BP Microsystems, a leading supplier of device programming systems worldwide, will highlight the latest addition to its Helix automated device programmer in booth 52C01 at the upcoming NEPCON South China exhibition and conference, scheduled to take place August 29 through September 1, 2006, at the Shenzhen Convention  Exhibition Center in Shenzhen, China. Automating the device programming cycle has always been the preference in electronics manufacturing, but until now, the cost of this equipment was difficult to economically justify. With the next generation of the Helix programming system, device programming customers can get the quality of automated device handling at a lower price point than traditionally available.

 As a desktop automated system, the Helix comes standard with two precision-designed tray input and output handling systems with a reject location. The updated system is designed to have the same dph and is based on the Helix-TU-10 design. The tray version uses the same core programming technology, as well as the same socket modules as the standard BP Microsystems automated line.

The pressure plates are exchangeable between the tray version and the Helix-TU-10 units. Integrated in the handler are two BP Micro Enhanced 7th Generation programming sites with FX4trade; socket module capability. FX4trade; socket module technology allows for programming up to four devices simultaneously per site. The Helix system is designed to handle a wide range of packages including but not limited to MSOP, SOIC, PLCC, SSOP and TSSOP. A tray only version will be available at a later date. 

The operational sequence of the machine picks the part from tray input, transfers the part to the programming socket, programs the part, and returns the part to tray output. Integrated motors open and close programming sites in synchronization with the placement and retrieval of parts. The precision tooling head requires no vision system for handling fine-pitched parts, therefore allowing an overall throughput of 800 devices per hour. One computer and software interface controls both BPWin software and handler control operations for a fully integrated programming and handling solution.

 Further information on the Helix and other BP Micro automated programming equipment can be found at www.bpmicro.com.