Review

New crops of hardware and software tools have entered the marketplace to help designers translate new end-product concepts into working prototypes faster and more efficiently. They range from soldering irons and test and burn-in sockets to desktop systems for populating pc boards and re-working populated boards. Here is a sampling of several of the more interesting prototyping products developed over the past 12 months.

With the introduction of Multicap 7 and Multisim 7 by Electronics Workbench (ewbeurope.com), engineers have the tools needed to significantly accelerate and improve their pc board design work. Multicap 7 boasts of the following: a user interface that reduces the steps needed for repetitive schematic entry tasks; powerful algorithms that support automatic wiring, as well as part dragging without losing connections; and an easy means for finding and placing parts. Melding a simulation tool with a version of Multicap 7, Multisim 7 interactive simulator touts, among other things, co-simulation capabilities and an extensive suite of analysis tools. And it can also co-simulate SPICE, VHDI, Verilog and RF devices so that complete boards containing devices not practically modeled in SPICE can be analyzed.

For effective reworking of advanced packages, such as BGAs, CSPs and flip-chips, the IR-X400 hands-free, semi-automatic system combines the company's focused infrared (FIR) heating system, a dual-zone IR PCB pre-heater, and an independent component and PCB closed-loop temperature controller. Other features of the new rework system from PDR SMT/ BGA Rework Solutions (smtrework.com) include precision component pick-up, with macro-micro Z-axis and rotation and precision X/Y table with accurate macro/micro movement.

When doing solder rework of miniature electronic components on high-density printed circuit boards a good selection of tips is a necessity. An example of products in this area are the SMTC and STTC series of Micro Fine Rework Tips from Metcal (metcal.com). The SMTC-X171 tip works from a topside angle for improved microscope viewing when reworking or removing micro capacitors or other components. The SMTC-X172 tip is designed for fine drag and point-to-point soldering, allowing lead-to-lead or solder bridge cleanup with easy access between components. The SMTC-X175 has a micro-hoof tip with a small surface area for drag soldering small- and micro-leaded components.

Circuit assemblies can be probed automatically and accurately with Huntron's (huntron.com) Access, an open architecture, automated probing station that accelerates board design verification. The station can be integrated with general-purpose automated test equipment (ATE) by coupling it with National Instruments's LabVIEW software.

For micro BGA and CSP package test and burn-in, Aries Electronics (arieselec.com) has developed a line of sockets that employ solderless, pressure-mount, compression spring probes that are accurately located by two molded plastic alignment pins and held with four stainless steel screws. The sockets can accept devices measuring up to 13 mm x 13 mm with a pitch of 0.5 mm or larger and can be used in applications operating up to 1 GHz. Socket life time is pegged at up to 500,000 cycles,

And for those prototyping assignments involving use of coaxial cable, Eraser (eraser.com) has developed a smart little stripper that can take off insulation from cables having 0.030" to 0.430" ODs. The portable, light weight (2 lb.) Model 824 has a one-step stripping action, uses an all-metal cutter head, and operates with either a rechargeable NiCd battery or an ac supply.

—Joe DelGatto

Outlook

Keeping Prototypes Fault-Free
The prototyping stage in the development of new electronic products continues to undergo considerable change, with more and more of the design and implementation of prototypes taking place on computers rather than on layout boards. And the manufacture of prototypes is largely handled today by contract manufacturers, with only a minority of OEMs continuing to have facilities with which to produce prototypes in-house. Even so, the market for prototyping products should remain strong, bolstered by the demand for improved design and test software, desktop or pilot-plant-size pick-and-place and rework equipment, soldering tools, test sockets, and other products needed to bring new generations of end-products to market fault-free.

—JDG