BGA inspection scope - Visual

We looked at some systems but didn't buy any. What we use is a little mirror. I believe Metron makes it. It is a small diamond shaped mirror with beveled sides and a handle. Used with a microscope, you can see a lot. They are around $100.00. Sometimes low tech is best.

reply »

I am in agreement with Stephen. we also use the little mirror with a microscope.

Russ

reply »

The last statement saying that seeing down the bga component with these systems is useless, is an incorrect statement. First with x-ray you do not see flux residue and or flux migration, second with x-ray you do not see a cold solder joint. Visual inspection far exceeds what any other method. I have had experience with many of these systems. Draw backs have been A) poor lighting B) if you have a staggard array component then the light source will not shine thru thus balls in the center of the package are difficult to see. Standard array packages are fine for these systems. C) Lens scratch costs an arm and a leg for repair and it happens often D)A highly populated dense package board sometimes it is difficult to get the lens down in close enough to be able to see the package. E) Angle vision is out except for one system and I'm not here to promote any one system D) Service must be a concern. my suggestion is deal with a vendor who has sold enough systems that they know the in's and out's and are there to service you at a drop of a dime. As far the the Metron mirrors are concerned, we used alot of them prior to purchasing a bga inspection system. We got these from a distributor in NewHampshire. Hope this was of help to you.

reply »

Edmunds Optics has them

http://www.edmundoptics.com/IOD/DisplayProduct.cfm?productid=2038

the link above is for a Prism. Works well. Continued search on the Edmunds site will get you a mirror if need be.

Cal Communications Test Design, Inc www.CTDI.com

reply »

Tom:

Cheapest is grind flat spot on inspection mirror. Plastic mirror is easiest and works for the 1st 2 rows.

reply »

Caltex or Ersa type system is good, Caltex prisms, necessary for looking underneath the BGA can be crashed easily when looking under low profile or Micros. $40-$110 each depending on the availability and who makes 'em. We have 2D and 3D X-ray available, but a visual, with the ability to send and save a blow up picture of a BGA joint is necessary for optimizing profiles and pointing out Warp and Flux and cold solder issues. 99% we are looking at outside and corner balls. For me, I like that new hand held system. Don't have one yet. Any feedback on that from anyone.

reply »

I am pretty happy with my Ersascope, they have been a little slow with software updates and with software questions that i have had. But my main reason that this has paid for itself is dealing with our non-local contract manufacturers, we have used the mirrors for years and that is fine if the same operator is going to do the rework and reinspection of lets say a BGA for instance. But if you have to send the board back across the country and explain what you saw using the mirror, verses sending pictures taken by the ersascope. One limitation of the ersascope is the room it requires between components.

reply »

I like you looked all over and was frustrated. The prices that they are asking, you would think that we were back in the 90s when money was all over the place.

After looking around I found a BGA-100 from SMT Tools. This system will do everything you will need for under 4k. My techs and customers have been impressed with the images especially with the color pictures from the printer he offers.

Buy the way, with the $20k i saved we bought a x-ray system to go with it.

Gary

reply »

We can speak from experience, the Ersascope needs only 1.5mm to see along side a device and is the only system that looks low enough, the cheaper systems may be fine for normal packages but forget it for csp's, micro BGA's Also its the only system that you can put the lense up against the package and still see. Further to this it now has a lense protection system which has stopped all breakages.

Sorry I'm a convert The Ersascope seems to be the Industry standard, all the other systems have jumped on the band wagon but don't offer the same advancements ie magnification for a start.

reply »

Why all the fuss about BGA inspection?? If your reflow process is sound and your rework system is competent (i.e a PDR) they will be fine. Best advice I can offer is to srike a deal with an outside company who will inspect a small batch of your products every 4-6 months with there X-RAY own X-RAY systems looking for voids and other problems. You will probably find they have spent a fortune on X-RAY and hardly use it, They will do almost anything to get this equipment paid for.

reply »