SMT Process Management And Problem Solving

Completion of ATE-based programming requires detailed knowledge of programming hardware and software, as well as expertise in the components that can be used for programming. In order to be able to create programming rules correctly, the test engineer must have a good understanding of PIC programming, the elimination rule system, and the verification rule system. Unfortunately, this knowledge is generally beyond the test engineer's expertise, and a single mistake can be catastrophic.

The test engineer must also have a timely understanding of the programming issues involved, such as: component price and availability, increased component density, test defectivity, field failure rates, and regular contact with semiconductor suppliers. sexual communication.

Also, since the semiconductor supplier or ATE supplier will not be responsible for the results of the programming, all responsibility for solving problems with the programmed device falls entirely on the shoulders of the test engineer.

For example, if the failure is due to a sudden increase in the programmable quantity, the test engineer must first determine the source of the problem and then work on solving the problem. What if the problem is caused by a component problem, caused by the ATE programming software, caused by the PCB design, or caused by the test fixture?

These complex problems can take weeks to break down and resolve, while the production line is only brought to a standstill.

In contrast, companies that are in the leading position in the field of device programming will work directly with semiconductor suppliers to solve problems in programming equipment, or design their own equipment, so they can quickly identify the root cause of the problem. .