The Topaz is a member of the top-of-the-line GemLine of Philips’ SMD Pick &
Place machines. The Topaz is a flexible, medium volume chip-shooter that can
handle a wide range of components at speeds up to 14,000 SMDs per hour. The
machine is built around a very rigid, vibration-free frame for improved accuracy and
long-term stability and is perfectly suitable for round-the-clock production.

The Gem Topaz features a high precision single placement beam carrying 8 heads
with exchangeable nozzles, one of which is specially designed for high precision QFP
placement. The placement beam moves in X/Y and Z direction, while the board and
component feeders are stationary. A flexible board transport system enables the
Topaz to handle virtually any type of PCB, with or without tooling pins. Board
conveyor width is automatically adjustable, allowing board dimensions up to 457 x
407 mm (18″ x 16″) to be handled.

The newly designed vision system with line sensor camera allows fast and accurate
“on-the-fly” alignment of a wide range of components from 0402 up to 25 mm
square PLCC, including 21 mm square ICs with lead pitches down to 0.65 mm (25
mil).

An optional area CCD camera, in combination with the precision head, extends the
component range to 32 mm square ICs with lead pitches down to 0.5 mm (20 mil).
The vision system detects missing, bent or irregular spaced leads or BGA balls; faulty
components are rejected.

A separate camera system monitors fiducial marks at board, circuit and component
level, using white-light LEDs and multi-angle diffusers to provide optimal
illumination.

Just five nozzle shapes are required to cover the specified SMD range. High output
levels are therefore achieved, as the need for nozzle exchanges is minimal. An
optional 12 position nozzle exchange station enables additional special nozzles to be
accommodated.

Up to 100 tape feeders can be loaded on the Gem Topaz. The machine supports
tape, stick, bulk and tray feeders. The tape feeder design for the Gem Topaz allows
simultaneous picking from any mix of tape feeders ranging from 8 to 56 mm.
An industrial PC controller, running Philips’ well proven and user-friendly software,
allows the Gem Topaz to be used stand-alone or in-line. The controller includes a
Management Information System (MIS) that continuously gathers production data
for management feedback. The unique bad mark sensing capabilities allow a multicircuit panel to be run as one large board,
thus maximizing placement speed while still using bad mark information.

A basic program optimization function is included in the machine as standard. For
more advanced machine optimization and/or line balancing, the off-line Philips
Computer Aided Production Support System (CAPSS) is available.

The Gem Topaz is fully compatible with the Sapphire and Emerald, which use the
same feeders, feederbars, software and controller. A laser-based verification system,
which guarantees correct feeder latching, is standard. Off-line feeder changeover can
be achieved by using a Feederbar Exchange System (FES). An entire feederbar can be
conveniently loaded off-line, minimizing change-over time. An optional Set-up
Verification System (SVS) guides the operator through placing the appropriate
components at the correct supply position. A scanner checks the barcode on the reels
and sticks, while sensors in the feederbars verify the correct feeder location.