Esterline Advanced Input Systems recently completed the installation and validation of a new surface mount line. The new equipment compliments the existing production equipment and was justified as an expansion of a core process.  SMT allows us to manage costs and to provide a high level of responsiveness and flexibility in our high mix/low-mid volume custom product operation. The expansion increases overall capacity by 30% and will satisfy growth demand for 1-2 years. 

The new line is consistent with existing equipment which allows for lead free processing and has capability for components from 01005s to large BGAs and QFPs. The line includes a solder print machine, placement machine, reflow oven, AOI (automated optical inspection), and associated board conveyors.   Other important features include high reliability and uptime, high quality output, large board size capability, quick changeover capability, and great customer support from the associated equipment manufacturers.  The new equipment mirrors our last SMT installation so procedures and operation knowledge were already in place, allowing for rapid production release and relief from imminent capacity constraints.

Advanced Input continues to invest in printed circuit board assembly, providing critical support for our customers in development and production.                                              

AIS and Esterline have committed to greatly expanding the radiated emissions testing capability of our EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) lab in Coeur d'Alene. We are now increasing our capability to address many of the requirements of military (MIL-STD 461E) and aerospace equipment (DO-160).

AIS' current anechoic chamber test capability addresses the tests mandated by both the Federal Communications Commission (FCC - CFR47 part 15 and CISPR22 for unintentional radiators) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA Medical equipment CISPR11).  These standards are in place to insure that digital equipment in normal use doesn't interfere with federal communications systems and/or medical equipment. Turning on your computer shouldn't interrupt the radio or television and performing an ultrasound can't disrupt a pacemaker.

Our new capabilities will address military and aerospace customer's more pressing needs for containing unwanted electrical noise. Here is a story supporting the importance of EMC:

"The loss of a British warship in the Falklands island conflict was attributed in part to the commanding officer's need to communicate with the admiralty and that required shutting down some of the ships threat radar because of that systems interfering noise. The ship was unable to detect an in coming Exocet missile which struck the ship. "