Abstract: A method and a device are provided for detecting the occurrence of a malfunction upon movement of an element by a driving system. While the element is being moved, a difference between a predetermined value and an actual value is determined at regular intervals by means of a processor. A derivative of the difference is determined by the processor at regular intervals. The difference and the derivative both fluctuate around an equilibrium value. Subsequently, only the values on one side of the equilibrium value of both the difference and the derivative are sampled. The sampled values are multiplied and the result is compared with a reference value by means of the processor. The occurrence of a malfunction is established if the result of the multiplication is higher than the reference value.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for placing components in a desired position on at least one substrate. The device includes a movable arm on which at least two image recording device are provided and separated by a predetermined pitch distance. In addition, two placement devices, which are separated by the same pitch distance, are also present on the arm. The spacing between the image recording devices and the placement devices is one pitch distance or a multiple thereof. A picture may be taken of at least one reference element present on a substrate by at least one image recording device, and simultaneously therewith a component may be placed on a substrate by at least one placement device.