Automated optical inspection is a visual inspection methodology PCB assemblers implement to test PCBAs for defects.
It’s usually abbreviated as AOI.
The methodology uses a machine with cameras to detect
1. Major assembly failures, such as missing components.
2. Quality failures, such as misshapen fillets or misplaced components
This is what an Automated optical inspection machine looks like.
Image from: Circuits DIY
Table of Contents
WHEN IS IT RECOMMENDED TO USE AN AUTOMATED OPTICAL INSPECTION MACHINE?
- A high volume of PCBAs
- Low component variability
The configuration of an automated optical inspection process is complex and expensive, and engineers must set it up for a specific PCBA design.
Its purpose is to verify that the PCBA components are placed correctly as per the design.
ADVANTAGES OF AUTOMATED OPTICAL INSPECTION
- Highly accurate in detecting flaws in a PCBA
DISADVANTAGES OF AUTOMATED OPTICAL INSPECTION
- It’s not a flexible testing method; engineers must configure each new run.
