Abstract: A system and method for remote support of product development includes a developer environment at a first geographic location, a support environment at a second geographic location, and a communication channel between the developer environment and the support environment.

Abstract: A micro device using assembly system for feeding, programming, and placing micro devices on circuit boards includes a robotic handling system capable of picking up and placing the micro devices on the circuit boards on a conveyor system. A control system controls the conveyor system and the robotic handling system. An input feeder provides the micro devices and a programming system is capable of programming a plurality of micro devices in sockets which are in line parallel with the input feeder. The input feeder responds to communication with the control system to feed the unprogrammed micro devices while the programming system programs the micro devices and communicates to the control system. The robotic handling system responds to communication of the programming system with the control system to pickup and places the programmed micro devices on the circuit boards at high speed.

Abstract: A circuit board manufacturing system is provided which includes a production assembly line with a carrier handling system for a plurality of feeder/programming/buffer systems. The feeder/programming/buffer system has a flexible feeder mechanism for receiving unprogrammed device in a number of different manners, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the unprogrammed devices at a high rate of speed, and a buffer mechanism for providing the programmed micro devices to the carrier handling system. The carrier handling system has its own buffer section and is integrated with an assembly handling system of the production assembly line to populate the programmed devices on to the circuit boards.

Abstract: A micro device using assembly system for feeding, programming, and placing micro devices on circuit boards includes a robotic handling system capable of picking up and placing the micro devices on the circuit boards on a conveyor system. A control system controls the conveyor system and the robotic handling system. An input feeder provides the micro devices and a programming system is capable of programming a plurality of micro devices in sockets which are in line parallel with the input feeder. The input feeder responds to communication with the control system to feed the unprogrammed micro devices while the programming system programs the micro devices and communicates to the control system. The robotic handling system responds to communication of the programming system with the control system to pickup and places the programmed micro devices on the circuit boards at high speed.

Abstract: A micro device product system is provided which includes a feeder/programming/loader system. The feeder/programming/loader system has a flexible feeder mechanism for receiving unprogrammed devices in a number of different manners, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the unprogrammed devices at a high rate of speed, and a loader mechanism for receiving and storing the programmed devices for use in subsequent assembly operation.

Abstract: A holding connector system is provided for connecting a microdevice feeder to an assembly line table having a plurality of latch stop pins and a plurality of alignment slots. A connector body having a guide rail, which is pivotally mounted to the first structure, engages one of the plurality of alignment slots for connecting the microdevice feeder and the assembly line table. A holding mechanism having a latch, which is pivotally mounted to the microdevice feeder engages one of the plurality of latch stop pins for holding the microdevice feeder to the assembly line table. The holding connector system allows for simple, easy installation and removal of the microdevice feeder without the possibility of front to back tipping.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided having a control agent controlling a user interface, an actuator control, a programming control, and a job control. The control system is used with a programming system which has an actuator control for opening and closing sockets and a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the programmable devices at a high rate of speed.

Abstract: A circuit board manufacturing system is provided which includes a production assembly line with a carrier handling system for a plurality of feeder/programming/buffer systems. The feeder/programming/buffer system has a flexible feeder mechanism for receiving unprogrammed device in a number of different manners, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the unprogrammed devices at a high rate of speed, and a buffer mechanism for providing the programmed micro devices to the carrier handling system. The carrier handling system has its own buffer section and is integrated with an assembly handling system of the production assembly line to populate the programmed devices on to the circuit boards.

Abstract: A micro device feeder is provided which is adjustable to accommodate micro devices supplied on tapes with different widths. A mounting plate has a movable drive plate slidably mounted thereto. An input mechanism on the movable drive plate receives micro devices contained in a tape. A sprocket engages and advances the tape under motor drive. A feeder width adjustment mechanism allows for movement of the movable drive plate relative to the mounting plate for adjusting the sprocket to accommodate tapes with different widths where the distance between the tape and sprocket centerlines change. The feeder width adjustment mechanism includes a pin coupled to the mounting plate, a securing device coupled to the movable drive plate and is capable of moving along the pin, and a locking mechanism capable of securing the securing device to the pin to lock the movable drive plate relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A micro device programming system is provided which permits fast placement of a plurality of unprogrammed micro devices and fast removal of a plurality of programmed micro devices. The system includes a circuit board having electronic components connected to a backplane having a plurality of backplane contacts thereon electrically connected to the circuit board contacts. The flat surface of the backplane is held in a fixed relationship with the flat surface of the circuit board leaving a space for passage of a tape transporting the micro devices under the backplane. A socket adapter has a predetermined plurality of in line sockets capable of holding the plurality of micro devices over the backplane with the plurality of backplane contacts exposed through the sockets.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided having a control agent controlling a user interface, a robotic control, a programming control, and a job control. The control system is used with a feeder/programming/buffer system which has a feeder mechanism for receiving programmable devices, a robotic handling mechanism for manipulating the programmable devices among the other mechanisms, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the programmable devices at a high rate of speed, and a buffer mechanism for providing the programmed programmable devices to a production assembly line on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A circuit board manufacturing system is provided which includes a production assembly line with a carrier handling system for a plurality of feeder/programming/buffer systems. The feeder/programming/buffer system has a flexible feeder mechanism for s receiving unprogrammed device in a number of different manners, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the unprogrammed devices at a high rate of speed, and a buffer mechanism for providing the programmed micro devices to the carrier handling system. The carrier handling system has its own buffer section and is integrated with an assembly handling system of the production assembly line to populate the programmed devices on to the circuit boards.

Abstract: A programmer system and method of programming programmable micro devices with significantly increased throughput are provided. The programmer system includes a multiple number of sockets for programming a multiple number of micro devices simultaneously. A buffer circuit is also provided which is capable of providing a number of logic levels suitable to drive different micro devices during programming by a programmer system adapted to program a number of micro devices simultaneously. A method for programming a programmable micro device is further provided which uses the standard bus cycle from a processor for programming. Finally, a data compare circuit and a method for verifying data programmed by a programmer in a plurality of programmed micro devices using a single read-back operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A circuit board manufacturing system is provided which includes a circuit board assembly line with a feeder/programming/buffer system. The feeder/programming/buffer system has a flexible feeder mechanism for receiving unprogrammed devices in a number of different manners, a programming mechanism for performing a programming operation on the unprogrammed devices at a high rate of speed, and an output buffer mechanism for providing the programmed devices to the circuit board assembly line.

Abstract: A pick and place system is provided with an actuator is responsive to the connection to an air power source to move to a pick-up position. The actuator moves a fork-type link which in turn moves a probe to compliantly move to pick up a micro device upon connection to the air power source. A replaceable precisor precisely aligns the micro device relative to the probe and a floating seal disposed around the probe and resting on the replaceable precisor seals the probe to the replaceable precisor. A system control, connectable to the electrical power source, is connected to the pneumatic and supply valves for selectively, electrically actuating the pneumatic and supply valves.

Abstract: A feeder/programming/buffer operating system is provided which controls a feeder mechanism, a programming mechanism, an electronic handling mechanism, a pneumatic handling mechanism, and a plurality of sensors. The operating system programs programmable devices and makes the feeder/programming/buffer system substantially independent of a production assembly system with which it is capable of being integrated yet fully responsive to the requirements of the production assembly system.

Abstract: An off-line micro device processing system is provided having a longitudinally extending feeder/processing/buffer system for providing processed micro devices to a pick point. A portable robotic system has a longitudinally extending robotic system body extending parallel to the longitudinally extending feeder/processing/buffer system and a transverse support on the robotic system body transversely positioned relative to the longitudinally extending robotic system body. A pick and place mechanism on the transverse support picks micro devices from the input, transversely moves the micro devices, and places the micro devices on the output system for receiving and storing processed micro devices.

Abstract: A pick and place system is provided which is connectable to an air and an electrical power source. The system has a pick and place unit including an actuator responsive to the connection to the air power source to move to a pick-up position. The actuator moves a coupler which in turn moves a probe to compliantly move to a pick-up position. The probe is responsive to a connection to the air power source to pick up the micro device. A pneumatic valve connected to the actuator is capable of electrical actuation to connect the air power source to the actuator and a supply valve connected to the probe is capable of electrical actuation to remove the power source from the probe. Deactivation of the pneumatic valve moves the actuator and probe to a raised position. A system control, connectable to the electrical power source, is connected to the pneumatic and supply valves for selectively, electrically actuating the pneumatic and supply valves.

Abstract: A holding connector system is provided for connecting a microdevice feeder to an assembly line table having a plurality of alignment pins. A connector body having a slot provided therein engages one of the plurality of alignment pins and a table recess in the connector body holds it to the assembly line table. A threaded knob secures the connector body to the assembly line table. The microdevice feeder is provided with an alignment plate, which has fingers engaging the alignment pins to cause the microdevice feeder to be properly aligned with the assembly line table. A clamping plate on the microdevice feeder engages a portion of the connector body, which holds down the microdevice feeder.