The RAPID H4 Flex is the only flying probe test system on the market capable of testing flex-PCBs produced in a large reel format. To minimize manufacturing costs and increase overall productivity, several high-volume flex-PCB manufacturers have deployed specialized production lines dedicated to processing circuits in a continuous reel web (reel-to-reel).

System Structure
The complete architecture of the system is divided into three primary sections detailed below:

LOAD AREA: This section features a primary unwinder equipped with a roll-carrier spindle, followed by a dedicated pulling unit with an air brake mechanism.

TEST AREA: Because flex-PCBs lack structural rigidity, the integration of a general-purpose vacuum table is required. Consequently, the RAPID H4 Flex incorporates a custom vacuum tray built directly into the work zone alongside a vacuum pump/blower system. Additionally, the test system includes an automated stamper to mark defective foils immediately after completing the test procedures.

UNLOAD AREA: This zone utilizes a specialized pulling unit with an air brake to ensure controlled material feeding, combined with an output assembly featuring an aligner and a primary winder with 3" and 6" roll-carrier spindles.

VIVA Software and MES integration Option

Operating on the standard Seica software architecture, the RAPID H4 Flex test system utilizes the VIVA platform. This platform delivers two distinct authentication methods managed via the proprietary MY VIEW graphic editor:

1. Standard Windows authentication
2. The specialized VIVA User Authentication, which enables the configuration of specific user profiles with varying access privileges.

To support manufacturing environments where production and material flows are controlled through factory software, the RAPID H4 Flex can be seamlessly linked to a Manufacturing Execution System (MES). Utilizing a proprietary adapter, integration is available for diverse customer MES platform.

Through advanced hardware and software integration, the flexible architecture easily addresses all unique market segments. Seica is the only ATE manufacturer providing the RAPID Line with two complementary architectures to satisfy diverse operational and manufacturing process requirements.

The horizontal architecture offers systems designed for in-line configurations, allowing full automation of the testing process and eliminating operator intervention. In the modern market, in-line automation signifies the capability to test dozens of unique batches or board part numbers in small or large quantities, rather than just high-volume production.

An integrated, automated conveyor compliant with SMEMA standards enables in-line deployment or combination with the MTBH loading and unloading module for automatic handling of various board sizes.

Conversely, the vertical systems feature an ergonomic design and a reduced footprint, making them suitable for space-constrained environments where operators can work efficiently. Quick manual loading and unloading procedures, coupled with fast test program turnaround times, ensure precise testing of individual PCBs even during continuous test modifications.

All RAPID testers utilize the Seica VIP platform to deliver high performance and user-friendly operation. Furthermore, optical fiber digital communication keeps signal transmissions completely exempt from interference, which guarantees the maximum accuracy and repeatability of measurements.