GE Measurement & Control Solutions

GE Introduces Its phoenix x|aminer, High Magnification X-Ray

Inspection Solution for Electronics Manufacture

Provides High Resolution and Features New Imaging Software

Wunstorf, Germany. – 28 March 2011. — The new phoenix x|aminer from GE´s Inspection Technologies business is a 5-axis, microfocus X-ray inspection system developed for quality control applications in the manufacture of electronics sub-assemblies. It is particularly suitable for the reliable and accurate inspection of soldered joints. The phoenix x|aminer features 2 megapixel high resolution and high magnification, its powerful imaging software permits intuitive programming  and component manipulation is precise and easy using a computer mouse or joystick.

As Tobias Neubrand, product manager for the phoenix product line, explains, “The reliability of electronic sub-assemblies strongly depends on solder joint quality and with today’s manufacturing technology, many solder joints are no longer directly visible. The x|aminer is the latest addition to our electronics sub-assembly inspection portfolio and offers reliable defect recognition in a system which can be easily automated, with an inspection area that can accept large printed circuit board assemblies.”

An important design feature of the new system is its oblique view high magnification (ovhm) module. The ovhm allows an oblique angle view of up to 70° with almost no decrease in the total magnification of up to > 23,000x,  ensuring the best possible quality of defect information in the vertical direction. Ease of maintenance is also permitted with the system’s open, 160kV microfocus tube design, whose easy cathode replacement ensures unlimited operating life, while its 20W of tube power at target can penetrate even the most radiation-absorbing components.

The new x|aminer is supplied with the latest phoenix x|act software, whose simple macro recording permits intuitive programming of inspection tasks in terms of position and image parameters, with all display settings saved with just one mouse click. Automatically created sample maps can be used for all pcbs of the same type anywhere in the system, even when rotated and flipped, and automatic image enhancement improves live images to ensure greater probability of defect detection.

“Fast and reliable delivery is increasingly important in the electronics manufacturing sector,” elaborates Tobias Neubrand, “and for this reason we have decided to use our ISO-certified GE manufacturing facility in Shanghai to carry out final assembly of the phoenix x|aminer.  This locates us very close to our important Asian customer base.”,

Image captions:

Image 1: Compact system for high resolution X-ray inspection: GE´s phoenix x|aminer

Image 2: High resolution microfocus X-ray inspection of BGA balls

About Measurement & Control Solutions

Measurement & Control Solutions delivers accuracy, productivity and safety to a wide range of industries, including oil & gas, power generation, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. It has over 40 facilities in 25 countries and is part of GE Energy Services, which provides cleaner, smarter, more efficient solutions for its customers. For further information visit,  www.ge-mcs.com/phoenix

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.

GE serves the energy sector by developing and deploying technology that helps make efficient use of natural resources. With more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, GE Energy www.ge.com/energy is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies. The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Services and GE Oil & Gas—work together to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels.

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Media Contact:

David Jervis