Robotic test cell for RFID chip
PROBLEM:
The need is to test RFID chips with extreme reliability and minimizing cycle times. The chips, different in shape and characteristics, are inserted in number and arrangement that vary from code to code, inside a 0.03mm thick polycarbonate sheet.
SOLUTION:
Create a robotic island that allows you to perform tests by eliminating the need for labor. A high performance robot allows to obtain very low cycle times. The test phase is performed by a pair of antennas which subject two chips at a time to a predetermined series of read and write cycles with result control: all chips that do not comply with the standards are marked with ink to be easily identified. Based on the number of damaged specimens on each sheet, good pieces or scraps are stacked in the warehouse. All the trajectories and positions of the robot are automatically generated by the software and there is no need to train anything in the case of new formats: simply insert the chip layout and their type on the screen. The operator is only responsible for loading the sheets to be tested and for unloading those that have already been tested. All test results are stored in a database, remaining available for future analysis. In addition, all damaged chips are traceable based on the unique code stamped on them.
ADVANTAGES:
Some strengths deserve to be underlined: – no more false tests for manual errors: the precision of the robot positions the chips at the correct distance right on the vertical of the antennas; – the productivity of the island is incomparably higher than that obtainable manually; – the damaged chips are traceable based on the code imprinted on them by an inkjet printer; – no need for labor: once the warehouse is loaded, the plant can work autonomously for an entire 8-hour shift; – great flexibility: the new models can be processed with the simple introduction of the layout data and type of chip; – simple production traceability: the test results are available and uniquely attributable to the damaged chips. The achievement of these results allows the customer to count on a reliable quality control
DESCRIPTION:
the sheets to be tested are loaded into a stack on the loading table. An anthropomorphic robot (6 axes) is equipped with a flat vacuum gripping tool specifically designed to take one sheet at a time from the load stack: targeted air blows separate the sheets from each other, neutralizing electrostatic charges. Each chip of the picked sheet is then passed over one of the two antennas and subjected to multiple read and write operations to test its functionality. The system is capable of processing two chips at a time. The specimens that do not pass the checks are marked with a unique code (based on date and time) written with indelible ink. For each sheet, a maximum number of damaged chips is tolerated, beyond which the entire sheet is discarded. The two stacks of the working parts and the waste are easily downloadable from the respective stations.
