Enormous savings can be made with the F5000 programmer when it is designed into a special purpose handler for high volume production. The photograph shows such a handler fitted with four F5000 programmers capable of programming over 1,000 pcbs per day. Each circuit contains a 32 bit microcontroller and a serial eeprom which need programming. Tested pcbs are passed to the handler on a conveyor and they are then programmed by the four F5000s. The handler is controlled by a PC supported by a UPS.
As the F5000 has a powerful 32 bit microcontroller, the programming time can be reduced to almost the theoretical minimum. In this particular case, the F5000 programs the micro in 40 seconds which is over twice as fast as when programming it from a PC based facility used for development. Since the programming time is less than the cycle time, there is no adverse effect on volumes.
The F5000 is ideal for use in such automated systems as it is fitted with an optically isolated interface. A simple logic signal starts the F5000 which responds with a busy signal and then a pass or fail signal as appropriate.
As the F5000 can store up to seven different versions of the target code, it is possible to change versions almost immediately.
The system is highly automated with a bar code reader identifying each pcb passing through the programmer.
Previously, these components needed to be programmed off-line and then taped and reeled for subsequent assembly. The introduction of this handler designed and manufactured by ALPHR Technology eliminated these costs, reduced stock holding costs and provided increased flexibility.
Lloyd Research Ltd is Europe's oldest manufacturer of production programmers.
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