Can AOI automated optical inspection equipment replace ICT?

1. Differences in Detection Principles: ICT (In-Circuit Tester) functions like a powerful, multi-purpose digital multimeter. It primarily relies on test probes that make contact with the test points laid out on the PCB to detect open circuits, short circuits, and verify the soldering status of all components. The testing process includes open-circuit checks, short-circuit tests, resistance measurements, capacitance tests, diode tests, transistor tests, field-effect transistor tests, and IC pin inspections. Additionally, it can identify common and specialized component issues such as missing parts, misaligned components, incorrect parameter values, solder bridging, and open/short circuits on the circuit board—precisely pinpointing which component is faulty or exactly where the open/short occurred. On the other hand, AOI detects SMT components by simulating a manual visual inspection performed by workers. This process uses a ring-shaped, tower-like illumination system equipped with tri-color LED lights—red (R), green (G), and blue (B)—to evenly light up the PCB from multiple angles. When these colored lights combine, they produce white light (W), which is directed onto the PCB to provide 360-degree, comprehensive illumination of the components being tested. By analyzing the reflections—whether specular, diffuse, or grazing—AOI captures distinct color information from the component body, solder joints, and pads, enabling accurate identification of defects.

2015-11-13

What items can AOI optical inspection equipment detect in the PCB industry?

PCB bare boards come in single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer versions. For single- and double-sided boards, automated optical inspection systems are widely available on the market. Theoretically, our equipment can handle inspections for both single- and double-sided boards. However, when it comes to multilayer boards, we’re currently at a loss. First, let’s clarify what we can actually inspect in the PCB bare board industry: 1. In the PCB bare board sector, the typical requirement is to detect open and short circuits in the board’s wiring—this process is similar to our ICT testing, focusing solely on identifying open or shorted connections. Some high-end applications even include impedance testing. That said, this industry usually relies on dedicated ICT systems, which, while technically straightforward, involve a massive number of test points—often around 10,000 points. 2. For PCB bare boards using copper-clad laminates or solder-plating processes, the key concern is ensuring that copper or tin foils don’t inadvertently bridge into areas coated with green oil, causing shorts. This issue can be effectively addressed using AOI (Automated Optical Inspection) systems. 3. Additionally, PCB bare boards often feature numerous component sockets, slots, and other intricate features, many of which have tight dimensional tolerances. To verify whether these components fall within the specified tolerances, our AOI systems are perfectly suited for performing precise dimension measurements.

2015-11-13