Townsend Coates offers breakthrough photonic device packaging system

Citation

(2003), "Townsend Coates offers breakthrough photonic device packaging system", Assembly Automation, Vol. 23 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2003.03323cad.008

Townsend Coates offers breakthrough photonic device packaging system

Townsend Coates offers breakthrough photonic device packaging system

Keywords: Fibre optics, Assembly

A new resistance welding-based fibre optic alignment and attachment system is available from Townsend Coates. A significant step forward in photonic device packaging with sub-micron alignment tolerances, the benchtop system provides dramatic cost reduction and significant yield improvement over laser welding or soldering systems. The compact platform leaves open access for cameras, parts loading, and other hardware related to automation (Plate 9).

A combination of technologies from California-based Phasebridge Inc., and Unitek Miyachi, the product was unveiled at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) in Atlanta, USA (25-27 March 2003). Featuring Phasebridge's patent-pending optical mount and process technology and utilising Unitek's UB25 linear DC resistance welding power supply, the new compact benchtop system offers precision component alignment and attachment without requiring post weld shift adjustment.

Plate 9 Townsend Coates offers breakthrough photonic decice packaging system

Unitek's UB25 linear DC resistance welding control with active part conditioning (APC) and built-in monitor provides excellent low energy precision control for the high reliability welding of miniature and micro-miniature parts such as optical fibers, ferrules and components used in butterfly and other planar photonic devices. Weld energy may be programmed in current, voltage, or power feedback modes. The compact unit runs on single phase line voltage for ease of installation and features a state-of-the-art, easy-to-use user interface and real time energy display.

The patent-pending Phasebridge optical mount and process technology eliminates the need for any post weld processes such as laser hammering or bending, enabling significant manufacturing yield improvements over the current state-of-the-art. The Phasebridge optical mount technology lends itself to use with resistance welding, laser welding, laser soldering and other attachment techniques.

For further information, contact: Mike Garry, Townsend Coates, Lunsford Road, Leicester LE5 0HH, UK. Tel: 0116 274 4488; E-mail: pedsales@townsendcoates.com