Sales & Service to the PCB Industry
 
 
X-Ray Inspection - Why Glenbrook?
 
Why Glenbrook?

Glenbrook Technologies pioneered the introduction of X-ray inspection in the early 1980's to answer the needs of the electronics industry for real-time inspection systems designed specifically to inspect printed circuit boards, components and assemblies. In the 1990s, their expertise in x-ray technology led to the development of compact real-time x-ray inspection systems with unmatched resolution and sensitivity for medical device fabrication and packaging, as well as for mail security.

The foundation of Glenbrook's world leadership is an in-depth knowledge of x-ray imaging technology, which enables them to create outstanding machine features. Their x-ray systems comply with all relevant regulatory requirements and are CE marked. In two decades of use, Glenbrook x-ray inspection systems have maintained the highest standards of safety and dependability, and are now installed in over 30 countries around the world.

Glenbrook's higher resolution, higher sensitivity x-ray inspection systems have two additional advantages for the customer:

Lower cost when compared to systems of comparable specifications.

Smaller and lighter inspection systems.

The basis for these technological improvements is the patented MXRA x-ray camera. How does MXRA technology produce these advantages?
 
 
Real-time x-ray technology

A real-time x-ray inspection system depends on an x-ray camera to convert the x-ray image (1.) into a video image. The performance and cost of an x-ray inspection system will be determined by the qualities of the x-ray camera. Glenbrook realized this in 1983 and set about to develop its own x-ray camera, utilizing many years of experience in x-ray phosphor technology.

Glenbrook x-ray camera technology is unique in the world, combing extraordinary resolution, very high sensitivity and variable internal magnification (2.) to provide images of unmatched detail.

Glenbrook’s MXRA x-ray camera technology creates an x-ray microscope that produces unmatched image quality even with x-ray sources operating at lower anode voltages and larger focal spots.

1. The x-ray image is composed of variation in x-ray intensity resulting from transmission differences of the object.

2. Internal magnification can be varied between 4 and 40 times.
 
 
The Glenbrook Advantage for the Inspection of BGAs

Since solder voids in Ball Grid Array (BGA) solder bonds are easily detected with x-ray inspection, they are usually classified, without a clear understanding, as defects. Subsequent studies however have shown that some solder voids actually improved the reliability of the solder bond. The question then remains as to what level of solder void is acceptable. This issue is addressed in detail in the IPC Standard 7095, “Design and Assembly Process Implementation for BGAs.”

In this standard, there is a cautionary note regarding the tendency of many of the commercial x-ray inspection systems in use, to exaggerate or distort the size of the void. This type of distortion will occur only if the type of x-ray imaging device used in the particular system suffers from “Voltage Blooming.” Glenbrook x-ray camera technology does not exhibit “Voltage Blooming.”
 
 
Voltage Blooming

In the example of voltage blooming shown at below, the first x-ray image has been made at 50 kV, the second at 60 kV. As can be seen, the white areas of the void are artificially exaggerated by increased voltage when the x-ray camera used suffers from this defect.
 

50 kV

60 kV
 
 
How Does Glenbrook X-ray Camera Technology Reduce System Cost?

Glenbrook x-ray camera technology can produce high-resolution x-ray images with up to 40 times magnification, without vertical movement of the object and at lower anode voltages than those required for other x-ray cameras. These advantages result in more compact systems with more reliable and cost effective x-ray tubes.

MXRA technology has been incorporated into the Glenbrook RTX Series of production floor x-ray inspection systems. The design philosophy behind the RTX Series is to provide the leading x-ray inspection systems at the best possible price-performance.
 
 
The Glenbrook Advantage






GLENBROOK
Does NOT require small focal spot or high power (kV)


Advantages:
Lower cost Higher reliability Longer
tube life

Glenbrook designs
and manufactures our own proprietary detector/camera


Advantages:
Higher resolution without an expensive x-ray source


Operates at much lower level of x-ray kV; typically does
not require a
lead lined cabinet
for safety



LOWER COST:
Low cost for initiale investment and
long-range savings
for parts
and maintenance






THE COMPETITION Requires small focal spot and high power (kV)


Disadvantages:
Higher cost Lower reliability Shorter tube life (2-4 years)

Competators buy
“off the shelf” detector/cameras


Limitations:
Lower resolution unless an expensive x-ray source is purchased


Lower sensitivity requires a higher
level of x-ray kV; requires
a lead-lined cabinet for safely



HIGHER COST: Typically double the cost for a unit with comparable capability










OPERATION
X-ray tube generates x-ray energy


X-rays are absorbed where density exists
in the sample. Remaining x-rays
pass through and
strike the detector.






Detector converts
x-rays to visible light, video camera sends image to processor





Image Processor enhances x-ray
images for
high-resolution
viewing
 
 
Glenbrook Innovation

For every real-time X-ray inspection application, there is a Glenbrook solution. Manufacturers throughout the electronics industry, particularly those producing BGA assemblies, are realising the productivity-enhancing benefits of real-time X-ray inspection, as indicated in published reports and papers.

Glenbrook's real-time X-ray inspection systems, based on their patented, award-winning X-ray camera technology provide a variety of solutions to meet the full range of production and laboratory requirements.

The modular RTX Series enables users to meet immediate production demands, and to add fully compatible upgrades as future needs arise. ·

For laboratory use, the Jewel Box provides varied analytical capabilities.

For a wide range of options and software packages, any Glenbrook system can be customised to meet virtually any need.