high-temperature lead-free reflow and rework processes.
 
Said to provide cost-effective protection without a substantial investment in process changes and redesign, while maintaining the high yield and throughput required by electronic assemblers. The reusable custom-fitted caps keep semiconductor packages below 245°C or 260°C and minimize temperature variation within packages from over 10°C down to 2-5°C, while minimizing warpage, popcorning and delamination.
 
Can be used in no-clean, water-soluble or RMA processes as a temporary heat sink that can be placed on components either by hand or with existing pick-and-place equipment.  No adhesive is required and no residue is left on boards or components. Can be designed to cool the package body, allowing reflow underneath, or to "overcool" - preventing reflow in cases such as adjacent packages during rework. 
 
Cookson Electronics Assembly Materials, alphametals.com

Recent test results have validated the superior moisture resistance of protective coating PC10882, a mineral-filled epoxy dielectric material designed to be screen-printed onto a range of substrates as a protective coating for trimmed resistors and general circuit protection. The cured film is tough and offers protection against thermal shock, solvent attack, moisture, abrasion, oxidation and plating processes.

Although a proven solution in the marketplace for almost a decade, recent tests conducted over the last year surpass expectations in moisture and temperature resistance.

Moisture testing involved saturation in a pressure cooker for one hour before dipping into dip in 260°C solder pot and then performing a tape adhesion test.  
 
LORD Corporation, www.lord.com

ALPHA EF-6000 rosin-free wave solder flux is designed for lead-free and tin-lead processes. The alcohol-based, no-clean flux reportedly provides superior solderability and high yields as processes are transitioned from tin-lead to lead-free.
 
Offers in-circuit pintestability and electrical reliability in tin-lead and lead-free wave soldering applications.  IPC rated ROL0, exceeds the Bellcore and JIS standards for electromigration and surface insulation resistance. 
 
Cookson Electronics Assembly Materials, alphametals.com

The line of 5145P3 Series PCB mount mini-din connectors will now be available with a full metal shield and EMI/RFI gaskets on the mounting face for conducted and radiated noise suppression. Available in 3 through 8 pin configurations, the gasket option for is the same one used on the RJ-45 connector line. The new connectors also have high temperature material in the housing and can be ordered in a RoHS-compliant configuration. 
 
The conductive gasket provides EMI/RFI noise attenuation and is interchangeable with shielded and unshielded versions (same footprint and panel cutout). The connectors are said to be easy to mount.
 
They provide easily identified pin configurations for applications that require multiple mini-din connectors on a single PC board or device. 
 
Regal Electronics Inc., regalusa.com

EP77M-F is a two-component, silver filled, electrically conductive epoxy adhesive for high-performance bonding. The compound has a low volume resistivity of 10^-3 ohm-cm. It will set up in 5-10 min. at room temperature, even when applied in very small amounts. Full cure usually takes 8-12 hrs at room temperature. Electrical conductivity is first detectable within 30-60 min.

 

Has high bond strength to similar and dissimilar substrates. Adheres to metals, glass, ceramics, vulcanized rubbers and most plastics. Bonds are resistant to thermal cycling and chemicals including water, oil and most organic solvents. Has a service operating range of 4°K to +125°C.

 

Has a one-to-one mix ratio, by weight or volume. Can be applied with minimal sagging or dripping even on vertical surfaces. It is 100% reactive and does not contain any diluents or solvents.

 

Available in glass jars, metal containers or syringes.

 

Masterbond, masterbond.com

 

SmartScope Quest 650, a large-measurement-volume dimensional metrology system, now has programmable five-axis measuring.  A motorized dual rotary indexer allows sensors to measure features anywhere on complex parts. Metrology software supports simultaneous five-axis motion, keeping the coordinate system aligned with the rotating part.  This system measures parts such as turbine blades, vanes and airfoils.
 
Includes high-speed linear motors, a large working volume, support of a variety of sensors (video, laser, touch probe, micro-probe) and the ability to switch between sensors at any point in a measurement routine.
 
The patented zoom lens, designed for precision video metrology, is telecentric and is said to provide a clear, high contrast image with virtually zero distortion.
 
Features a massive granite base and a thermally stable Meehanite bridge, providing stability over an xyz measurement volume of 600 x 660 x 300 mm (24 x 26 x 12"). The z-axis range can be extended to 400 mm (16").
 
 
Optical Gaging Products, ogpnet.com