Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing hybrid, closed-loop control that generates control values for processes defined by a limited number of function evaluations and large amounts of process and measurement noise. The described control system is applied to a stencil printing process for applying solder paste to an electronic medium such as a printed circuit board or semiconductor wafer. The control system is defined by a hybrid approach. A first, coarse algorithm is used to rapidly produce the value of a stencil printer control value resulting in a solder paste deposit having a volume within predetermined acceptable limits. After the coarse algorithm no longer produces solder paste deposits closer to a desired volume, a second, more refined estimator is used to fine tune the process. An additional transitional algorithm may be added between the coarse algorithm and refined estimator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing hybrid, closed-loop control that generates control values for processes defined by a limited number of function evaluations and large amounts of process and measurement noise. The described control system is applied to a stencil printing process for applying solder paste to an electronic medium such as a printed circuit board or semiconductor wafer. The control system is defined by a hybrid approach. A first, coarse algorithm is used to rapidly produce the value of a stencil printer control value resulting in a solder paste deposit having a volume within predetermined acceptable limits. After the coarse algorithm no longer produces solder paste deposits closer to a desired volume, a second, more refined estimator is used to fine tune the process. An additional transitional algorithm may be added between the coarse algorithm and refined estimator.