Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for determining the alignment of leads on components. Physical and/or superficial fiducial markers on components are used to distinguishes the alignment of leads on the component. The alignment of fiducial markers on the component are detected. A predetermined fiducial alignment is provided that corresponds to a predetermined lead alignment. The detected fiducial alignment is compared to a predetermined fiducial alignment to determine the lead alignment. When used in conjunction with a pick and place machine, the methods and apparatuses provide a means for verifying and correcting the lead alignment of components prior to placement and attachment to a substrate.

Abstract: A component transfer apparatus is provided. The component transfer apparatus comprises a pick and place machine having a component feed source and a movable pick head having access to the component feed source. A component alignment detector is directed toward the component feed source and a controller is coupled to the component alignment detector. The controller contains instructions which, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to compare the detected component alignment with a known component alignment.