Beyond Standard Applications Unveiling the Versatility of Our Product Flow Controller (PFC) in Electronics Manufacturing
Introduction
For more than 20 years, our Product Flow Controller (PFC) has been one of our top-selling hardware products. There are many reasons for that. Sure, popular for standard applications– like using our PFC for production interlocking & SMEMA control – but one of the main benefits of this 8-bit device is without a doubt its versatility.
We’ve seen a wide range of non-standard applications over the years with our PFC. Here are some examples.
- Supports two IDs for dual-sided panels
Our PFC also includes an “assign” mode that lets users give different IDs to both sides of the same panel, and so:
- Users only need to release the panel once (instead of twice): This removes manual entry of job parameters (Product Model, Work Order, Work Order Quantity, etc.) and shares board panel activity in second pass .
- Closed-Loop automatic scanning to associate both IDs for the same panel: This saves time by reducing operators time to manually pair IDs on the same panel and avoids human error related to mis-scanning.
2. Functional on Legacy Lines
SMEMA has been a standard for many years now, but some facilities are still using lines that cannot support the SMEMA standard (different connector pinout, reverse signal of on/off for both ˈboard availableˈ & ˈmachine readyˈ). Our PFC is versatile enough and integrates with predecessors of SMEMA – providing these legacy lines with quality control and interlocking functionality.
3. Suitable for Semiconductors
Even though our focus has never been on the semiconductor industry, our PFC also accommodates other standards (with 24V DC) outside of our regular scope of SMT manufacturing.
4. Supports Panel Scanning
Our PFC works well with a variety of scanner types and is well suited to complete panel scanning (and even individual board scanning). This is particularly interesting for high mix electronics manufacturers wanting to replace error-prone manual scanning.
5. Gate-Keeps for Manual Scanning
Technically, our PFC has also been used as a gate keeper for manual scanning operations at testing and repair stations, mode “manual”. However, we came up with a better suited solution for offline stations a couple years ago – TTC Check .
Conclusion
While not the “coolest” technology available, this small footprint device continues to be a top choice for our OEM and EMS partners across the globe because it’s a highly reliable and flexible solution that is both easy to use and install… and we’re still getting orders every day for this tried-and-true product.
