PCB panels: keep edge sockets and repeated outlines visible
Two real board-panel tests show the same practical issue: the edge of the field is dimmer than the centre. An arc bar keeps repeated outlines and connector positions more consistently visible.
A repeated feature needs repeatable illumination wherever it lands.
Real camera capture
- Proposed light housing (spec)196 × 20.3 × 27 mm
- EvidenceReal lighting-lab captures
- Camera (proposed)2448 × 2048 monochrome
- Field (derived proposal)84.46 × 70.66 mm
Explore it in 3D
Camera and available lens CAD are published models. Lens and light envelopes use printed dimensions. The linked station uses its published base size and column height; carriage, brackets, fittings, parts and spacing are illustrative. Confirm load, travel, fasteners and clearances before ordering. Light paths explain the arrangement and do not simulate optical performance. The part geometry is illustrative and is not reconstructed from the camera image. The proposed field is derived from the printed lens magnification and camera pixel dimensions; actual coverage and focus need a bench check. Representative part geometry is illustrative, not reconstructed inspection evidence.
Lighting application-lab image sheet
What the camera saw
Cropped from the source test sheet; original test annotations are retained. Captures are not generated or enhanced. Drag a comparison slider, or open any image full size.
Arc bar: Same application sheet with the arc bar; repeated round outlines remain clearer across the field.
Arc bar · connector panel: Second board type under the arc bar: the connector positions are more evenly visible.
The challenge
Panelized boards repeat the same feature at many positions. A threshold that works in the middle can fail at the edge when the illumination falls off.
How it was solved
Both source sheets compare white LS-BAR-0664 with white LS-BAR-1069, first on round board outlines and then on a panel with repeated connector positions.
The proposed optical kit is a stationary contrast test. It is not a complete solder-joint AOI system and does not establish electrical continuity.
Why it works
- 1
A more even light distribution reduces position-dependent brightness differences.
- 2
The two board types provide related trials of coverage, not two independent production success stories.
Lighting application-lab image sheet
Evidence you can inspect
Two panel types show more consistent feature brightness in the arc-bar captures.
The source captions report improved spot coverage and uniformity; no defect recall, false-call rate or minimum feature is given.
A lighting application-lab demonstration. The source supplies no customer deployment, defect-size limit, repeatability study or production false-call data. Proposed camera, lens, field, mounting and spacing are not the original tested system.
From image contrast to a production decision
What to validate on your part
- 01
Inspect every position
Place identical reference regions at the centre, sides and corners of the intended field.
- 02
Challenge the classifier
Include acceptable solder-mask colours, silkscreen and connector metal finishes.
- 03
Verify the actual field
Choose magnification for the real panel size and confirm that all required features fit at the chosen resolution.
From the demo to your test bench
Parts in this setup
LightTested
LS-BAR-1069
Arc bar light, 196 x 20.3 x 27 mm (LS-BAR-1069)
Arc bar used in both clearer source captures; one proposed bar.
$239.00
In proposed setup
LightTested
LS-BAR-0664
High luminance bar light, 262 x 36 x 26 mm (LS-BAR-0664)
Straight bar used as the comparison in both source sheets.
$289.00
Separate test / alternative
CameraOur pick
MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE)
Hikrobot MV-CS050-10GM(NPOE) 5 MP GigE area scan camera, IMX264, Gen 2 basic version, Mono, Without PoE
5 MP monochrome global-shutter camera, 2448 × 2048 pixels, 3.45 µm pixels and C-mount. Proposed for a bench contrast trial; the source does not identify its camera. Requires separate camera power; this NPOE model does not support PoE.Not available in the United States. Available for delivery to other countries.
$819.00
In proposed setup
LensOur pick
LS-FFL-1454
16mm, F2.8, 1.1", C-mount, Macro lens (52 mm (-0.25X) to 546 mm (-0.03X)) (LS-FFL-1454)
16 mm C-mount macro lens; its printed 0.1x at 152 mm working distance gives a derived 84.46 × 70.66 mm field on the proposed camera. Confirm coverage, focus and the required smallest feature.
$319.00
In proposed setup
Camera test stationOur pick
LS-MNT-0097
Camera stand with XZ adjustment and glass tray, height 600 mm (LS-MNT-0097)
600 mm column, 600 × 450 mm breadboard, XZ adjustment, glass tray and two lighting holders as listed. Proposed bench fixture; confirm loads, travel and camera/lens clamps.
$629.00
In proposed setup
"Tested" identifies the part named in the source. "Our pick" is a proposed alternative or supporting part. Confirm colour, optics, controllers, power supplies, cables and mounting before ordering.
The set-up
| Lighting evidence | Application-lab source captures |
|---|---|
| Camera and lens | Proposed catalog components; source camera unspecified |
| Proposed field (derived) | 84.46 × 70.66 mm at 0.1x |
| Lens working distance (spec) | 152 mm at the listed magnification |
| Mounting (proposed) | LS-MNT-0097 · 600 mm station, glass tray and two lighting holders |
Mount the optics with intent
The station is an optical test bench, with its two lighting holders included in the catalog listing. The 3D column and base follow the published height and footprint. Carriages, clamps and part supports are schematic: confirm camera screw pattern, lens support, light fasteners, permissible load and actual travel before ordering.
Complete the electrical system
Select a controller against the exact light voltage, drive mode and power, then confirm camera data/power/I/O cables and a suitable PC. These are not silently added to the proposed optical kit.
Build this system
Start from this setup, adapt it to your part.
The configurator opens with this study's camera, lens, light and station picked. Swap any part, check fit and price, then buy or ask for a quote.
Camera and available lens CAD are published models. Lens and light envelopes use printed dimensions. The linked station uses its published base size and column height; carriage, brackets, fittings, parts and spacing are illustrative. Confirm load, travel, fasteners and clearances before ordering. Light paths explain the arrangement and do not simulate optical performance. The part geometry is illustrative and is not reconstructed from the camera image. The proposed field is derived from the printed lens magnification and camera pixel dimensions; actual coverage and focus need a bench check. Representative part geometry is illustrative, not reconstructed inspection evidence.
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Make the next trial specific.
Tell us the part size, smallest defect or tolerance, available working distance, material and line speed. Include what a good part and a reject look like.
About this case study: the photos and camera images come from the application laboratory of the maker of the lighting and optics we sell, imaged on the parts shown; your results depend on your part, camera and set-up. This is an application-lab study, not a LumaSpec customer deployment. Source figures are reported results; proposed components require a fresh trial. The 3D scene illustrates the arrangement and does not simulate imaging performance.