Multitest MT9928 XM Gravity Test Handler chosen as strategic platform

Multitest, a designer and manufacturer of final test handlers, contactors and load boards used by integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and final test subcontractors worldwide, announces that its well-established MT9928 XM Gravity Test Handler recently outperformed two major competitors during an extensive evaluation at a key player in semiconductor production.

The benchmark process took more than one year and included an off-line evaluation phase as well as real production test. The customer was looking for an ideal solution for multi-site test handling of leaded as well as of leadless devices. The MT9928 XM won them over with its excellent jam rate and the fast package conversion even from leaded to leadless packages and vice versa.

Additionally, Multitest significantly improved the test yield, replacing competitor's contactors with a footprint compatible with the ECON® sockets. The contacting solution was customized for the actual needs on the test floor and well harmonized with the handler setup. This integrated approach leveraged Multitest's experience with handlers and sockets, and is a typical example for a Plug & Yield® solution.

For further information about Multitest's MT9928 XM, view website: www.multitest.com/MT9928  and, for further information about Multitest's Plug & Yield® solution, view website: www.multitest.com/Plug&Yield  Refer to page 136

New Industrial Ethernet Certificates

Hirschmann™ is one of the leading providers of Industrial Ethernet products and solutions. Launched in 2003, the Hirschmann™ certification and training program has since captured a firm place on the market. Five Industrial Ethernet certificates have now been added to this already extensive program. These certificates are awarded for the "Specialist" and "Professional" levels and allow participants to prove their expertise in the areas of Routing, Security and Wireless LAN as well as their basic or advanced know-how in network administration for the industry sector. The relevant tests can be taken online or at Hirschmann's site in Neckartenzlingen near Stuttgart. Participation in the training courses in Neckartenzlingen is optional.

The Hirschmann™ certification and training program is aimed particularly at network planners and administrators who, as internal staff or external service providers, are responsible for ensuring network availability in the industry sector. Basically, however, the program is open to all those who wish to acquire detailed know-how or require a recognized certificate as proof of their expertise. Since 2003, more than 600 people from 47 countries have been awarded over 1,800 certificates related to Industrial Ethernet technology or to products in the Hirschmann™ portfolio.

There are specially designed one- to three-day training courses for various competence levels. In addition, customized training programs can be offered for users who require targeted support in implementing network applications.

"Industrial Ethernet certificates from Hirschmann™ are not only proof of the participant's personal qualification, they also give employers the assurance that their networks are in the hands of acknowledged experts," says Managing Director Wolfgang Schenk, who goes on to add: "Specialist companies who employ certified network planners and support engineers can also expect much higher levels of trust on the part of their customers."

For further information, view website: www.belden-emea.com   Refer to page 134 

Resistance Temperature Detectors: Back to Basics

Chris Chant, Business Development Manager at Okazaki Manufacturing Company (OMC), discusses the basic principles of a resistance temperature detector (RTD) and the technical advantages they offer in industrial applications.

Resistance Temperature Detectors or Resistive Thermal Devices (RTDs) are wire wound and thin film devices that incorporate pure metals or certain alloys that increase in resistance as the temperature increases, and conversely, decrease in resistance as the temperature decreases.

RTDs are similar to thermocouples in that they convert changes in temperature to voltage signals by the measurement of resistance. As an RTD becomes hotter, the resistance measured on its element becomes larger. As the RTD cools, the resistance becomes smaller.

The Platinum Element RTD
The most commonly used type of RTD element is Platinum. These versions are often referred to as PRTs or PRT100s. Platinum elements are popular because they can be used over a wide range of temperatures and also provide fast response times. Platinum's coefficient of resistance is almost linear, which means that by using a platinum element, resolutions of +/- 0.1 deg C or better are possible.

PRTs are gradually replacing the use of thermocouples in many industrial applications below 600 deg C, due to their higher accuracy and repeatability.

The current international standard which specifies tolerance, and the temperature-to-electrical resistance relationship for platinum resistance thermometers is IEC 60751:2008. By far the most common devices used in industry have a nominal resistance of 100 ohms at 0 deg C, and are called Pt100 sensors ('Pt' is the symbol for platinum). The sensitivity of a standard 100 ohm sensor is a nominal 0.385 ohm/°C. RTDs with a sensitivity of 0.375 and 0.392 ohm/°C as well as a variety of others are also available.

Other Elements
Other more cost effective elements can be used in RTDs. The most common of these alternatives are copper and nickel. The advantage here is that the RTD will have a reduced manufacturing cost and will have a lower replacement value. However, the drawback is that these elements have more restrictions on the range over which they can be used due to non-linearities in the Resistance versus Voltage curve. Also, problems of wire oxidation are known to occur when copper is used as the element.

Why choose an RTD?
One of the technical advantages of using an RTD is that it provides a very stable output for long period of time. Other benefits include ease of recalibration and accuracy of readings over a relatively narrow temperature range. When compared to thermocouples, the disadvantages of using RTDs are: higher sensitivity to vibration, smaller overall temperature range, and a greater initial cost.

Prolonging Life and Eliminating Measurement Errors
To achieve the maximum life from a Resistance Temperature Detector, it is recommended that a protective well and terminal head be used. The well serves to protect the RTD from damage by the gas or liquid being measured. Protecting wells are typically manufactured in stainless steel, carbon steel, Inconel or cast iron. The wells are designed to operate in temperatures up to 1,100 deg C.

To eliminate measurement errors, it is necessary to compensate for the length of lead wire used to connect the RTD to the readout. The calculations to correct this are relatively straightforward. Three-wire and four-wire designs are also available that help to minimise these types of errors.

Laboratory Accuracy with Industrial Ruggedness
Platinum resistance temperature detectors are used for interpolation between the IPTS-68 fixed temperature points of ice and antimony (0 deg C to 630.74 deg C). They are generally used where accuracy and stability are most important. OMC's approach to RTDs will bring +/- 0.05 degrees laboratory accuracy to the toughest industrial processes - without any special handling considerations.

OMC has combined the inherent accuracy of a precisely wound Platinum resistance element with AeroPak® compacted ceramic insulated cable. The result is a low cost yet rugged sensor that will withstand factory handling, whilst retaining the stability required for today's precision process control environments.

Time response characteristics
The response of an OMC Resistance Temperature Detector is defined by two noticeable characteristics when exposed to an instantaneous (step) change in environment temperature. These are:

(a) Time Constant: The time to reach 63.2% of the complete step change in temperature.
(b) Response Time: Time to reach within 0.5% of the final temperature in a step change. This is approximately equal to 5 times the time constant.

The response of a temperature sensor to a step change in environment temperature tends to follow a second order differential equation. However, this is approximate, since if the mass of the sensor is small in relation to the mass of the fluid passing over it (as is the case with a liquid), the response may approach a first order differential equation.

Selection/Matching
Completed probes can be matched in pairs to the nearest 0.01 ohm at 0 deg C for differential temperature measurements to 0.05 deg C.

Completed probes can be supplied with selected ice point resistances within a narrow band to eliminate the need for compensation in indicating circuits.

Latest development
In the last few months, OMC has completed the development of a brand new high temperature platinum resistance thermometer for industrial applications. The new Ceracoil W86 is able to measure very high temperatures of up to 660 deg C using a platinum RTD element.

For further information on OMC's range of RTDs and thermowells, view website: www.okazaki-mfg.co.uk or email: info@okazaki-mfg.co.uk

Multitest offers MT Pro Support Program

Multitest, a designer and manufacturer of final test handlers, contactors and load boards used by integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and final test subcontractors worldwide, introduces the MT Pro Support Program for complete after-sales support.

The MT Pro Support Program encompasses the complete after-sales support services offered by the company. Currently, the program includes the Recommended Spare Parts Lists, the Top-X List, and the Preventative Maintenance Kit Program.

The Recommended Spare Part List (RSPL) has been designed for efficient spare part management. Based on the experience of the company's entire installed base, Multitest will provide a recommendation for spares on site. All administration is performed by Multitest and does not require time-consuming data collection and analysis by the customer. The RSPL is a reliable basis for cost-efficient spare part planning that substantially increases equipment uptime. 

The Top X-List is a spare part order process that fully leverages cost saving opportunities. Multitest derives the data of the actual spare part orders directly from the Multitest ERP system and provides reports by site or globally. Based on the information from the Top X-List, the spare order process can be optimized for high quantity discounts.

The last component of the Pro Support Program is the Preventative Maintenance Kit Program (PM Kits). Based on a customized analysis, all parts for the PM are available. The PM Kits are configured according to specific customer requests. Experienced Multitest staff may support with preceding health checks. The PM Kit Program simplifies equipment maintenance as well as the spare order process and administration. Additionally, volume discounts can be leveraged. The well planned PM procedure minimizes downtime and substantially improves the efficiency of the test handlers

For further information about Multitest's Pro Support Program, view website: http://www.multitest.com/eng/ProSupport  Refer to page 136