The Chroma 1870D Series (1870D/1870D-12) are specifically designed automated test equipment for chip inductors. It comprises various test functions that are required for verifying chip inductors. In addition, an automated tape packaging machine at the end of production line is equipped to fulfill demand for automated manufacturing.

The standard test functions of Chroma 1870D series are inductance (Ls)/quality factor (Q), winding resistance(RDC) measurements and polarity tests, along with optional layer short (IWT), insulation resistance (IR) and bias current tests that cover all test items for measuring chip inductor quality and standard specifications.

As miniature inductors are widely used in the electronic products today, mass production of chip inductors is necessary. The production capacity of Chroma 1870D/1870D-12 is up to 1,200 ppm, which can satisfy the quantity demanded. Besides testing, the 1870D/1870D-12 is also equipped with an automated packaging machine to tape and pack the inductors mechanically in order to meet the desired style of SMD production lines.

The Chroma 1870D/1870D-12 uses a circular vibrating plate that carries thin products at high speed for feeding. The circular vibrating plate uses a guide rail design, fiber detection and blow hole to determine the feed direction. This is fast and space saving when compared to traditional linear reciprocating mechanical feeders.

When moving inductors for testing, the traditional reciprocating or turret-type mechanical structure uses a nozzle to attract the inductor for movement, and the product often drops due to inertial effects or inaccurate positioning making it unable to test. The Chroma 1870D/1870D-12 uses an index disc design for testing, so that the equipment is within a closed architecture that can eliminate dropped inductors during highspeed movement. It is faster and more stable when compared to the traditional mechanical structure.

Chroma ATE Inc. not only specializes in electronic testing technology but are also masters in fixture design for automated test equipment. The test socket used by the Chroma 1870D/1870D-12 test station is a four-wire measurement design that is more accurate and stable than common automatic test equipment. The chip design applied to the connection of the test socket and inductor is easier to contact and has longer product life compared to a probe in use. The chip design is also more stable and easier to maintain than a probe.

The Chroma 1870D/1870D-12 has exclusive software for monitoring test status during production in real time, and saving the collected test data for each inductor. Realtime monitoring functions can benefit the production unit by reducing the production risk during manufacturing and cut down unnecessary working hours. The data collection function is favorable to R&D and QA units for product analysis and quality control.

As R&D and QA units are required to inspect the features of all products for basic electrical characteristics and quality related tests, the test data from polarity test, layer short test (or bias current test), winding resistance test and inductance/quality factor test station data are collected and analyzed for quality appraisal or for producing samples for trail production. The Chroma 1870D/1870D-12 test and packing machine provides flexible selections to suit the test stations required for different units.

All electrical characteristics are adapted into the production line based on the R&D unit to comprise polarity test, layer short test (or bias current test), winding resistance test and inductance/quality factor test.

For production line, only test nominal value is required for fast production. The test items applied are winding resistance test and inductance/quality factor test.

Certain power inductors require marking on the top to identify the polarity and inductor type. The Chroma 1870D/1870D-12 can integrate the marking and optical inspection systems owned by customer into the system.