Computer vision for electronics manufacturing

The author addresses the need for use of vision systems in the electronic industry with certain specific examples of systems that were developed at Texas Instruments. The requirements for precise location and inspection of components are increasing continuously in the semiconductor industry due to smaller pattern geometries and decreasing lead to lead spacing, which in turn mandates the use of computerized vision systems to replace manual tasks. The modular advanced vision system (MAVS) processor was developed by Texas Instruments in the late 1980´s for internal vision applications. The individual modules are described. Vision applications in wafer fabrication, IC assembly and board assembly are discussed. Commonly used vision algorithms and the performance requirements for vision systems are considered