Since the manufacture of X-ray inspection machines began at Nikon Metrology’s Tring (UK) factory in 1987 (www.nikonmetrology.com), 1,000 Xi sources with an internal X-ray generator have been designed, produced and integrated into the company’s XT V systems, in addition to numerous other sources for the XT H range of X-ray and computed-tomography machines.

The latest Xi source has been incorporated into an XT V 160 electronics inspection system that is supporting the quality assurance assessment of power semiconductor devices produced at Chippenham-based IXYS UK Westcode.

The X-ray inspection machine is being used to check whether the reflowed solder that attaches integrated circuits to contact pads on the direct copper bonded substrate boards is continuous, with a controlled level of voids.

The 160kV Xi source features an integrated construction that is unique to Nikon and eliminates the need for a traditional high-voltage cable connecting the X-ray generator to the source.

Maintenance costs are therefore lower, as such cables can be prone to failure and need regular maintenance. As with all Nikon sources, the 160kV Xi is of open-tube design, giving low-cost ownership.

A video of XYS UK Westcode’s Fiona Lambert talking about the advantages of the Nikon Metrology XT V 160 can be seen here on YOUTUBE.