Research Overview
Inspection Systems to Keep Pace with Increasing Printed Circuit Board
Densities
With electronic devices using increasingly complex printed circuit boards
(PCBs), there is a need for faster inspection throughput to verify all solder
joints within a shortened manufacturing cycle. The introduction of newer
packaging techniques such as chip scale packaging (CSP) has further necessitated
technology upgrades in the inspection markets. To accommodate the needs of end
users, vision and X-Ray inspection systems must have higher resolution to
examine the finer-pitch components and cross-sectional imaging of double-sided
boards. The short life of electronic goods makes it necessary to have a thorough
inspection to maximize the output of the electronic devices.
This Frost & Sullivan research service examines the world vision and
X-ray inspection systems in electronics manufacturing market and discusses the
various market trends and opportunities in North America, Europe, the Asia
Pacific and the Rest-of-the-World region. The study provides drivers,
restraints, and challenges that affect the market and presents forecasts and
recommendations to overcome growth barriers.
Automated Optical Inspection Systems with Higher Resolution and Processing
Speed Needed to Meet Enhanced End-User Requirements
With the launch of high-density boards with tiny components, there has been a
consequent demand for automated optical inspection (AOI) systems with higher
resolution for accuracy. Since the increasingly sophisticated end-use devices
require rapid acquisition and procession of images, it is natural for inspection
system companies to invest in the development of superior image processing
software.
"Many semiconductor manufacturers consider high-resolution X-ray
inspection systems an ideal solution for inspecting and analyzing the solder
mass and hidden voids beneath the surface of a bump," notes the analyst of
this research. "X-ray inspection systems that meet regulatory automated
handling standards for 200m and 300m wafer capability are available."
Improved Uptake in the Semiconductor Industry Boosts Market Revenue
The recent boom in the semiconductor market was partly due to the increasing
optimal usage levels obtained at fabrication plants in Asia. This trend has led
to the growth of vision inspection systems that have applications in
semiconductor manufacturing.
Since fabrication plants are expensive, cost-intensive large fabrication
plants have to achieve high economies of scale to be profitable. "The
growing importance of consumer markets has driven the high volume manufacturing
strategy among inspection system companies," says the analyst. "This
has, in turn, highlighted the focus on quality-related issues, propelling the
sales of vision inspection systems in the semiconductor market."
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