Product/Service
BP-6500 In-Line Programming System
- Combines the benefits of Off-line programming and In-circuit programming into one machine
- Sets up new jobs in minutes
- High speed concurrent programming eliminates bottlenecks
- Allows programming just prior to surface mounting
- Flexibility to program any combination of Flash, microcontrollers, EEPROMs, PLDs and FPGAs
- Places TSOP, BGA, SOIC, PLCC, and QFP after programming
- JIT programming eliminates inventory of programmed devices
- Pick, program and place devices onto circuit boards
- Programs and tests multiple device types and patterns simultaneously
- Production line changeovers in less than 5 minutes
- Eliminates programming during test
- Designed to meet demands of world class, high-volume production lines
In-Line Programming is a totally new programming methodology that combines pick-and-place with programming functions in one machine.
Traditionally, users have chosen either off-line conventional programming or In-system (ISP)/In-circuit programming (ICP) to program Flash memories, microcontrollers, PLDs and FPGAs. Some users have chosen ISP because they wanted to simplify process flow, eliminate the inventory of programmed devices and allow last minute code changes. But in the process, these users discovered that designing products for ISP, building their own board programmer and configuring their production lines to accommodate this homegrown programming solution is not easy.
Now BP Microsystems has introduced the first In-Line Programming system so users can have the best of both worlds. The BP-6500 is designed to meet the demands of world class, high-volume production lines that produce today's and tomorrow's most sophisticated products.
Compared to ISP, BP-6500's In-Line Programming technology gives you greater design flexibility. You can use standard circuits, instead of requiring custom-designed versions for ISP. And, you don't have to develop custom algorithms as you would with custom ISP solutions. These benefits reduce cost and save valuable time-to-market.
Productivity
Incorporating eight high-speed programming sites, the system has enough programming horsepower to keep up with even the fastest lines. Unlike ISP which programs just one board at a time and frequently suffers from slow programming, the BP-6500 programs up to 8 parts concurrently using BP's advanced Fifth Generation technology, which dramatically reduces programming times.
Converting to In-Line Programming may eliminate programming bottlenecks and help speed up your beat rate. By eliminating or reducing parallel program/test stations, floor space requirements will be dramatically reduced. Manual board handling can also be eliminated, reducing the line to a simple linear flow.
Simplified process flow
The BP-6500 simplifies the flow of materials in your factory. By combining programming and assembly on a single pick-and-place system, the BP-6500 eliminates the need for off-line programming and the requisite double-handling and double inventory of devices. In-line Programming also eliminates the need to program your boards during test. While simple in concept, programming during test often slows production lines, requires breaking up the process flow so that multiple test stations can be used and can cause delays due to reliability, manpower and time-to-market issues.
Flexibility
While manufacturers have been challenged to become more flexible, In-System Programming has stood in the way by tying production lines to single products. Now, the BP-6500 gives you the advantages of just-in-time programming without sacrificing flexibility. Setting up a new board is as simple as choosing the components you want programmed from a menu, specifying the file to use, and inputting the components' CAD coordinates into the software. Unlike ISP, the system can program all types of devices-Flash, microcontrollers, PLDs, and FPGAs-in any combination on its eight programming sites so it provides unparalleled flexibility to handle even complex boards.
Gone are the days of an engineering team taking months to prepare a new product for production. Now, with snap on socket modules and quick set-up software, production line changeovers can be accomplished in less than 5 minutes. File and setup information can also be centralized so every line in your factory can share the same data.
Fault tolerance for reliability
The BP-6500, based on BP's successful line of automated programming systems, incorporates the same field-proven features that have made BP's systems so reliable in the field.
The BP-6500's robust pick and place system is designed to be as simple as possible and easy to service. Relying on vision centering and linear encoders, the system compensates continuously for wear and variations that can affect placement accuracy over time. The programming system incorporates fault tolerance that can automatically detect a failure in a programming site and reconfigure itself so the BP-6500 can continue operating without interruption. In the event that the control electronics should fail, the system incorporates an interchangeable electronics box that can be swapped out in just minutes. Finally, for quality assurance, the BP-6500's self-test feature can test over 95% of the system electronics at the press of a button.
Designed to be reliable in high throughput environments, the BP-6500 has evolved from a proven base of component handling equipment. Built on the success and innovations that have made the BP-4100 the most successful automated programming system, the BP-6500 offers dependable throughput with maximum yields for virtually every surface-mount programmable integrated circuit.
In fact, BP Microsystems is a leader in the programming industry for supporting virtually every available device and delivering automated systems that solve real-world problems. BP uses the same algorithms based on their proprietary Device Programming Language (DPL) across its entire product line. As a result, no algorithm rewrites are required when BP introduces a new programming system. So, BP's engineers can concentrate on developing support for new devices, rather than updating the software for old devices to work on new systems. The bottom line is that you don't have to worry about whether the system will be able to program your devices - it probably does already.
Easy integration
The BP-6500 adheres rigorously to the SMEMA specification for surface mount equipment operation. So it's a simple matter to integrate one into your factory's existing production line.
The BP-6500 builds on an established base of innovations. For example, consider the self-teaching technology that BP introduced in 1998 with the debut of the BP-3100. By reducing the labor required to set up new jobs, self-teaching speeds production changes and simplifies the production task. You'll also find that the BP-6500 offers user interface features that your operators are already familiar with; they'll be programming parts in no time, even with no prior programming experience.
The BP-6500 also eases production line changeovers. To substitute a new part, it's just a simple matter of selecting it in software. You don't have to waste effort rewriting test and programming code. Instead, you save time and money-important factors in speeding your finished product to market. And with the BP-6500's extensive array of supported devices, you can stop worrying about the possibility of shutting down your production line due to component availability problems.
Imagine the Possibilities
Because the BP-6500 fits into existing surface mount production lines, it preserves your current equipment investment. With the self-teaching technology pioneered by BP Microsystems assuring minimal set-up time for new devices, you can count on reduced downtime when you're facing design changes. And for the least amount of time spent on job changeovers, BP software takes the pain out of the process.
BP Microsystems, 1000 N. Post Oak Rd, #225, Houston, TX 77055. Tel: 713-688-4600; Fax: 713-688-0920.
