Mechatronic Modular Design of an Apparatus for PC Board Inspection

The design to market time of printed circuit boards (PCBs) is a function of individual cycle times of different processes that comprise the production of the PCBs. Production of a family of PCBs with common electronic component layout, composition and interconnections can also be greatly reduced by implementing the principle of Reverse Engineering (RE). This will reduce the PCBs cycle time and improve product introduction into the market. RE of PCBs can be achieved by visual inspection, which forms part of quality assurance of PCB’s. This project proposes an apparatus, designed using modular mechatronic principles. The apparatus can also be used as an inspection station. The developed apparatus uses vision technology to acquire the information on the design of the finished prototype PCBs i.e. electronic component composition and layout, and PCBs’ artwork. Single sensor mechanics is used as a scanning system to capture the image of the finished prototype circuit for RE and inspection. Efficient PCBs’ image acquisition is achieved stepwise by implementing the camera position module and the rotating table module. The PCB mover module is used to transport PCB’s to and from the rotating table. The developed apparatus uses low cost power electronics and sensor circuitry to achieve the desired levels of motion control and intelligence.