Global focus on automation from Seica SpA

Automation is a global trend. Even geographies with low labour costs companies must improve their competitiveness - particularly as their work force becomes more skilled and better compensated - and automation is the accepted and proven route to achieving this competitive edge.

While automating a surface mount line has become standard practice, the changes in technology have resulted in test equipment being left behind. Decreasing test access and increased line beat rates have left traditional in-circuit test equipment unable to fulfil their role in an automated production environment. Test has had to be taken off-line or relegated to a final functional test, both of which take away the responsiveness required for the modern assembly line.

Seica, Italy's leading electronics test solutions OEM, has announced the addition of several new products within its new VIVA Integrated Platformâ„¢ (VIP) in order to meet the challenges of today's focus on automation.

The VIVA platform, first shown at APEX 2005, is based on a unique software and hardware architecture which includes cutting-edge technology to implement the multiple test strategies needed to address the challenges of electronic testing - from the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage, during the manufacturing process, right through to the logistics centers that provide test and repair services.

"We are now implementing Seica's new VIPâ„¢ into all of our products, to give our customers the real benefit of the power and flexibility they need to maximize their test investment through the entire life cycle of a product, while reducing overall cost of test", says Dave Sigillo, General Manager of Seica Inc., "which is precisely what we believe new technology should do. APEX is the ideal platform to showcase our latest automation solutions".
 
The AERIAL L4 is the latest addition to Seica's Pilot line, and is positioned as a novel and cost-effective solution for those customers who need to implement test strategies for prototype verification, pre-screen for manufacturing defects, and fault diagnostics after functional maintenance tests.

Being based on the VIVA Integrated Platform (VIP) it integrates the core VIP hardware and software, and is fully compatible with the other members of the Seica family of test products including the PILOT Flying Probe, STRATEGY In-circuit and VALID Functional testers.

Seica will also showcase it's innovative PILOT VIP Flying Probe system, a full-performance test system that integrates a complete set of test tools and techniques that go beyond the conventional definition of "flying prober".