“BPM provides device programmers and accessories to upload custom programming to semiconductor devices. Founded in 1985, BPM Microsystems serves more than 2,000 companies in over 49 countries, including programming centers, original equipment manufacturers, contract, and semiconductor manufacturers.”
APEX 2022 LIVE from Global SMT TV on Vimeo.
Mike Konrad is the founder of Aqueous Technologies, a manufacturer of automated cleaning and cleanliness testing systems designed for the electronic assembly industry, and has served as its CEO/CTO since 1992. Mike is the host of the Reliability Matters podcast, available on iTunes, Spotify, and spreaker.com.
Colin Harper is the Director of Sales and Product Marketing at BPM Microsystems.
This interview was originally live-streamed on January 26, 2022. The 3+ hour live stream is queued up to when Colin is interviewed.
The BPM310 Automated Programming System– the first 10th Generation programmer offers the industry’s fastest programming times for UFS, eMMC, Flash, and MCUs with twice as many sockets per site as its predecessor. The BPM310 offers a capacity of up to 48 sockets, automotive-level quality, and reliability in a small footprint. 10th Gen delivers the fastest UFS programming performance in the industry achieving up to 440MB per second Read and 201MB per second Write. First-part time is accelerated because UFS programming can commence without pausing for data to download.
The X-Stream Series Tape Feeder System is the reliable, precise automated tape input peripheral for the BPM Microsystems automated programming systems. The X-Stream Series offers a broad range of carrier tape sizes, from 8 to 56mm. Tightly coupled with BPWin™ process control software, the X-Stream Series intelligently advances the feeder on command, ensuring the feeder presents the next device as needed.
The X-Stream Series provides easy setup and fast changeover. Intuitive buttons control tape advance and reverse for simple pick point adjustment and calibration. Each feeder body includes an input reel holder, accommodating reels up to 15 inches in diameter. An ergonomic handle eases operator handling and installation.
Small CSP package handling requires smooth indexing, accuracy, and repeatability. The 8mm and 12mm X-Stream Series feeders are specially engineered to include a pick window with a spring-loaded insert. This stabilizes vibration by applying downward pressure to the carrier tape, resulting in the precise presentation of small components to the APS nozzle.
Designed for high-speed pick and place machines, X-Stream Series feeders are robust with minimal service requirements. If an unexpected error does occur, the onboard diagnostics feature and electronic calibration make troubleshooting fast and easy.
Large, small, or difficult-to-place parts are easy to tape with V-TEK’s TM-50. The microprocessor-controlled sealer and stepper motor drive assure precise handling of all taping parameters. Several advance speeds are selectable to accommodate problem parts and to minimize jumping. The innovative set up and change-over design allow an operator to change over carrier and cover tapes in minutes. BPM’s TM-50 MK2 has more sensors than other APS suppliers for maximum throughput and minimum errors.
Flexible, easy-to-use, menu-driven software and advanced electronic characteristics make the TM-50 a perfect choice for your taping needs.
Now available with a side-mount option for the V-TEK TM50. This configuration offers additional flexibility by allowing the machine to utilize options for tape, tray, tube, and marking simultaneously. The V-Tek TM-50 is compatible with both 3000 and 4000 series APS.
Everything starts with a device (probably more than just one). Actually, it starts with a “something” you sell that has one or more programmable devices. (We used to say that includes just about anything except a mattress, but there are lots of mattresses nowadays with advanced features). All examples are for instructional purposes only.
In our example, we’ve got two programmable devices on our board: a TSOP and a QFP programmable device. The TSOP has 1200 Kilobytes of data; the QFP has 1 Gigabyte (which makes in-line or on-board programming a bad option).
6 Ways to Program Devices (and Why Off-Line Programming may be an option)
Power Tip: If you are in the development stage of a project, use Device Search to see if there is already a programming solution for a device. At the development stage, you could possibly substitute a similar device that has support, saving time and money. New development can be expensive, so avoid it if possible
| Device | Semi House | Code | Qty/Year | File Size | Benchmark |
| QFP | Renesas | R5F100GXXX | 1,200,000 | 1 Gigs | ? |
| TSOP | Renesas | HN58VXXXX | 1,200,000 | 1 MB | ? |
Click on the Device Search link at the top of the BPM webpage. Search for the first device.
Click Search
One or more search results will be displayed. If no search results come up, try simplifying your search query. If that returns no results, you can request Device Support.
When you click the link, you’ll see the device parameters; towards the bottom are options for Automated Programmers, Manual Programmers, and sometimes Engineering Programmers (Engineering programmers are typically for older BPM programmers).
A good rule of thumb regarding when a programming project is a good candidate for Automated Programming is if quantities are in excess of 50,000 parts per year (there are some other things that could factor in, such as laser marking, 3D inspection, etc.). In our example, we will need about 3 million devices per year, so that makes Automated Programming a no-brainer.
The socket specific to your device will be listed in the left column, and are sorted by performance, with top-performing sockets towards the top. In our example, we’ll select FVE4ASMR48LQFPG
When you click on the top socket, you’ll get more specs on that socket. To get a quote, just click on the “Request for Quote” link.
Some of the fields will auto-fill; you will need to let us know the type of programmer you have (or which generation you are looking to get).
Once you know which socket is required to program your first device, you can also search to see if the socket is available for purchase on-line. Click on the “hour glass” symbol next to the “Get Quote” button in the Navigation Bar
Type in the search term and hit “enter”
If it’s available, and you are in North America, you can place your order with a credit card or purchase order.
If your initial search for a socket doesn’t return a result, you can simplify your search query (that often works); if you still don’t get a “hit” don’t fret– use Device Request.
You’ll need a BPM Connect login. For more info on that, please view the video (below). If you like, you can skip ahead to about 5:30…
A short video on Device Search (beginning), How to order on-line (starts about 4:10), How to request Device Support (starts about 5:30)
WhisperTeach™ is a revolutionary Auto-Z teach technology developed by BPM that offers a fast, accurate, and efficient setup for pick-and-place functions in BPM Automated Programmer. It eliminates the need for a highly-skilled operator to manually set up the critical Z-height, thereby reducing the setup time by at least twice. Furthermore, WhisperTeach™ offers improved yields with three times more accuracy in comparison to the traditional (old-fashioned) method of setting up the machine.
The 29-minute video demonstrates a side-by-side or top-to-bottom comparison of a BPM Automated Programmer being set up using the traditional method and utilizing WhisperTeach™. The purpose of the video is to showcase the efficiency and accuracy of WhisperTeach™ technology in real time.
WhisperTeach™— BPM’s advanced patented Auto-Z teach technology eliminates the need for a highly-skilled operator to set critical Z-height for pick-and-place functions. The traditional method of setting up an Automated Programmer often requires a highly skilled operator, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. With BPM’s WhisperTeach™, the setup time is significantly reduced, and the system operates with improved accuracy, reducing the chances of miss picks, miss place, and socket continuity errors.
WhisperTeach™ technology also addresses the challenges faced in setting up very small chip scale packages (CSP) like WLCSP, SOT, and DFNs, which have low mass. With the traditional method, there is a possibility of an inaccurate Z teach elevation as the suction from the vacuum causes the part to jump up to the nozzle. WhisperTeach™ eliminates this challenge and ensures a consistent and accurate Z-height, thereby reducing the chances of pick-and-place errors, dropped parts, cracked parts, and continuity errors.
In conclusion, WhisperTeach™ technology offers a fast, accurate, and efficient setup process for BPM Automated Programmer, making it an ideal solution for various industries that require quick and precise pick-and-place functions. The video showcases the effectiveness of this technology in real time, providing clear evidence of its superior performance compared to the traditional method. Learn more here.