Product category:
Robotics, Handling and Storage
News Release from: System Devices | Subject: Epson and Seiko robots
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 14 September 2000
Nortel goes for Epson robots for tiny
chips
Nortel Networks has chosen System Devices, sole supplier of Epson and Seiko robots in the UK, to supply robots which ensure optimum repeatability when testing semi-conductor laser chips
Network provider, Nortel Networks has chosen System Devices, sole supplier of Epson and Seiko robots in the UK, to supply robots which ensure optimum repeatability when testing semi-conductor laser chips Chips are tested at Nortel before going on to being used in the Telecommunications industry - all the products manufactured at Nortel are destined for this industry
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 24 Mar 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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Telecommunications is the transfer of information from one place to another and with the increasing need for data transfer the conventional systems are being surpassed by the use of lasers in optical fibre communications systems.
It allows much higher data transfer rates and longer distances before the signal needs to be regenerated.
The tiny laser chips, which are packaged and go on to form part of the switching network, measure only 0.3 x 0.4 mm and can be tested and the results recorded individually using the Epson robot system.
Dave Lamsin of Nortel emphasises how necessary it is that the robot exhibits repeatability.
The Epson robot and workstation perform in unison.
Laser chips arrive in a tray with 100 pockets, each containing a chip.
The Epson robot uses a vacuum probe to pick up the chip from the tray and precisely position it, so that all the light emitted is properly collected, by detectors, when the chip is tested.
The robot returns to exactly the same spot every time.
Chips which attain the specified standard are selected for bonding to heat sinks and later used in fibre optic systems in the telecommunications industry.
Dave Lamsin believes "few people compare" in terms of the repeatability of the Epson robots, and adds, "they are certainly cost effective".
Through using the Epson robots the testing time is greatly reduced from the old method where testing was done manually - each chip facet tested separately.
With less chance of human error the task is performed quickly and reliably.
As well as testing electronic characteristics the system can be used to test wavelength parameters.
The original idea for using this set-up came from the experience of Nortel's sister Company in Ottawa using Seiko robots, which are also handled in the UK by System Devices under the Epson name.
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