by Scott Bronstad | Oct 4, 2022 | Announcements, Automotive, News, Technology
By Stelios Diamantidis, Senior Director, Synopsys Autonomous Design Solutions
There hasn’t been another time in recent memory where semiconductors have become critical to fueling the electronics industry’s economic framework. The global chip shortage has become abundantly clear, which continues to distress industry sectors from automotive to consumer electronics.
In addition to holding back global economic growth and making life difficult for consumers and businesses worldwide, the shortfall in manufacturing capacity is uneven, affecting legacy process nodes far more than mid-performance nodes.
While semiconductor experts have been hard at work on scoping solutions, the situation has looked insoluble- simply put, semiconductors are extremely hard to design and manufacture; supply chain effects are very difficult to absorb due to this lack of flexibility.
Enter silicon remastering, a new AI-driven design framework with the potential to transform the global chip supply chain. To understand how we must acknowledge the root of the problem: an imbalance in manufacturing capacity. Process nodes built on legacy silicon technologies are in extremely short supply. With them running out, using past technologies to replenish them is no longer a viable option.
Read the full Embedded Computing Design article here
Automotive Device Shortage Update | Bring Device Programming In-House (Video) |
by Scott Bronstad | Sep 19, 2022 | Announcements, News
BPM is pleased to update the estimated support lead times for a variety of devices
BPM has nearly doubled the engineering staff in Device Support in the past year. We have more resources than we’ve ever had and adding even more team members. This is helping to reduce lead times for new device support requests (DSRs). We’ve also segmented support by device type and complexity. The following chart breaks it down:
| Algo Device Support Request by Device Type |
Algo Lead Time |
| Simple Update: |
5 Days |
| Package Addition: |
2 Weeks |
| NOR Flash, Serial NOR Flash, EEPROM, Serial EEPROM, Parallel EEPROM, Raw NAND, eMMC, HS200 or HS400 eMMC, Simple PLD: |
4 Weeks |
| Simple Microcontroller, Standard Microcontroller: |
4 to 8 Weeks (depends on complexity) |
| Complex PLD, Actel Flash, Actel Antifuse: |
8 Weeks |
| Raw NAND with BBM, Complex Microcontroller, FPGA, BBM Scheme, Complex Xilinx Antifuse: |
Requires Research to Quote |
BPM currently supports over 70,000 devices from over 200 manufacturers. For the supported device search, click here.
Current BPM customers get free Algorithm Support Credits (up to six $500 credits) for new support with a current Software Agreement. Manual production programmers get four algorithm credits; Automated Programmers get six algorithm credits, good for one year. You can learn more here. To request new device support with faster device support lead times, click here.
Support Agreement
BPM’s production level support agreement is designed for those customers who run critical operations and demand the highest level of support possible, and includes the following:
- 24/7 Hotline: +1 832-617-5702
You can report issues with device production outside of normal business hours. The customer will be put into contact with a live Field Service Engineer (for APS-related issues) or Customer Service Engineer (for device-related issues). Engineers will work with customers to collect all data on the issue, provide debug steps to resolve the issue over the phone, and will immediately create a BPM case if the issue requires additional time to resolve. This service is available to any BPM customer located in North America (Canada, the US, and Mexico). Fees apply if not covered by the current service/software contract.
- Spare Parts
Warranty replacement parts can ship from our headquarters in Houston, Texas, or directly from one of our global stock locations. Warranty replacement does not cover consumable parts or damage caused by the customer. In the case of local spare parts, customers have had replacement parts at their facility installed in less than 30 minutes.
- Priority Case Handling
You will receive priority in our new customer relationship management system. All of your incoming cases will receive a special tag that designates you as a full support user and we will prioritize your requests as necessary.
- On-Site Support
On-site support does not require a PO for labor hours when you are under a hardware contract.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about BPM or have a service or technical-related question, please call +1 (713) 688-4600, toll-free in the US at (855) SELL BPM, or 24/7 Service hotline at +1 (832) 617-5702. You can also email technical support at tech@bpmmicro.com.
How to Program In-House | Device Programmers from BPM
by Scott Bronstad | Sep 19, 2022 | Announcements, News, Technology
On September 15, 2022, during a TV morning show appearance, General Motors CEO Mary Barra predicted the current device shortage will continue through 2023 and possibly beyond. “It’s getting a little better, but I frankly think it’s something that’s going to last into next year, maybe a little beyond,” says Ms. Barra.
GM recently paused Silverado production for a week at the Silao plant where 8,000 people are employed.
In June, GM declared that its Buick-brand vehicles will go fully electric by 2030. Fully Electric Vehicles (EV) have an even higher percentage of microchips than their gasoline-powered cousins, which much be addressed, as well as infrastructure such as recharging stations.
Microchip shortages are more complex than simpler parts. Each programmable device requires a value-added program uploaded to add functionality. Therefore, it’s not as simple as ordering more devices, but also allocating programming services (which can be outsourced or done in-house in a variety of ways– See the top 5 ways here).
To read the full article, click here.
Best ways to Program Devices | Read Article | Bringing Device Programming In-House
by Scott Bronstad | Aug 26, 2022 | Announcements, News
New Field Service Engineer Hired in Mexico
BPM is pleased to announce the hire of a dedicated Field Service Engineer to cover Mexico from Reynosa on the Texas border. Alejandro Puebla is an accomplished STM Process Engineer with over 10 years of experience. He has worked on and maintained BPM automated programmers for an Original Equipment Manufacturer in Reynosa prior to joining BPM full-time. He will give BPM the ability to service customers locally, in addition to troubleshooting technical issues, and is fluent in both Spanish and English.
With Alejandro on board, BPM now has three levels of support for its Mexico clients, including BPM Field Service Engineers in Houston, Texas. “Mexico continues to grow in international manufacturing,” says Penny Santhanam, Director of Customer Care at BPM. “Alejandro has the experience with working on the line locally– he understands the needs and challenges unique to device programming, and will be a huge asset for the growing number of companies with BPM systems.”
If you would like to learn more about BPM, or have a service or technical-related question, please call +1 (713) 688-4600, toll-free in the US at (855) SELL BPM, or 24/7 Service hotline* at +1 (832) 617-5702. You can also email technical support at tech@bpmmicro.com.
*After-hours calls are complimentary for clients with current hardware contracts.
by Scott Bronstad | Aug 24, 2022 | Announcements, News
BPM Microsystems announces the sale of an Automated Programming System to a Contract Manufacturer*. This electronics manufacturing service company has standardized BPM solutions for its in-house programming support for the last 15 years. They are still running 6th Generation Automated Programmers in their factory in Mexico. They are expanding and bought a BPM 3928 to support their growing demand. The 3928 purchased is fully loaded (six sites, tray stacker, tape in/out, fiber laser.).
3928 9th Generation Automated Programmer
The 3928 Automated Programmer can program up to 28 devices at a time, at up to 1,432 devices per hour. It comes standard with WhisperTeach™ automated Z-Height teaching for fast, reliable set-ups, and the CyberOptics LNC120 camera for component auto measure (fast set-ups) and on-the-fly alignment for maximum first pass yield and throughput. The 3928 is outfitted with the TM-50 Tape Loading system, the BPM TS-1500 Tray Stacker, and the latest 3000-Series Fiber Laser, capable of producing machine-readable QR codes and barcodes for ultimate component traceability. The BPM laser system is equipped with a two-stage dust collection system that is second-to-none in offline programmers.
Universal Device Programmer
BPM’s 9th Generation programmers are “universal;” they support over 41,000 devices, with nearly daily additions. Instead of requiring different site technologies, BPM utilizes one platform for all device technologies, such as MCUs, eMMC HS400, NAND, NOR, and Serial Flash devices, and programs both high and low voltage devices. This is especially important for EMS companies because they need a solution that will support present and future projects.
“These customers have a choice when they buy systems and they know our products well. Their vote of confidence says a lot about the productivity and quality they achieve and our ability to keep them happy,” says William White, CEO, and founder of BPM Microsystems.
With over 40 years of heritage in electronic manufacturing services, this contract manufacturer focuses on low-medium volume/high-mix, high-complexity products primarily in the defense/aerospace, industrial, medical device design, and manufacturing field. Their new automated device programmer will greatly increase throughput and enable newer, denser devices for the latest gadgets.
BPM manufactures all its systems in their ISO 9001:2015 certified plant located in Houston, Texas, and its products carry the CE Mark. To learn how BPM makes device programming easy, fast and affordable, go to bpmmicro.com/device-programmers/.
*Name withheld at the request of the customer.
Device Programmers from BPM
by Scott Bronstad | Aug 15, 2022 | Announcements, News
BPM Microsystems announces the sale of another Automated Programming System to an Original Equipment Manufacturer. “This is fantastic news and an especially strong sale considering the economic backdrop right now,” says William White, founder and CEO of BPM Microsystems. The second system is a testament to the first machine purchased a little over a year ago. This US-based company creates power systems solutions for a worldwide customer base. “They liked the flexibility and productivity they achieved from the first machine. They bought a second machine for another factory so they can have the same capability there,” says Mr. White.
The second 3901 APS was purchased for another location, enabling them to have the same capability in both factories. The 3901 Automated Programmer has a maximum throughput of 1,088 devices per hour with four 9th Generation Sites (can program up to 16 devices concurrently). The 3901 is billed as the “The Low-Cost Automated Programmer with on-the-fly Vision Centering and True Universal Support,” achieving the lowest programming cost per device, without sacrificing versatility and performance. The 3901 is offered in a variety of bundled configurations that support price-competitive markets while providing features and reliability unavailable from competitors’ systems. Like all BPM Automated Systems, the 3901 comes standard with BPWin process control software, BPM.NCRYPT (cybersecurity), WhisperTeach™, and CyberOptics© vision alignment.
BPM.NCRYPT
Unlike other cybersecurity solutions that are expensive and inflexible, BPM offers a range of options based on your particular needs. BPM.NCRYPT can integrate with your existing security systems and can be customized to the unique requirements of the project. It’s scalable: no requirement for a separate HSM for each automated system; One HSM (or secure server) can support several BPM high-speed programming systems. Most of all, it’s affordable: BPM does not charge per device, and all BPM automated systems are enabled to support encryption.
WhisperTeach™
Patented WhisperTeach™ automated Z-Height teaching is ideal for fast, reliable set-ups. In addition, WhisperTeach™ eliminates common Z-height errors such as miss picks, miss place, and socket continuity flaws.
Very small devices such as WLCSP, SOT, and DFN have very low mass. Legacy teaching methods rely on operator skill and vacuum to determine the pick location. When teaching Z with a vacuum, parts often “jump” up to the nozzle, resulting in an inaccurate Z axis pick location. Because automated systems are extremely consistent, a less-than-perfect pick height location will cause pick and place errors, dropped parts, cracked parts, and continuity errors. Damaged devices may pass initial inspection, but could lead to premature failure in the field. WhisperTeach™ eliminates all of these failures by accurately teaching the pick position to within 15 microns of accuracy.
CyberOptics©
The CyberOptics© LNC120 camera is used for component auto measure (fast set-ups) and on-the-fly alignment for maximum first pass yield and throughput. With component auto measure and precision alignment, components as small as 0402 resistors can be aligned with fine precision. Unlike our competitor’s on-the-fly cameras, BPM’s CyberOptics camera has twice the resolution, allowing for faster, more precise auto-correction for the highest quality at the fastest throughput. Above all, it allows the 3901, 3928, and BPM310 to handle the smallest chip-scale package (1.0mm x 0.5mm) to the largest fine-pitch QFP (34x34mm).
BPM manufactures all its systems in their ISO 9001:2015 certified plant located in Houston, Texas, and its products carry the CE Mark. To learn how BPM makes device programming easy, fast and affordable, go to bpmmicro.com/device-programmers/.
Bring Programming In-House | See BPM 3901 APS | Device Programmers from BPM
