Programming system helps optimise manufacturing processes

Using ProgWorx provides the best balance of cost, performance and flexibility. In typical electronics manufacturing flows, programming is often performed by the ATE system, tying up this expensive and inefficient resource, or by using slow, expensive manual programming. ProgWorx ISP allows manufacturers to improve the capacity of their production lines by freeing up the ATE system, and to reduce the programming time by using optimised programmers. ProgWorx ISP is particularly beneficial for systems with larger memory sizes, where the improvement in programming time and production line throughput is particularly apparent.

The programming hardware is connected to the panel of boards using an interchangeable “bed of nails” cassette, which is customised for the particular system. The ProgWorx software supports barcode scanners, label printers and automatic serial numbering, and integrates with manufacturing systems through APIs. The user can see the progress of the programming process, including which boards pass and fail, through the ProgWorx GUI. LEDs positioned on the cassette below each board can also be illuminated to give a clear visual indication of which boards pass or fail the programming process.

A particular advantage of using ProgWorx ISP is the high level of traceability. Customers can use this functionality for many purposes from statistical process control to monitoring throughput rates.