Profiling Software 2G User Manual 4.3
Profiling Software 2G User Manual 4.3
User Manual
Version 4.3
Publication Number SFT-317000-000
Profiling Software 2G User Manual Version 4.3
This document contains information that is proprietary to KIC. Said information, is copyrighted as is all associated
software and hardware. All rights are reserved. Patents are pending.
This document and the information contained in it may not be sold, duplicated, used, or disclosed, in whole or in
part, except as specifically authorized in writing by KIC. The information contained in this document and
associated software is subject to change without notice.
There are no warranties with respect to the information contained in this document, express or implied, except as
provided by written contract between KIC and the customer.
All KIC product names and logos are trademarks of Embedded Designs, Inc. All other trademarks used herein are
the property of their respective owners.
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Table of Contents
INTRODUCING THE SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................... 1
INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE .......................................................................................................................... 2
Languages ............................................................................................................................................. 2
To install the software: ........................................................................................................................... 2
STARTING THE SOFTWARE ............................................................................................................................ 3
To start the software: ............................................................................................................................. 3
To end the software session: ................................................................................................................. 4
SELECTING GLOBAL PREFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 5
RESTRICTING ACTIONS BY PASSWORD........................................................................................................... 6
To enable password protection: ............................................................................................................. 6
COPYING DATA TO THE NETWORK ................................................................................................................. 7
DEFINING THE PROCESS WINDOW SETUP ............................................................................................ 8
Selecting a solder paste ........................................................................................................................ 9
Editing Process Window specifications ............................................................................................... 10
Assigning separate thermocouple specifications ................................................................................. 11
Saving the Process Window ................................................................................................................ 12
To create a Process Window: .............................................................................................................. 12
Change Specs Name ........................................................................................................................... 13
Using Sweet Spot Target (Optional) .................................................................................................... 13
MONITORING HARDWARE STATUS ....................................................................................................... 14
RUNNING A PROFILE ............................................................................................................................... 15
SPECIFYING OVEN CHARACTERISTICS.......................................................................................................... 16
To identify a new oven to the system: ................................................................................................. 16
To specify an oven recipe: ................................................................................................................... 17
ATTACHING THERMOCOUPLES .................................................................................................................... 19
Attaching the Air TC ............................................................................................................................. 19
Attaching standard TCs ....................................................................................................................... 19
SELECTING THERMOCOUPLES FOR THE PROFILE .......................................................................................... 20
STARTING THE PROFILE .............................................................................................................................. 21
To start the profile: ............................................................................................................................... 21
VIEWING THE LIVE PROFILE GRAPH .............................................................................................................. 22
VIEWING THE PROFILE AND STATISTICS ....................................................................................................... 24
MANUAL PROFILE PREDICTION .................................................................................................................... 25
ANALYZING THE PROFILE GRAPH DISPLAY .................................................................................................... 26
ANALYZING PROFILE DATA WITH THE GRAPH OPTION TOOLS .......................................................................... 28
Viewing temperature data at selected points ....................................................................................... 28
Enlarging graph details with the zoom option ...................................................................................... 28
Statistics Table ..................................................................................................................................... 31
Editing oven recipes and TC labels ..................................................................................................... 32
To display and use the TC and Recipe Editor screen: ........................................................................ 32
Profile screen buttons .......................................................................................................................... 33
Upon exiting the graph screen ............................................................................................................. 34
USING PROFILE EXPLORER ................................................................................................................... 36
UNDERSTANDING THE COMMAND BUTTONS .................................................................................................. 37
COMPARING MULTIPLE PROFILES ................................................................................................................ 37
To create an overlay profile: ................................................................................................................ 37
INSERTING SOFTWARE DATA FILES FROM AN OUTSIDE SOURCE ..................................................................... 41
PRINTING PROFILE DISPLAY SCREENS ............................................................................................... 42
PRINT FORMAT #1- PORTRAIT .................................................................................................................... 42
PRINT FORMAT #2- LANDSCAPE ................................................................................................................. 43
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Optional programs
The functionality of the standard software can be enhanced by using the optional software programs:
• Navigator Power – automatically finds the optimal oven setup for each product you profile.
• Auto-Focus Power – calculates the ideal initial oven recipe to avoid typical oven setup problems.
• Statistical Process Control – displays profile data to chart Process Capability Index (Cpk) values.
• Virtual Profiling – calculates virtual product profiles when the MVP fixture is run through the reflow oven.
These enhancement options are distributed on and activated from a software key—a removable USB thumb drive
that can be separately purchased from KIC.
Profilers
The software is compatible with several different hardware models:
1. SPS Smart Profiler
2. SRA Smart Reflow Analyzer
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3. X
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4. K
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Some illustrations in this manual may reference the X profiler. When using the software with the K profiler
references to that model will appear in the same locations. The user interface is otherwise identical. Some functions
are only available with the SPS Smart Profiler (See Appendix D: How to run profiles with Profile Stacking). For
specific information regarding your profiler hardware, consult one of the following publications:
• SPS Smart Profiler Hardware Guide, (Publication Number PTG-330310-000)
• SRA Smart Reflow Analyzer Hardware Guide, (Publication Number SRA-330200-000)
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• X Profiler Hardware Guide, (Publication Number EXP-337310-000)
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• K Profiler Hardware Guide, (Publication Number EXP-331310-000)
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Languages
The software supports the following languages:
• English • Japanese
• German • Korean
• Spanish • Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese
2. Depending upon your computer setup, a dialog box may appear. If it does, select Open folder to view files.
If a dialog box does not appear, use Windows Explorer to browse to the USB flash drive directory.
3. Double-click the installation file in the root directory to begin the installation and follow the instructions*
for the installation program as prompted as the screens are displayed.
The software installation automatically adds a KIC folder to main Windows Start Menu.
*When installing the software over an existing Profiling Software 2G directory, the installation will
automatically create a backup folder of the existing directory. A warning message will be displayed when
selecting an existing directory, and a checkbox can be de-selected if you do not wish to create a backup.
The name of the backup directory created will be C:\Profiling Software 2G_Old_MM-DD-YYYY.
*Some optional features may require a selection to be made during the installation process to be enabled. You
should only select the optional feature if it was purchased and/or you have a license for that feature.
Note: If you have a question regarding your hardware or software configuration, contact KIC Tech Support at
[email protected]
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Hardware Status
Show the status of the oven controller Profile Explorer
(if applicable), the profiler, and the Filing system used to manage and
optional software key. view all profiles run using the
software.
Exit
Exits the program, closing the
application.
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You access the Global Preferences settings by clicking on the globe button on the main screen. You set your
preferences on the Global tab.
• Units of measure – There are two drop down menus to choose units for Conveyor Speed and Distance, and
weight. (The Weight is only used with the Auto-Focus program.)
• Product start temperature – The temperature of all the thermocouples attached to the product and the profiler
must be below this temperature to start a profile. This will insure that a profile is not started while the board is
still too hot. Input a value in the field or use Slider bar.
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• Profiling hardware – The software detects and displays the model(SPS, X , K ) of any connected profiler. If
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you connect a Wi-Fi SPS or Dual model X , the software displays radio buttons that let you identify the
communication mode of the unit as either Datalogger or Transmitter:
• Using an optional hardware fixture lets you perform Manual Virtual Profiling (MP). If you check the MVP
box, a percentage field appears that lets you specify the maximum Process Window Index value needed to start
Virtual Profiling. (See Using Virtual Profiling section for details)
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Note: If you are running on an oven with communication compatibility with the software, there will also be a
field appears to let you input an oven name. The name is saved with the profile and can be sorted on in the
Profile Explorer.
• Languages – Select the language that you wish to run the software. It is necessary to restart the software after
changing to a different language. See important information about Languages on page 2.
• Engineer password – By checking this and entering a password you can control access to certain menus in the
software.
• Copy Data to Network – Checking the Copy Data to Network box lets you store files and data to a network
location for backup or archival purposes.
• Saving or deleting Process Windows or changes to Process Windows in the Process Window screen
• Accessing the Optimization tab on the Profile Graph and Statistics screen
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Select the folders and/or data to be copied and then enter or browse to the network location. You must enter a valid
network path. Click the Save and Start button to begin copying the selected files and folders to selected network
location.
The software will prompt you to either, copy all the data now or save the settings without copying the data.
CopyToNetwork message
Yes – The selected data is copied to the selected network location and the settings are saved.
No- The settings are saved, but no data is copied.
Notes:
• If the network location is not available, is an invalid path, or the network is disconnected, Profiling
Software temporarily writes the selected data to the C:\Profiling Software 2G\_Data_Backup_ folder until
the network path or connection has been reestablished.
• The CopyToNetwork tool launches automatically if the Copy to Network option is checked in the Global
Preferences-Barcode tab.
• Whenever any selected folder is updated with new/modified information, the new information is
automatically backed up to the network location without any further user interaction.
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Process Window name – Name of the Process Window file that includes the statistics chosen and limits for those
statistics, along with whatever text is typed in the Description field. See Figure 2.
• Solder paste menu - A read only library list of numerous solder pastes along with the statistics and limits
suggested by the paste mfg., also included is a User-Defined option in the list which allows you to create a spec.
of your own. See below for additional details.
• Edit specs – Screen allowing you to edit or choose statistics and limits for a chosen solder paste or define your
own specs
• Wave – This checkbox switches between the process specs and the Wave process specs for the selected Process
Window. Set up a Process Window specific to Wave TCs for Wave Solder profiling.
• Read only text box – Shows the paste name, statistics name, and limits for a Process Window chosen, edited,
or saved by you. To edit select the Edit Specs button.
• Same specs for all TCs – By deselecting this checkbox, you can assign separate specifications for each
individual thermocouple you are using. After deselecting the checkbox, you’ll need to click on the Edit Specs
button to choose which statistics will be used and what spec limits will be set for each thermocouple used. This
option would be used if you had component specific specifications that differ from the general solder paste
specs. Another use for this would be if you wanted to monitor the actual board temperature as well as
component temps. You would then only select the statistics for that TC that are relevant. If you wish to use the
same specifications for all thermocouples, put a check mark in the box.
• Select TC to view – This dialog box will appear only if the Same Specs for all TCs checkbox is deselected. By
clicking on the dropdown menu, you can view the specifications that have been defined for that number
thermocouple. If a description was included, it will be displayed next to Label.
• Process Window description – Field allowing for freehand notes for a particular Process Window.
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Solder Paste menu - Once you have clicked on the Solder Paste Menu you will have a list of pastes to choose from.
Use the scroll bar on the right to find your paste, and then click on the paste in the list. See Figure 3.
• Clicking on the green check will accept that paste and load its specs automatically. You will then return to the
Process Window screen, after being presented disclaimer information.
• Clicking on the picture of the paste jar and tube will give you technical support information for the solder paste
Mfg. that you chose.
• Clicking on the red X will cancel your selection and return you to the Process Window screen without making
any changes.
Note: The solder paste list is updated periodically. Check the Internet for updates -- www.kicthermal.com
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Process Window name is listed at the top of the screen. See Figure 4.
There is a single drop-down list at the top that contains all of the available specifications that can be applied to your
Process Window. These specifications are specific limits or a group of limits that define the overall Process
Window for your product. These specifications include Slope, Preheat, Soak, Peak temperatures, and Time above
temperatures.
Spec details – The Spec details coincide with the selected Specification. For each Specification selected, enter the
Temperature, and Time limits. These limits are usually dictated by the solder paste used. The software uses the
limits to measure the profile PWI.
Note: Changes made within this screen will have a direct effect on the profile PWI value.
Once you complete all spec modifications, click on the green check button to apply your changes. Clicking on the
red X (cancel) button will cancel your changes and exit.
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• Select - Use the Select drop-down menu to select the TC whose specifications you wish to view/edit. The Spec
Details for the selected TC is displayed.
• TC label – This area will allow you to type in a description or label to identify that particular TC. If left blank,
the TCs will simply be identified as TC2, TC3, etc.
Note: When separate specs are being used, this is the only place where you can select or deselect which TCs will be
used for a profile.
Once you have completed all edits of the specs you can click on the Green Check button and your changes will be
applied. Clicking on the Red X (Cancel) button will cancel your changes and exit. See Figure 5.
Note: If you are having trouble defining your process specifications, contact us at [email protected]
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To save - Click on the green check (Save and Exit) button. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to save the
changes to the new Process Window file. See Figure 8.
Figure 8
Clicking on Yes will save it and exit to the main screen. You can click on No and click on the red X “cancel button”
to exit without accepting or saving any changes.
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If you wish to rename the label for a particular statistic, start by clicking on the Change Specs Name button (found
on the Edit Specs screen), which opens a separate window. Put a check mark in the checkbox at the top of the screen
to enable the change function. Next, locate the desired specification in the greyed out columns, and type in the new
name in the corresponding editable column. Click Save, then Exit to close the window and return to the Edit Specs
screen.
If you purchased the Sweet Spot Target option, you will see an additional checkbox on the main Process Window
screen. Putting a checkmark in this box will enable this feature for the specified Process Window:
Normally, when selecting a specification, only an upper and lower limit is defined, and the “target” value is
automatically the center of the upper/lower limits. With the Sweet Spot Target option, enabling this feature allows
you to manually define your own Target value for each statistic. This function may be desired when there is a
defined specification window, but the desired optimal value may not be the exact center of the limits.
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Oven Controller – Shows the status of the connection between the software and any connected oven. Contact KIC
for details about connecting your reflow oven.
Profiler status panel– Names the currently selected profiler and displays the following information:
• Profiler communication status
• COM port – when connected.
• Temperature display – for all connected thermocouples.
• Battery Voltage.
• Internal Temperature – of profiler.
• Maximum Temperature Capability – This value determines the maximum temperature that the profiler can
read.
Software Key – Shows the status of any software key that is connected. Displays the functions associated with the
software key.
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Running a profile
The Run a Profile button will guide you through a series of screens, which will finish at a completed and graphed
profile. To move through these screens you can use the Back, Next, or Cancel buttons located at the bottom of the
screen.
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Unless you specify otherwise, the software works with the following initialization file default assumptions:
• The zones are uniform and consecutive with no large gaps between them.
• The minimum temperature for all zones is 70° C.
• The maximum temperature for all zones is 350° C
• Default setpoint values start at 100° C and increases at 5° intervals at each zone.
At the start of the profiling process, the software displays a series of screens that let you change the default values in
the file to accurately reflect your equipment. You will likely need to set some values, such as the length of oven
heating zones, and min/max temperature limits only once--when you first set up the oven. Others, such as
temperature setpoints and conveyor speed values that make up an oven recipe, you may change frequently to match
to new products.
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3. In the Number of Zones field, type in the quantity for the oven.
4. Deselect the All Zone Lengths are the same check box.
The screen populates with default length values:
7. Click the back arrow button to save the settings or click the next arrow
button to save the settings and display the next screen to specify an
oven recipe.
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Note: This screen does not appear when the software is communicating with an oven controller.
3. Type in new temperature values for the top of the oven zones.
7. Click the next arrow button to advance to the thermocouple attachment phase of running a
profile.
Note: If the zone lengths of your oven have been changed since you first
characterized the unit in the software, or you just want to check the current
settings, use the Zone Length button to display the Verify the Length of
Each Zone and the Minimum and Maximum Setpoint Temperatures screen.
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Attaching thermocouples
Thermocouples (TCs), attached to solder joints or other important sites on the board, directly measure the
temperature at the point that the TC bead is in contact with the PCB. The TC measurements are collected by the
profiler and the software to create thermal profiles.
As part of the running a profile process, the software displays illustrations that show how to attach thermocouples
using aluminum tape. These images also appear in the procedures that follow.
The system works with two kinds of TCs—standard TCs and the air TC. Standard TCs record the temperature data
for various sites on the board. The air TC gets specific positioning because its temperature triggers the start of the
profile data processing, aids with TC shifting, and improves the prediction capabilities of the software.
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Include thermocouple (TC) labels (20 char. Max) – Checking this will display a field below each TC that is
checked. Up to 20 characters can be used to describe the placement or location of that TC.
TC number check box – Place a check next to each TC channel that is going to be used for this profile. TC number
1 is always used for the AIR TC. You must have at least one other TC being used.
Note: If the selected Process Window has Separate Specs for TCs, then you must return to the Process Window-
Edit Specs screen in order select/deselect TCs or change their text labels.
Live reading – When the profiler is on and either plugged into the download cable for data logging or transmitting
to the receiver which is plugged in, you will see live temperature updates for the TCs plugged into the profiler. The
TC checkbox must be checked as well to get the temperature updates. If you do not see live temperature readings
recheck all the cable and or computer connections.
Battery voltage – This displays a live reading of the profiler battery voltage. The software will recognize if your
battery voltage is too low to complete the profile and not allow you to start a profile until the batteries have been
replaced.
Profiler internal temperature – This displays the internal temperature of the profiler. If the temperature is too
high to complete the profile and stay under the maximum temperature rating for the unit, it will not allow you to
start the profile. You must wait until the profiler is cool enough. The software will let you know what temperature
the profiler should drop below.
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1. On the Select the Thermocouples for the profile screen, click on the Start Profile button.
The software asks if the oven control TCs are within 2 degrees of the setpoint value:
IMPORTANT NOTE: All profilers have a maximum operating temperature that, to avoid damage, should never be
exceeded. See the product datasheet for temperature tolerance information.
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The Live Graph screen shows the real-time plot of the product going through the oven. This will only appear for the
profiler-RF models or for Temp vs. Time profiles. During the live profile all of the tabs on the screen are
inaccessible. The only action that you can take at this point is to cancel the profile by clicking on the RED X button
or the Profile Stop button for Temp vs. Time.
The Live Profile Graph display will remain on your screen until the profiler has achieved the trigger temperature
that determines the profile end.
Profile status
The bottom part of the screen will keep you apprised of the progress of the profile in reference to the profiler
hardware status. Status messages include:
• Waiting for the Air TC to exceed the start trigger temperature.
• Profile started- Waiting for the Air TC to exceed the midpoint trigger temperature.
• Profile will stop when all thermocouples drop below 80 Celsius.
• Profiler currently retransmitting.
• Profiler retransmission successful!
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Profile retransmission
While a profiler with wireless capability transmits the live profile data to the software; it simultaneously stores the
profile data in its memory. Once the profiler detects that all of the thermocouples have cooled below the profile-end
trigger value, it will begin retransmitting the profile data to the software via the profiler Base Station. When
retransmission begins, the profiler will send the profile in data packets. The retransmission status is displayed at the
bottom of the screen. See Figure 13.
When all the data packets have been received, the software will display a message asking you to turn the profiler off,
choose OK. Failing to turn the profiler off will drain the batteries.
Next, the software will automatically analyze the profile data and presents the profile and statistics. If you
purchased the Navigator option, the predicted oven settings will be displayed as well.
See Figure 14 through Figure 17.
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Figure 14 Figure 15
General Tab – Shows graph, statistics, and recipe General Tab – Graph view (double-click on graph)
Figure 16 Figure 17
General Tab – Statistic view (double-click on stats table) Description Tab – Shows Description notes, statistics, and
recipe
At the top of the screen is the temperature plot of the TCs, in the center of the screen is the statistical table, and the
bottom of the screen shows the recipe information – setpoints and conveyor speed settings.
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Manual Prediction gives you the flexibility to easily predict changes to the oven settings (temperature settings,
conveyor speed), and view the results without having to spend the time actually running the profile. This feature is
very helpful to minimizing the time spent fine tuning or developing a thermal profile.
This is an example of how the software (standard and with Navigator) lists the PWI, and oven settings for the
profile. This table is divided into the original section (top), and the Predicted section (bottom). See Figure 18.
The original values represent the oven settings at the time the profile was run. The predicted values represent the
prediction results as determined by the Navigator software. See Figure 19.
If you purchased the Navigator software option, the software will automatically generate results that are best suited
for the selected Process Window. In the event you wish to modify the prediction results of the Navigator, you can
do so. See Figure 20.
To predict changes to the oven settings, or modify the Navigator prediction results, click on the zone you wish to
change. In the example below, zone 1 has been selected. See Figure 20.
Figure 20
Type the new temperature setting, and then press Enter. The Navigator will predict the results of that change, and
then automatically update the PWI, predicted Statistics, and the profile graph. The new predicted results will be
displayed on the graph in a dotted-line format. This format enables you to easily determine the difference between
the original and predicted profiles. See Figure 21.
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The PWI for the profile is displayed in the bottom-left corner of this screen. If the measured PWI is below 100%,
the value will be displayed in green. See Figure 21. If the measured PWI is 100% or higher, the value will be
displayed in red. See Figure 22.
Note: This display method enables you to easily identify whether the profile is in- or out-of-spec.
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Reference lines – These lines represent any temperatures referenced in the selected Process Window. When you
use separate thermocouple specs, the Reference Lines check box is disabled, and no lines appear on the graph.
Zone lines – Enables the view for the oven zone lines on the profile graph.
Predicted TCs only – Removes the original TC data form view, displaying only the prediction profile plot
Zero decimal – When using the Pointer tool, this setting enables or disables the decimal display. When unchecked,
the software will display one decimal point.
Internal temp – Enables the view of the profiler’s internal temperature profile plot on the graph.
Display Detailed PWI – Disables the PWI calculations for the individual statistics, and only shows the “overall”
PWI.
Extra Cooling Slope – Enables the display of multiple Cooling Slope calculations at specified intervals.
Display of Pointers – If you choose to add pointers to the graph, this area allows you to select which calculations
will be displayed in the Pointer Slopes tab of the statistics table.
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You can get an enlarged view of selected areas of the profile display.
Right-click on the graph to display the Graph Option Menu, then select
the Zoom option. See Figure 26. A chart appears on the left side of the
graph. See Figure 27.
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Using your mouse pointer, click and drag the view window in the graph over the area you wish to enlarge.
To disable the Zoom view, right-click on the graph, and deselect the option.
Move TC line
The Move TC line feature allows the user to manually move the thermocouple plot
on the profile graph. This is used to fine-tune the profile or make corrections in the
event the software did not properly display the plot. See Figure 29.
Select the thermocouple you wish to move and then click and drag the highlighted
plot and move it to the desired location on the profile graph. See Figure 30.
Figure 29: Move TC Line
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Zone Resize
Select to move the first line (zone beginning) or the last line (Zone
ending) and then click and drag it to the desired location on the profile
graph. See Figure 33.
Pointer/Slopes
This tool lets you place up to six (6) pointers on the graph, which can be used for calculating/highlighting data in
specific areas of the profile. Use the Remove All Pointer/Slopes tool to clear all pointers from the graph.
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Statistics Table
Profile Tab
The statistics table is displayed in the center of the graph screen and lists a variety data, depending on which tab is
selected, for the current profile being shown. It will list any measured value, as well as the corresponding PWI value
(where applicable).
Profile Tab – Displays any statistical value selected during the Process Window setup. Any statistic displayed in
green is within the specification limits. Any statistic in red is outside of the spec limits defined.
Pointer Slopes – This tab will display the calculations for any Pointers that were placed on the graph. It can display
the temperature at each pointer location, as well as the Slope, Time, and Peak temperature between any two
Pointers. Right click on the graph and click Pointer/Slopes then left click to add a pointer on the plot. Open the
Graph Controller menu to select which data to show in this table.
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2. Right click anywhere within the statistics table at the bottom of the screen.
Note: The conveyor speed and zone setpoint fields only allow numerical values:
• Zone setpoint values must be between 70 and 350°C (158 and 662°F)
• Conveyor speed values must be between 5.0 and 100.0 inches (12.7 and 254.0 cm)
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Edit/Define Process Window – Choose this button to either view or edit the process
specification(s) for the product used in this profile.
Copy to clipboard – Choose this button to copy the profile data to the windows clipboard. You
can then paste the data to a different application.
Print – Choose this button to print a copy of the profile that is currently on your screen.
Main menu – When finished viewing or analyzing the profile, select this button to either run
another profile with this product or return to the main menu. You will be returned to the Profile Explorer if the
profile was opened from there.
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Figure 35
If you select Yes, you will need to choose from the
Original or Predicted recipe settings. See Figure 36.
For both the original and predicted recipe settings, the software will automatically send the selected recipe
information to the oven controller. If there is no communication between the software and the Oven controller, the
software will display a dialog box showing the recipe information. You must manually enter this recipe information
in the oven control software. See Figure 37.
Figure 37
The software will automatically apply the changes to the Run a Profile –Enter Setpoints screen. You will exit to the
Run a Profile –Enter Setpoints screen. If you are running on the oven controller PC, and the oven is compatible with
the software, the oven recipe will automatically be updated.
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The first dialog – “Do you want to run a profile with this product?” will appear each time you exit the graph screen.
Click on No if you do not wish to profile.
You will be sent back to the main menu if you had just completed running a profile. If you opened the profile from
the Profile Explorer you will be returned to the Profile Explorer. The other two dialogs will only appear if changes
are made to the Description notes or Process Window.
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Note: The default data path can be changed, see page 119 for details.
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Save button – Allows you to save a copy of a profile to another folder or to an external drive.
Main menu button – In the lower right corner returns you to the Main Menu.
Product dimensions button (Ruler) – For Auto-Focus users, allows you to edit the length, width, and
weight of the selected product. Whenever the product dimensions are changed in the Profile Explorer, all the
profiles in the directory will be updated automatically.
MVP - Virtual profile – Select this button to run a Virtual Profile using the MVP profiling fixture.
SPC – display charts – Select this button to display the SPC charts for the selected profiles in the SPC
Column.
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Note: As shown below, the target profile appears highlighted in blue. The overlay display compares the
other selected profiles against the target. View target profile information in the Profile Overlay Graph
Controller (Figure 43).
Target Profile
(Highlighted)
The data for the selected profiles appear plotted in a single chart with statistics displayed in a table as
shown below:
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4. When finished analyzing the data, click the Profile Explorer button.
5. Click Yes.
Note: While viewing multiple profiles, the prediction capabilities are disabled.
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The Profile Overlay Graph Controller screen lets you modify the view of the multiple profile graph display. To
open the screen, click on the TCs column header in the Process Window data table. The screen’s features are
described below:
Auto Scale – The Auto Scale feature automatically adjusts the X and Y axis scales to fit all of the data in the profile
graph. When the Auto Scale feature is disabled, the user must manually input the minimum and maximum scale
settings for the X and Y axis scale of the profile graph.
Target Profile – Displays the profile information for the profile selected as the Target Profile. The Target Profile is
the highlighted profile when selecting multiple profiles from the Profile Explorer Main Screen.
List Compare Profiles – Displays the profile information for the profiles that have been selected. Scroll to view
the information. Deselect the check box to remove the profile from the graph.
Deselecting thermocouples
You can deselect thermocouple(s). The software will recalculate the PWI and update the profile statistics based on
the remaining thermocouples selected. You must select at least one product thermocouple.
Reference lines – Clicking this check box enables the view of Reference Lines displayed on the profile graph.
These lines represent any temperatures referenced in the selected Process Window. When you use separate
thermocouple specs, the Reference Lines check box is disabled, and no lines appear on the graph.
Zone Lines – Enables the view for the furnace zone lines on the profile graph.
Zero Decimal – When viewing the Pointer tool, this setting enables or disables the decimal display. When
unchecked, the software will display one decimal point.
Internal Temp – Enables the view of the profilers’ internal temperature profile plot on the graph.
Number of seconds to calculate slope over- User defined field for entering the time in seconds to calculate the
Slope values for the Pointer/Slopes feature.
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The next time you enter the Profile Explorer screen, the software will automatically create folders for those profiles
based on the profile name and move the profiles to the correct folders.
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Select the print button at the bottom of the screen to print a profile. A print dialog box will appear.
See Figure 44.
Print Preview
Close
Enter the “Company Name” and “Site ID.” Check the items you wish to include on your profile printout.
Pass/Fail – Adds additional notation on printout to designate if the PWI is within user specified value.
Press the Print button to print the report.
Press the Print Preview Button to display a preview of the report. See Figure 45.
Figure 45: Sample Print Preview for Report Format #1. Report is printed in Portrait layout.
Includes the Company Name, Site ID, Date, Statistics, Profile Information, Setpoints,
Profile Graph, Statistic Limits and Profile Description.
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Enter the “Company Name” and “Engineer”. Check the items you wish to include on your profile printout. See
Figure 46.
Figure 47: Sample Print Preview for Report Format #2. Report is printed in Landscape layout.
Includes the Company Name, Engineer, Date, Statistics, Process Window, Setpoints,
Profile Graph, Profile Description, Image/Logo Area and Memo Box Area
Note: Optionally, you can print the contents of any screen in the software by pressing F9 on your keyboard. The F9
function will not work while viewing the Profile Printout Setup dialog box.
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Note: KIC does not recommend installing this software on an oven controller PC if you plan to run wave solder
profiles.
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Global Preferences
Unit of measure – Wave solder machines generally use the Fahrenheit scale for preheat and solder pot temperature
measurements. If necessary change the temperature units to Fahrenheit.
Product start temperature – This temperature setting can be changed. It is up to you to determine what
temperature setting will work best for their process.
Maximum product temperature at start of profile – This setting will determine the maximum product
temperature before the software will allow you to start a profile. If any of the thermocouples connected to the
profiler or your product measure above this setting, the software will not allow you to proceed. You will be
prompted with a message stating that one of the selected TCs is not reading valid temperatures. You will have to
wait until the thermocouple or the object your thermocouples are connected to cools below this temperature setting
before the software will allow you to proceed. This software feature helps you to collect consistent profile data by
always beginning the profile with the same or nearly the same product temperatures.
The software also uses this setting to determine the profile start - temperature trigger value. The profile start–
temperature trigger is always set 2ºC above the “Maximum product temperature at start of profile”. If the maximum
product temperature at start of profile is set to 31ºC, the profile start–temperature trigger is automatically set to
33ºC, which is the default setting. When the Air TC reads above 33ºC, the profile will begin.
Process Window
The software does not contain a list of fluxes or materials used specifically for wave soldering; only a list of solder
pastes generally associated with solder reflow. Users defining a Process Window for a wave solder process may
have to define their own specifications.
Select the line item at the top of the list- Define your own spec from the Solder paste Menu. You will be
automatically directed to the Edit Specs window where you can enter your unique process specifications. Enter your
process specifications, when finished; select the Green check button.
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Figure 49
If you have followed the above directions, you should be looking at the Process Window screen. If you are satisfied
with the settings and wish to apply these specifications to all the thermocouples used, type a descriptive name in the
top field and select the green check button. Select Yes when prompted to save the Process Window file.
If you want to use different specifications for one or more thermocouples, you can do so.
Note: When running wave solder profiles with the wave on, the profilers use two wave TCs in addition to the Air
TC to collect wave specific data. The Wave TCs will connect to channels #2 and 3 on the profiler. See the
“Connecting Wave TCs” section of this manual for details, page 51.
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• Select your Product Name from the list. If you are profiling a new product type the name.
• Select your process type from the Applications list. The software profile and prediction results are based on this
setting. It is imperative that your select the correct Application type. Failing to do so can affect the profile
results. For wave solder select to run the profile with the wave On or Off using extra thermocouples to measure
wave characteristics such as Dwell Time, Parallelism, and solder temperature. Select the Wave Profile option
to run a profile without the wave characteristics data .
• If you select Wave On, the software will utilize two wave TCs in addition to the Air TC. The Wave TCs
will measure: wave Dwell Time and Parallelism when profiling with the wave on. The Air TC must be
positioned to run through the wave(s).
• If you select Wave On, the software will display preheat and wave profile data, but offer prediction results
only for the pre-heat section of the profile. The Air TC must be positioned to run through the wave(s).
• If you select Wave Off, the software will not display wave charachteristics data. The Air TC must be
positioned to NOT run through the wave(s).
• If you select Wave Profile, The Air TC must be positioned to run through the wave(s).
• If you purchased the Wave Surfer select Wave Surfer from the Applications list.
• Select the Sample Rate from the drop-down list.
• Select your oven name from the list. If you’re profiling on a new oven or machine, type the name in the “Oven
Name” field.
• Optionally you can type notes or descriptions for this profile in the “Profile Description” field. These notes will
be stored with the profile and can be edited later if necessary,
• When you are finished with your selection, choose the Forward Arrow button to proceed. See Figure 50.
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Distance from end of last preheat zone to the main wave: Enter distance to the beginning of the actual solder
wave.
Conveyor Speed Units/Zone Measurement Units: Allows you to specify how the information is entered.
Any wave solder machine name that is configured within this utility will show up in the “Oven Name” list on the
first RUN A PROFILE screen.
NOTE: When the Wave Machine Configuration tab is enabled, you can only create/define new Wave Solder
machine configurations through this utility. If you try to enter a new Wave Solder machine name in the oven drop-
down menu on the Run A Profile screen, a message will display letting you know to use this configuration tab:
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Wave Surfer
Wave Surfer users connect the designated thermocouples to the
corresponding channels on the profiler.
Make sure the retainers holding the profiler are in place and
secure. See Figure 54.
If any of the embedded thermocouples are damaged or show
signs of wear replace them.
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Selecting thermocouples - To select a thermocouple, check the box next to the thermocouple number. The live
temperature is displayed beneath each thermocouple label.
Thermocouple labels - Optionally you can check the box to include thermocouple labels. When this box is checked
you can type a text label for each selected thermocouple. 20 character maximum.
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Once you have selected your thermocouples, you are ready to profile.
Make sure your profiler hardware is properly connected to the computer. You will be able to view the live readings
for each selected thermocouple. If you do not see the live readings, the profiler hardware is not connected properly.
Recheck the cable connections.
Select the Start Profile (green traffic light) button to begin profiling.
The software requires that the selected thermocouples read valid temperatures below the maximum product
temperature at start of profile as set in the Global Preferences screen. The default setting is 31ºC/88ºF.
If any of the selected thermocouples read too high, the following message Figure 60 appears:
Figure 60
When the software detects valid temperatures for all of the selected thermocouples, it will allow you to start the
profile.
Note: In certain situations the software may display other messages with directions in addition to what is outlined
below. Read these messages and follow these directions carefully.
• The software will have you enter the new setpoints and then recalculate the capability of your oven. Then
continue forward through the Thermocouple Attachment screens until you get to the Select thermocouples
screen. Then select the Start Profile button (Green traffic light) to start the profile, once the oven has stabilized.
If you selected yes, the software shows a picture of and instructs you to put the profiler and the board into the wave
machine, and then select the Arrow Forward button. Next, the software will display the Live Profile graph.
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While the profiler is in the oven, and until the profile has ended, the software will continue to display the live profile
graph. The other tabs at the top of the screen; Description, and Optimization are inaccessible. See Figure 63.
The Live profile graph display will remain on your screen until the profiler has achieved the trigger temperature that
determines the profile end.
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Profile retransmission
Retransmission is only available in profilers with RF transmit capability.
While the profiler transmits the live profile data to the profiler’s Base Station; it simultaneously stores the profile
data in its memory.
Once the profiler detects that all of the thermocouples have cooled below the profile-end trigger temperature, it will
begin retransmitting the profile data to the software via RF. The profiler will send the profile in data packets. The
retransmission status is displayed at the bottom of the screen. See Figure 64.
When all of the data packets have been received, the software will display a message asking you to turn the profiler
off, choose OK. Failing to turn your profiler off will drain the battery.
Next, the software automatically analyzes the profile data and presents the profile and profile statistics. If you
purchased the Navigator option, the predicted oven settings will be displayed as well.
If the Air TC or either Wave TC does not touch the wave(s), the software will display an error message: See Figure
65.
Figure 65
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Preheat tab
The Preheat tab represents only the section of the profile before the wave. The software draws a blue rectangle
around the area that is considered preheat. The profile statistics and setpoints which are shown below the profile
graph depict only the preheat section of the profile, the profile data inside the blue rectangle. See Figure 66.
Information regarding the Wave TCs are displayed in a window at the upper-right hand corner of the profile graph.
This information includes Dwell Time, Parallelism, and the solder temperatures for the wave(s).
Profile Information from the Wave TCs displayed in a window at the upper-
Right hand corner of the profile graph. See Figures 66 and 67. This information
includes; Dwell Time and Parallelism in seconds, and the Solder temperature
setpoint and actual for the wave(s) portion of the profile.
The Dwell Time is measured by the Wave TCs. The Parallelism is the measured
time difference between when the Wave TC-Left, and Wave TC-Right hit the
wave.
Figure 67: Wave Information
The Solder Temperature setpoint is input by you before the profile when
entering oven setpoint information. The solder temperature value is measured by the Air TC during the profile.
Navigator – The Navigator software option will optimize only for the preheat section of the profile. The Navigator
will not predict changes to the wave section of the profile.
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Statistics - Below the profile graph is the Profile Statistics. The statistics are a numeric representation of the profile
and how well the profile fits the selected Process Window. The statistics for this profile and the predicted profile are
shown. A percentage value is displayed in each cell beside the Statistic value. This percentage represents the
amount of Process Window being used. A PWI under 100% indicate the profile fits within the selected Process
Window, a PWI 100% or higher indicates the profile has exceeded the selected Process Window. The software only
displays PWI values for the Preheat Statistics.
Original/Predicted Setpoints - Below the profile Statistics is the oven temperature and conveyor settings. The
original setpoints represent the oven settings when this profile was run; the predicted settings represent the
recommendation of the Navigator prediction software. If you did not purchase the Navigator option, the software
will display the same oven settings for the original and predicted statistics. Navigator is an optional software
capability that automatically finds the best profile for your product based on your solder paste specifications.
Note: The software will not show the predicted setpoints should you want to print the profile. If you wish to print
the predicted setpoints, you can do so by pressing the F9 key. The F9 function key will print any active profile
screen of the software.
Wave tab
The Wave tab will show profile information specific to the wave portion of the profile. The software draws a blue
rectangle around the area that is considered Wave. The profile statistics and setpoints which are shown below the
profile graph depict only the Wave section of the profile. See Figure 68.
Wave PWI – If the Displayed Detailed PWI option is enabled, and you entered wave-specific Process Window
specs when setting up your Process Window, the Wave PWI will also be displayed when viewing the Wave tab. See
Figure 68.
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This tab will display the calculations for any Pointers that were placed on the graph. It can display the temperature
at each pointer location, as well as the Slope, Time, and Peak temperature between any two Pointers. Right click on
the graph and click Pointer/Slopes then left click to add a pointer on the plot. Open the Graph Controller menu to
select which data to show in this table.
Manual prediction gives you the flexibility to easily predict changes to the oven settings (temperature settings,
conveyor speed), and view the results without having to spend the time actually running the profile. This feature is
very helpful to minimizing the time spent fine-tuning or developing a thermal profile.
This is an example of how the software (standard and with Navigator) lists the PWI, and oven settings for the
profile. This table is divided into the Original section (top), and the Predicted section (bottom). The original values
represent the oven settings at the time the profile was run. The predicted values represent the prediction results as
determined by the Navigator software. See Figure 70.
If you purchased the Navigator software option, the software will automatically generate results that are best suited
for the selected Process Window. In the event you wish to modify the prediction results of the Navigator, you can
do so.
To predict changes to the oven settings, or modify the Navigator prediction results, click on the zone you wish to
change and then click enter. In the example below, zone 1 has been selected. See Figure 71.
Figure 71
The Navigator will predict the results of that change, and then automatically update the PWI, predicted Statistics,
and the profile graph. The new predicted results will be displayed on the graph in a dotted-line format. This format
enables you to easily determine the difference between the original and predicted profiles.
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Figure 72
The PWI for the profile is displayed in the bottom-left corner of this screen. If the measured PWI is below 100%,
the value will be displayed in a Green font. If the measured PWI is more than 100%, the value will be displayed in a
red font. See Figure 73.
Note: This display method enables you to easily identify whether the profile is in or out-of-spec.
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Graph Controller
The Graph Controller allows you to modify the view of
the profile graph. To open the Graph Controller, click
on the TC column header or click, anywhere just
outside the profile graph.
Distance from Air TC – Displays the Distance from the Air TC for each thermocouple. You can edit these values.
These values were originally entered before the Profile start.
Reference lines – Clicking this check box enables the view of Reference Lines displayed on the profile graph.
These lines represent any temperatures referenced in the selected Process Window. When you use separate
thermocouple specs, the Reference Lines check box is disabled, and no lines appear on the graph.
Zone lines – Enables the view for the oven zone lines on the profile graph.
Predicted TCs only - Removes the Original profile plot form view, displaying only the prediction profile plot.
Zero decimal – When viewing the Pointer tool, this setting enables or disables the decimal display. When
unchecked, the software will display one decimal point.
Internal temp – Enables the view of the profiler’s internal temperature profile plot on the graph.
Display Wave TCs – Enables the display of the Wave TCs and the Divider Timestamp Line on the profile graph
Display Detailed PWI – This default-selected checkbox enables Process Window Index (PWI) percentage values to
appear on profile graph displays. (See Appendix C: Using the Process Window Index to quantify thermal profile
performance)
Display of Pointers – If you choose to add pointers to the graph, this area allows you to select which calculations
will be displayed in the Pointer Slopes tab of the statistics table.
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Examine line
The Examine line feature displays the temperature for the location of the pointer on the
profile graph. See Figure 76.
Figure 75: Graph Option
Wherever the pointer is moved across the profile, the following data will be displayed: menu
• The first column is the actual temperature for each TC.
• The second column is the temperature of the predicted profile data
• The Delta T for both actual and predicted TC data.
• The time during the profile at which the pointer is placed
Zoom
You can also view the profile by zooming in to get a better view of a particular area
of the profile display. Right-click on the graph, this will bring up a menu. See
Figure 77. Select the Zoom and a chart will appear on the left side of the graph.
Using your mouse pointer, click and drag the view window in the graph over the area you wish to enlarge.
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To disable the Zoom view, right-click on the graph and deselect Zoom.
Move TC line
The Move TC line feature allows the user to manually move the thermocouple
plot on the profile graph. This is used to fine-tune the profile or make corrections
in the event the software did not properly display the plot. See Figure 79.
Select the thermocouple you wish to move and then click and drag the
highlighted plot and move it to the desired location on the profile graph. See Figure 79: Graph Option Menu – Move TC Line
Figure 80.
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Zone Resize
Select to move the first line (Zone beginning) or the last line (Zone ending and then
click and drag it to the desired location on the profile graph. See Figure 85.
Pointer/Slopes
This tool lets you place up to six (6) pointers on the graph, which can be used for calculating/highlighting data in
specific areas of the profile. Use the Remove All Pointer/Slopes tool to clear all pointers from the graph
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• If you are not using a Wave Surfer device, use a blank, spare board, or pallet to carry the profiler on. It may be
helpful to secure the profiler and thermal shield to the board/pallet.
• Use a board stiffener when available. This will help prevent the board from sagging due to the weight of the
profiler.
• This will also help prevent liquid solder from flowing onto the board, possibly contacting the thermal shield
or profiler.
• It is helpful to raise the profiler thermal shield at least 1/8” to 1/4” off the carrier board/palette in order to
prevent any liquid solder from entering the thermal shield. See Figure 87.
• You can run the profile with or without the spray fluxer active. If you choose to run wave solder profiles with
the spray fluxer on, you run the risk of contaminating the Wave Surfer or thermal shield. If operating properly
all the spray flux should be removed by the process.
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When the Conveyor speed measurement is enabled, additional selection boxes will appear in the profiling process.
Run A Profile
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Select TC Screen
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Note: To have valid profile data in a cure application, it is imperative that you correctly specify the
application type.
4. Select from the pull down or enter an oven name in the Oven Name field.
5. Add any appropriate production notes in the Profile Description field that you want stored with the profile.
(These can be edited later.)
The software guides you through the command input screens needed to run a profile.
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Temperature vs. Time (T Vs.T) profiling differs from other applications in the following ways:
• Profilers don’t use temperature triggers to start and stop the profile. These actions are performed manually.
• TC #1 is not used as an Air-TC and operates as a normal TC. TC #1 can be included in Process Window
calculations. Data for TC #1 is displayed on the profile graph. Using any other application type, it is not.
• The software prediction capabilities by design are not compatible with T Vs. T profiles. Neither Navigator
or Auto-Focus work on T Vs. T profiles. PWI is calculated for each profile.
• The datalogger profiler (or wireless unit used as a datalologger) needs to be connected to the
communication cable when you initiate the T Vs. T profile and when you stop it.
• Some profilers can utilize the RF option for wireless T Vs. T profiles.
• Using T Vs. T, users can measure negative temperatures. Because temperature triggers are not used, the
software can display data as low as -150C.
Global Preferences
Units of measure – Set the unit of measure for each item. These settings will determine the units used to display
the profile graph.
Product start temperature – The default setting is 31C. This setting is used for T Vs. T profiling even though
temperature triggers are not used. Instead the profile can start as soon as the Start Profile button is selected and
as long as the product TCs are below this temperature setting.
Profiling hardware – Even if your profiler has RF capability but you run it as a datalogger, it still needs to be
connected to the communication cable when you initiate the T Vs. T profile and when you stop it.
Auto Focus tab – The Auto Focus feature by design is not compatible with T Vs. T profiles.
Note: If you have made any changes, be sure and select the green check mark button to save those changes when
exiting the Global Preferences screen.
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Process Window Name – Name of the Process Window file that includes the statistics chosen and limits for those
statistics, along with whatever text is typed in the Description field.
• Solder paste menu - A read only library list of numerous solder pastes along with the statistics and limits
suggested by the paste mfg., also included is a User-Defined option in the list which allows you to create a spec.
of your own. See below for additional details.
• Edit specs – Screen allowing you to edit or choose statistics and limits for a chosen solder paste or define your
own specs
• Wave – This radio button switches between the process specs and the Wave process specs for the selected
Process Window. Set up a Process Window specific to Wave TCs for Wave Solder profiling.
• Read only text box – Shows the paste name, statistics name, and limits for a Process Window chosen, edited,
or saved by you. To edit select the Edit Specs button.
• Same specs for all TCs – By deselecting this checkbox, you can assign separate specifications for each
individual thermocouple you are using. After deselecting the checkbox, you’ll need to click on the Edit Specs
button to choose which statistics will be used and what spec limits will be set for each thermocouple used. This
option would be used if you had component specific specifications that differ from the general solder paste
specs. Another use for this would be if you wanted to monitor the actual board temperature as well as
component temps. You would then only select the statistics for that TC that are relevant. If you wish to use the
same specifications for all thermocouples, put a check mark in the box.
• Select TC to view – This dialog box will appear only if the Same Specs for all TCs checkbox is deselected. By
clicking on the dropdown menu, you can view the specifications that have been defined for that number
thermocouple. If a description was included, it will be displayed next to Label.
• Process Window Description – Field allowing for freehand notes for a particular Process Window
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Note: To have valid profile data in a Time Vs Temperature application, it is imperative that you correctly
specify the application type.
4. Select from the pull down or enter an oven name in the Oven Name field.
5. Add any appropriate production notes in the Profile Description field that you want stored with the profile.
(These can be edited later.)
The software guides you through the command input screens needed to run a profile.
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Selecting Thermocouples - To select a thermocouple, check the box next to the thermocouple number. The live
temperatures are displayed beneath each thermocouple label.
Thermocouple Labels - Optionally you can check the box to include thermocouple labels. When this box is
checked you can type a text label for each selected thermocouple. 20 character maximum.
Select this
button to start
a profile.
Note: If the selected Process Window has Separate Specs for TCs, then you must return to the Process Window-Edit
Specs screen in order select/deselect TCs or change their labels.
Expected profile length – This value controls the X-Axis on the profile graph. Make sure to enter enough time to
complete your profile. Otherwise the profile plot will stop as soon as the Expected profile Length is achieved.
Data outside this time limit will not be displayed.
Note: to decrease the number of samples, enter a longer Expected Profile Length
Once you have selected your thermocouples, you are ready to profile.
Make sure your profiler hardware is properly connected to the computer. You will be able to view the live readings
for each selected thermocouple. If you do not see the live readings, then your profiler hardware is not connected
properly.
Recheck the connections. Temperature vs. Time profiles cannot begin until your profiler is connected via the cable,
and communication established.
Select the Start Profile (green traffic light) button to begin profiling. The profile will begin at this point.
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The software requires that the selected thermocouples read valid temperatures below the Maximum product
temperature at start of profile as set in the Global Preferences screen. The default setting is 31ºC/88ºF.
Note: If any of the selected thermocouples read too high, this message will appear. See Figure 90.
Figure 90
When the software detects valid temperatures for all of the selected thermocouples, it will allow you to start the
profile.
IMPORTANT NOTE: All profilers have a maximum operating temperature that, to avoid damage, should never be
exceeded. See the product datasheet for temperature tolerance information.
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Temperature plot
Profile status
While the profiler is in the oven, and until the run has ended, the software will continue to display the Live Profile
Graph. The Description tab at the top of the screen is inaccessible.
• The live profile is plotted on the graph
• The current temperatures for each thermocouple and the Delta between them are displayed in a small
window in the upper-left hand corner of the profile graph. The elapsed time is also displayed.
The Live Profile Graph display will remain on your screen until the Stop
Profile button is selected even if the profile time has completed and the profile
plot has ended. See Figure 91.
The software will display two messages when the Stop Profile button is
pressed:
Figure 92
The first will ask you to confirm the Profile Stop. See Figure 92.
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The Profile screen General Tab displays the product name and profile start time at the top of the screen. The profile,
profile statistics and PWI are also displayed. See Figure 94.
Profile view – To maximize the profile display, double click inside the profile graph area. The profile graph will
change and be displayed in a full screen format. Double click again to return to normal view.
Statistics view – To maximize the Statistics view, double click inside the Statistics table area. The Statistics will
change and be displayed in a full screen format. Double click again to return to normal view.
Description tab
The Description tab contains a text area that displays
a description of the profile should you wish to enter
any. See Figure 95.
This text is the same text that you can enter in the
Select Product screen at the beginning of the Run
Profile Routine.
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Graph Controller
The Graph Controller allows you to modify the view
of the profile graph. To open the Graph Controller,
click on the TC column header or click, anywhere just
outside the profile graph. See Figure 96.
Auto Scale
The Auto Scale feature will automatically adjust the X
and Y axis scales to fit all of the data in the profile
graph. When the Auto Scale feature is disabled, you
must manually input the minimum and maximum
scale settings for the X and Y axis scale of the profile
graph.
Reference lines – Clicking this check box enables the view of Reference Lines displayed on the profile graph.
These lines represent any temperatures referenced in the selected Process Window. When you use separate
thermocouple specs, the Reference Lines check box is disabled, and no lines appear on the graph.
Zero decimal – When viewing the Pointer tool, this setting enables or disables the decimal display. When
unchecked, the software will display one decimal point.
Internal temp – Enables the view of the profiler’s internal temperature profile plot on the graph.
Display Detailed PWI – This default-selected checkbox enables Process Window Index (PWI) percentage values to
appear on profile graph displays. (See Appendix C: Using the Process Window Index to quantify thermal profile
performance)
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Examine line
Figure 97: Graph Option Menu
The Examine line feature displays the temperature for the location of the pointer on the
profile graph. See Figure 98.
Wherever the pointer is moved across the profile, the following data will be displayed:
• The first column is the actual temperature for each TC.
• The second column is the temperature of the predicted profile data – based on
setpoint or belt speed changes.
• The Delta T for both actual and predicted TC data.
• The time during the profile at which the pointer is placed Figure 98: Examine Line
Move TC line
The Move TC line feature allows the user to manually move the thermocouple
plot on the profile graph. This is used to fine-tune the profile or make corrections
in the event the software did not properly display the plot. See Figure 99. .
Select the thermocouple you wish to move and then click and drag the
highlighted plot and move it to the desired location on the profile graph. See
Figure 100. Figure 99: Move TC Line
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Reset
The Reset feature will reset the profile and undo any changes you have made to
the graph using the Graph Option Menu. Select the TC Line, or Zone Line
option. See Figure 101.
View/Edit Window – Click this button to either view or edit the process specification(s) for the
product used in this profile.
Copy to clipboard – Click this button to copy the profile data to the windows clipboard. You can
then paste the data to a different application.
Print – Click this button to print a copy of the profile that is currently on your screen.
Profile Explorer screen – When finished viewing or analyzing the profile click this button to
either run another profile with this product or return to the Profile Explorer screen if the profile was opened from
there.
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The software will take you to the Edit Process Figure 103
Window screen in order to save the changes that you
have made.
Note: These 2 messages will only appear if changes have been made while viewing the profile.
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It has a built-in data collection module, so there is no need for a separate profiler.
The device is used to routinely check the performance of your machine. Using a variety of available specifications,
the machine’s performance is measured each time a pass is made based on your selected Process Window. The
included SPC charting feature allows you to track the performance of individual zones, based on specifications
selected.
For additional details on the SRA Smart Reflow Fixture hardware, consult the following publication:
• SRA Smart Reflow Analyzer Hardware Guide, (Publication Number SRA-330200-000)
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SRA profiling
This section will outline the steps necessary to setup and run a profile using your SRA fixture. It is written assuming
you have a basic understanding of the software and its functions before attempting to run profiles.
Global Preferences
Product start temperature – This temperature setting can be changed. It is up to you to determine what
temperature setting will work best for your process. NOTE: When the SRA is detected by the software, this setting
will only apply specifically to the SRA device. When a profiler is detected by the software, such as an SPS, X5, or K2,
the value set will only apply to profiler usage. This allows you to use different triggers for fixture use and standard
product profiling.
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• Select or enter a name from the Product Name list. When using the SRA it is recommended that you use the
oven recipe name for this field. That will allow you to easily identify runs by machine setup.
• Select Smart Reflow Analyzer from the Application drop-down list. The software profile results are based on
this setting. It is imperative that your select the correct Application type, as this configures the software for the
proper type of data collection. Failing to do so can affect the profile results.
Note: When the Smart Reflow Analyzer application type is selected, the Process Window selection will
disappear. The selection for the Process Window will be made on a different screen.
• Optional: Select the Sample Rate from the drop-down list to adjust, or just leave the default settings.
• Select your oven name from the list. If you’re profiling a new oven or machine, type the name in the Oven
Name field.
NOTE: If you are running the software on an oven controller computer that is communication compatible with
the software, the number of zones is already known and the oven name will be entered in the Global
Preferences screen, not on this screen. Additionally, the Zone length, and Minimum/Maximum temperature
settings described on the following page will also be accessed from the Global Preferences screen.
• Optionally you can type notes or descriptions for this profile in the Profile Description field. These notes will
be stored with the data and can be edited later if necessary,
• When you are finished with your selection, choose the Forward Arrow button to proceed.
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Entering temperature
setpoints and conveyor speed
This screen is also where you will enter the Conveyor Speed setpoint.
When you have finished entering this information select the Forward Arrow button to continue.
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Click the Edit Specs button to define the upper and lower limits for your specs. Clicking the drop-down menu will
display all the available specs. At the top of the list are the SRA specific specs. To assign spec limits, put a
checkmark next to a desired spec and then enter the
desired value/range.
You will notice for several of the specs, there are tabs for
each of the defined zones (based on the oven you
linked). You can apply the same limits to ALL zones by
clicking the button. Or you can click a zone tab to set
different limits for different areas of the machine.
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After defining your desired specifications/limits, click the green check mark to return to the main Process Window
screen. Click the green checkmark on the main Process Window screen to save your changes. You will be returned
to the Select a Process Window screen of the Run a Profile sequence. Arrow forward to continue.
Conveyor Speed sensor – A display box will show whether the two speed sensors are operating properly. Green
means it is ready; Red means there is a problem with one or both sensors. If Red, try cleaning the lenses on the SRA
module and thermal shield.
Indication of
self-test of Select this
laser sensors button to start
a profile
Select the Start Profile (green traffic light) button to begin profiling.
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While the device is in the oven, and until the profile has ended, the software will continue to display the live profile
graph. The other tabs at the top of the screen; Description, and Comparison are inaccessible.
The Live profile graph display will remain on your screen until the SRA has achieved the trigger temperature that
determines the profile end.
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Profile retransmission
Retransmission is only available in SRA models with Wi-Fi transmit capability.
While the device transmits the live profile data to the Smart Dock, it simultaneously stores the profile data in its
memory.
Once the device detects that all the thermocouples have cooled below the profile-end trigger temperature, it will
begin retransmitting the profile data to the software via Wi-Fi. The device will send the profile in data packets. The
retransmission status is displayed at the bottom of the screen.
When all the data packets have been received, the software will display a message asking if you want to put the
device to sleep. Selecting Yes will turn off the SRA; if you select No, the SRA will remain on.
Next, the software automatically analyzes the data and presents the completed data plot and all statistical
measurements.
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This tab will show the average measured temperature for all 6 embedded TCs (Air and Mass). The data is displayed
for each zone and includes the Uniformity or Delta T (Temperature) across the embedded TCs per zone.
Any value within the defined specification will display in Green; any value outside the defined specification will
display in Red. If no specifications were defined in the Process Window, all statistical calculations will be displayed
in Black color
If when creating a Process Window, you selected any of variables from the Reflow Specifications section, those
calculations will be displayed here. For any specification chosen, it will display the measured value, along with the
corresponding PWI for that measured value. As noted in the Edit Specs screen area, a PWI will only be calculated
for the Mass TCs.
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Compare tab
This screen allows a comparison of the currently displayed run to another previous run. Only runs using the same
oven configuration (same size and number of heated and cooling zones) and oven recipe can be compared.
The top left Profile 1 area shows the date/time of the current run being viewed. Select the Compare Profile 2 drop-
down to display a menu of the available runs that can be compared. Select one from the list, then click on the
Analyze button to the right to display the comparison of the two runs.
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By default, all TCs are selected. Deselect any TC you want to remove from the comparison and the display will
automatically update with only the selected TC(s).
Comparison graphs
The top graph will display an overlay of the complete profile runs for the selected TC(s). A legend is shown on the
right side of the graph for whichever TC(s) data is selected.
The bottom graph displays a plot of the variation – or Delta T – between the two runs for the selected TC(s). If
upper/lower specifications were defined as part of the Process Window setup, those limits will be displayed on the
graph. A legend is shown on the right side of the graph for whichever data is selected.
Double click on a graph to expand it to a larger size. Right click on either graph screen to open a menu of available
tools such as an Examine line and Zoom functions.
Conveyor Speed
• Delta – displays the largest variation in measured conveyor
speed between the two selected runs. A negative value would
indicate the current run is “x” amount slower than the compared run.
HTI
• Delta – displays the variation in Heat Transfer Index for
each zone between the two selected runs. A negative
value would indicate the HTI in the current run is lower than compared run.
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The software options are distributed on and activated from a software key—a removable USB dongle key that can
be separately purchased from KIC. The software key installs in any open USB port. When connected, the software
key enables the use of the functions associated with each software option.
Note: Do not connect the software key to the computer before installing the Profiler Software. Install the software,
and then connect the software key to a USB port.
To check that the software key is working properly, start the software and display the Hardware Status screen. The
options available on the connected key appear in the Software Key field.
If the message No software key found appears, the software does not detect the software key. The problem might be
with the USB port, the software key, or the software drivers. The software key drivers install as part of the software
installation so reinstallation of the base software will likely repair any driver related issues.
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The Optimization Tab allows you to set the search functions of the Navigator Power Option. The Navigator Power
will search through millions of setpoint and conveyor speed combinations to find the optimal setting for each
product. This optimization is based on what options you select in this tab.
Original PWI – The Process Window Index for the original profile
Best PWI – The best Process Window Index that can be found based on the oven recipe optimization constraints
selected.
Speed change – The total change to the conveyor speed for the best oven recipe found.
Total setpoint change – The sum of all setpoint changes for the best oven recipe found.
Search Mode for Optimization
• Minimize PWI – Search for the combination of setpoint temperatures and conveyor speed that will
minimize the Process Window Index.
• Allow zone setpoints to change – This option will determine if Navigator will include zone setpoint
changes when predicting new solutions.
• Allow conveyor speed to change - Choose whether to allow Navigator to vary the conveyor speed. If you
choose this feature, you can set the minimum and maximum speeds.
• Maximize conveyor speed – Search for the setpoint temperatures that will maximize conveyor speed.
• Minimize energy consumption – Search for the oven settings that will minimize the power consumption
of the oven by finding setpoint solutions with slower conveyor speeds and lower temperature settings.
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• Minimize PWI – Search for the combination of setpoint temperatures and conveyor speed that will
minimize the Process Window Index (PWI).
• Allow zone setpoints to change – This option will determine if Auto-Focus will include zone setpoint
changes when predicting new solutions.
• Allow conveyor speed to change - Choose whether to allow Auto-Focus to vary the conveyor speed. If
you choose Allow to Vary you can set the minimum and maximum.
• Maximize conveyor speed – Search for the setpoint temperatures that will maximize conveyor speed.
• Minimize energy consumption – Search for the oven settings that will minimize the power consumpotion
of the oven by finding setpoint solucitons with slower conveyor speeds and lower temperature settings
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If you have purchased the Auto-Focus software option, this screen will appear. Enter the length, width, and weight
of your product, and then choose the Forward Arrow button. See Figure 106.
• This product will be included in the Auto-Focus library from this point forward.
• Make sure to measure using the correct units of measurement.
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If you select Yes, the next dialog box shows the Auto-Focus–
First Guess recipe in order for you to confirm.
If you select Yes, the next dialog box shows the Auto-Focus
–First Guess recipe in order for you to confirm.
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If you select YES, you will be prompted to Confirm the First Guess Recipe. See Figure 111.
Confirm the recipe and select the Forward Arrow button. If there is no communication with the oven controller, the
following dialog box appears: You must manually enter the recipe information on the oven. See Figure 112.
Figure 112
If there is communication with the oven, then the recipe is copied directly to the oven.
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SPC Column
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The Chart tab will display a control chart for the overall profile PWI and for each individual process specification
with upper and lower alarm limits as defined in the Process Window setup. The chart data will coincide with the
stored profile data for the selected board, date and time.
The control charts hold all of the historical profile data for your product as selected in the Profile Explorer SPC
column. Each chart contains data for every product thermocouple used during the profile.
Selector Line - Each chart has a Selector Line. The Board or Profile # will be displayed at the top of the screen;
along with the date and time that profile was run. You can move the Selector line position by clicking and dragging
the small triangle at the bottom of the Selector line in any chart window.
The Maximum PWI and Cpk for the selected board, date and time will be highlighted above the corresponding
chart(s). In the bottom-left corner of the screen, the PWI for the selected profile is displayed.
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Move the mouse pointer over the chart data, and a Display Info box will appear. This Display Info box data
includes PWI, Cpk, date, and time for each board.
• Meter window – Right click anywhere in the full screen chart area. A menu will appear, select Meter Window.
This will display a small data box in the upper-left corner of the profile graph. This data box will display the
historical – statistic data for any selected board. To select a board move your mouse pointer along the chart
data, at each data point the historical – statistic data for that board will be displayed. Right-click in the chart
area again and de-select Meter Window to disable this feature.
• Point protector – When this feature is enabled, the charts will display individual data points for each board.
To activate this feature right click anywhere in the full-screen chart area. A menu will appear, select Point
Protector. This will display the individual data points on each control chart. De-selecting this feature will
remove the data points from the control chart, showing only a plot of the same data. By default, the Point
Protector will be enabled for charts containing 20 boards or less. Click in the full screen chart area again to
return to the regular Chart tab view.
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In addition to the charting described above, when using an SRA Smart Reflow Analyzer you can track the stability
over time of various machine related parameters. Additional tabs will be displayed on the main chart tab when
viewing data from the SRA.
Note: Specifications must be selected, and limits defined, in a Process Window to view the SPC charting with SRA
data.
• Reflow Specifications – This tab will display a control chart for the overall profile PWI and for each individual
process specification with upper and lower alarm limits as defined in the Process Window setup. The chart data
will coincide with the stored profile data for the selected run, date and time.
• Conveyor Speed – This tab will display a control chart for the measured Conveyor Speed for each run, with
upper and lower limits displayed as defined in the Process Window setup.
• Zone tabs – There will be separate tabs displaying the SRA specific calculations for each zone. The number of
Zone tabs displayed (heated and cooling) will be based on the oven configuration file selected when the runs
were collected.
The Reflow Specifications SPC charts will calculate and display Cpk calculations for the selected specifications as
these are ‘process related’ variables. The Conveyor Speed and individual Zone charts will display Cm and Cmk
calculations for the selected specifications as these are ‘machine related’ variables.
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Note: For the Live Data output to function, the appropriately programmed USB dongle key must remain connected
to the PC at all times during use. You can verify if you have the LDO feature by viewing the Software Key panel in
the Hardware Status screen.
Configuration
The LDO option is enabled in the PSConfig.exe
utility.
The format of the Image Output file is based on the Printout preferences set. To change the layout between either
Portrait or Landscape mode, see the Printing profile display screens section of this manual.
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Operation
Output of the LDO file – When downloading of a profile is completed, the data and/or image files are
automatically created and saved to the directory specified by the user.
Viewing LDO data – The LDO output files can be generated in commonly used file formats: .csv, .txt, or .xml for
data files; .png or .jpeg for image files.
Note: For the Live Data output to function, the appropriately programmed USB dongle key must remain connected
to the PC at all times during use. You can verify if you have the LDO feature by viewing the Software Key panel in
the Hardware Status screen.
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This feature eliminates these situations by ‘centralizing’ the creation and editing of Process Window files through
the use of a separate application, accessible only by authorized personnel. All Process Window files reside in a
specified central directory, and each instance of the Profiling Software 2G get their Process Windows from this
location. Additionally, all creation and editing functions within the PS2G software are disabled. This ensures that no
matter who is running the profile or at which location, the correct, approved Process Window specifications are the
only ones shown.
Note: For the Centralized Process Window Control to function, the appropriately programmed USB dongle key
must remain connected to the PC at all times during use. You can verify if you have the optional feature by viewing
the Software Key panel in the Hardware Status screen.
Additionally, each instance of the PS2G software that you want to use this option on must be connected to your
company network and have access to the directory where the Process Windows are saved.
The KIC File Administrator is the application that will be used for creating and editing Process Windows for use
with the Centralized Process Window Control option.
Note: For the KIC File Administrator (or KFA) to function, the appropriately programmed USB dongle key must
remain connected to the PC at all times during use. Only authorized users should be allowed to have access to this
application.
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*The Centralized Process Window Control option uses a unique file format for Process Windows. When the option
is in use, the PS2G will only read Process Window files that were created or converted using the KIC File
Administrator application. ‘Standard’ Process Window files will not be recognized by the PS2G software when this
option is enabled.
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Working Directory
As this is the network location where the Process Window files will be stored, and ALL PS2G software installations
will need to access this directory, you may need to contact your IT department to identify a proper location for this
directory.
Once a network directory is identified, click on the Browse button to select the location. Click OK in the selection
window, then click Apply to save the change. Two subfolders named Ovens and ProcessSpecs will automatically be
generated in the specified directory. All new Process Windows created, and any existing ones that are converted to
the compatible format, will be saved into the ProcessSpecs folder of this Working Directory location.
This section enables you to easily convert any existing Process Window files you already have into the updated
format so they can be used with the Centralized Process Window Control option. To update existing files:
Click on the Browse button and point to the ProcessSpecs sub-folder of a Profiling Software 2G directory. Click the
Apply button. All Process Windows files (.PSProcessSpec) will be automatically copied, converted into the new
format (.CentralProcessSpec), and then pasted into the ProcessSpecs folder of the Working Directory on the
network. To ensure all of your Process Windows are updated and available, repeat these same steps for each PC
where you have the PS2G software installed.
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NOTE: Only select the checkbox if you have purchased the Centralized Process Window Control option and want
to implement the capability in the software.
After installation of the PS2G software is completed, you will also need to specify the network directory where the
Process Window files will be retrieved from. This will be done through the PSConfig.exe utility.
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When the Centralized Process Window option is in use, the PS2G software will populate the drop-down menu at the
top of the screen with only the Process Window files from the specified network directory. All edit and naming
functions are removed. The user can only view the Process Window files.
The Process Window files will automatically be downloaded into the local PS2G directory from the specified
network location. This ensures that whenever a Process Window needs to be accessed – either from opening the
Process Window screen, or from the Run a Profile screen – the most up-to-date version of the Process Windows are
always being used.
Note: For the Centralized Process Window Control to function, the appropriately programmed USB dongle key
must remain connected to the PC at all times during use. You can verify if you have the optional feature by viewing
the Software Key panel in the Hardware Status screen.
Additionally, each instance of the PS2G software that you want to use this option on must be connected to your
company network and have access to the directory where the Process Windows are saved.
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The combination of MVP hardware and Virtual Profile software gives the user the advantage of not having to run an
actual instrumented profile board through the oven every time in order to check the current thermal profile of a
process. Instead the user simply runs the MVP through the oven and a Virtual Profile is calculated based on the
MVP’s temperature readings.
After setting up an in-spec profile for your PCB, you will create a baseline by running a single profile for your PCB
with the MVP fixture attached. Subsequent verification profile runs only require the use of the MVP fixture without
the need of the PCB. The single programming run eliminates the need to further sacrifice your PCB for periodic
process checks.
Required hardware:
• MVP hardware kit, including MVP software key
• Profiler
• Profile board (instrumented with type K thermocouples).
Standard profiles, or profiles run without the MVP profiling fixture cannot be used with the Virtual Profiling feature.
In order to utilize the Virtual Profiling feature you must run the profiles for your product(s) using the MVP profiling
fixture. These profiles are called MVP profiles.
Virtual profile – A Baseline profile must be established for any given product before a Virtual Profile can be run.
Once a Baseline profile has been established the user can then run a Virtual Profile using only the MVP profiling
fixture eliminating the need to run the actual profile board. The MVP is run through the oven and the Virtual Profile
is calculated based on the temperature readings of the MVP.
Verification profile – A Verification profile is run whenever the user wishes to verify the actual thermal profile of
the oven. A Verification profile requires the user to run a profile using their instrumented profile board along with
the MVP, similar to a Baseline profile. If the PWI of the Verification profile meets the Baseline profile criteria then
it becomes the new Baseline profile for that product.
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Next run a profile by selecting the Run a Profile button from the main menu.
In the Select screen, select your Product, Process Window, Application type, Sample Rate, Oven, and then
select the MVP profile check box. Notice the “Run a Baseline Profile” is grayed out and automatically selected
for you. Select the forward arrow button to proceed.
The next screen will have you enter the oven setpoints and conveyor speed. Then select the forward arrow
button to proceed.
The next screen will graphically depict the connection of the MVP thermocouples to the profiler. Follow the on
screen directions and then select the forward arrow button to proceed.
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The next screen instructs the user to insert the (instrumented) profile board into the MVP board clamps and then
attach the thermocouples to the profiler. Follow the on screen directions and then select the forward arrow
button to proceed.
Figure 120: Run a profile – Insert Profile Board and Attach Thermocouples
In the next screen the user selects the thermocouples to be used. Select the check box for each thermocouple
and then select the Start Profile button when ready. As long as the profiler is on and connected, the
temperatures for all connected thermocouples are below 31C, and the oven is within 2 degrees of the setpoint
temperatures the profile can begin.
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The next screen will depict the MVP, profile board, and the profiler being loading onto the conveyor and
entering into the oven. Select the forward arrow button to proceed to the profile graph where the profile will be
displayed.
When the profile run has finished the software calculates the profile’s PWI value. If the PWI value is less than
90% (default max PWI value for Virtual Profiling)) then the profile qualifies as a Baseline profile. A Virtual
Profile cannot be run until a Baseline profile for the product has been established.
Baseline profiles are listed in the Profile Explorer Profile Type column. They also have a “BL” designation as
the icon.
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Create VP button
Next a message will appear asking “Do you want to start Virtual Profiling this product?” Select OK to continue;
Cancel to cancel the Virtual Profile. If you choose OK then you will be guided through the subsequent Virtual
Profiling screens.
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Since the software already knows the Product name, Process Window, and Sample Rate for the product, the only
available actions are to select the Oven Name and/or type a profile description in the text field and then select the
forward arrow to proceed. Select the red X button to cancel the Virtual Profile.
The next screen will graphically depict the connection of the MVP thermocouples to the profiler and inserting
/attaching the MVP Carrier. Follow the on screen directions and then select the forward arrow button to proceed.
In the next screen the current temperatures for the MVP thermocouples are displayed. Select the Start Profile
button. As long as the profiler is on and connected, the temperatures for both of the MVP thermocouples are below
31C, and the oven is within 2 degrees of the setpoint temperatures the Virtual Profile can begin.
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The next screen will depict the MVP, MVP Carrier, and profiler being loading onto the conveyor and entering into
the oven. Select the forward arrow button to proceed to the profile graph.
Figure 129: Run a Virtual Profile – MVP, Carrier, and Profiler Entering Oven
During the live profile there will no profile data displayed on the profile graph. When the profile has finished the
profile results including PWI, and the profile Statistics will be displayed on the profile graph. The Virtual Profiles
for each product are listed in the Profile Explorer Profile Type column. Virtual Profiles also have a “VP”
designation as the icon.
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Virtual Profile
Verification profiles
A Verification profile is run whenever the user wishes to verify the actual thermal profile of the product. A
Verification profile requires the user to run a profile using their instrumented profile board along with the MVP,
similar to a Baseline profile. If the PWI of the Verification profile meets the Baseline profile criteria then it
becomes the new Baseline profile for that product.
In the Select screen, select your Product, Process Window, Application type, Sample rate, Oven. In the MVP
profile area, notice the “Run a Baseline Profile” is grayed out and automatically selected for you. Select the
forward arrow button to proceed.
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The next screen will graphically depict the connection of the MVP thermocouples to the profiler. Follow the on
screen directions and then select the forward arrow button to proceed.
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The next screen instructs the user to insert the (instrumented) profile board into the MVP board clamps and then
attach the thermocouples to the Profiler. Follow the on screen directions and then select the forward arrow
button to proceed.
Figure 135: Verification Profile – Insert Profile Board and Attach Thermocouples
In the next screen the user selects the thermocouples to be used. Click the check box for each thermocouple and
then select the Start Profile button when ready. As long as the profiler is on and connected, the temperatures for
all connected thermocouples are below 31C, and the oven is within 2 degrees of the setpoint temperatures the
profile can begin.
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The next screen depicts the MVP, profile board, and profiler being loading onto the conveyor and entering into
the oven. Select the forward arrow button to proceed to the profile graph where the profile data will be
displayed.
Figure 137: Verification Profile – MVP, Profile Board, and Profiler Entering Oven
When the Verification profile is finished the software calculates the product’s thermal profile and resulting PWI
value. If the PWI value is less than 90% (default max PWI value) then the profile becomes the new Baseline
profile as shown below:
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You must have a mapped network drive on the PC running the software to the desired network location. Due to the
varieties of OS and network configurations, KIC cannot detail this step. We recommend you contact your
IT/Network administrator if you need assistance setting up a mapped network drive.
Once you have mapped the drive, select a folder on the network drive and copy in the following folders from the
C:\Profiling Software 2G directory – Ovens, Process Specs, and Profiles. Once completed follow the steps below on
the PC where the software is installed:
Ensure the software is shutdown. Open Windows Explorer, and locate the file:
C:\Profiling Software 2G\Log\PSDataPath.kiccfg
Figure 139
Figure 140
Change the KIC2000DefaultDataPath= to the desired network location. See Figure 141.
Figure 141
Once the PSDataPath.kiccfg file has been modified with the new locations, choose File/Save from
the drop down menu to save the changes.
Close Windows Explorer and start the software.
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With the software running, go into Profile Explorer. You should now see the new data path directory
displayed in the upper right hand corner of the screen. See Figure 142.
Figure 142
All data generated (oven files and process specs) and collected (profiles) will be written directly to the specified
network directory. You can now view the collected data from any PC on the network that is running the software.
If the network is unavailable when accessing various areas of the software (Define/Edit Process Window, Run A
Profile, Profile Explorer), a message will appear alerting you to the issue:
When this occurs, you are still able to use the software. It will temporarily reset back to the local install directory
and any new files generated or updated will be saved in the local directory (C:\Profiling Software 2G). If the
network connection is re-established, the Profiling Software 2G software must be restarted to begin writing directly
to the network directory again.
Any data that was collected while the software was offline will be moved to the network directory after the
connection has been re-established and the Profiling Software 2G software is restarted.
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The PWI tells users exactly how much of their process window a given profile uses, and thus how robust that profile
is. The lower the PWI, the better the profile. A PWI of 99% is risky because it indicates that the process could
easily drift out of control. Most users seek a PWI of below 80%, and profiles with a Process Window Index
between 50% and 60% are commonly achieved (if the oven is sufficiently flexible and efficient).
Figure 144 shows the Process Window Index for the Peak Temperature of a single thermocouple. The Process
Window Index for a complete set of profile statistics is calculated as the worst case (highest number) in the set of
statistics.
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For example: if a profile is run with six thermocouples, and four profile statistics are logged for each thermocouple,
then there will be a set of twenty-four statistics for that profile, and the PWI will be the worst case (highest number
expressed as a percentage) in that set of profile statistics. Note that Figure 145 shows the user-designated critical
statistics for a single thermocouple.
Thus, the PWI calculation includes all thermocouple statistics for all thermocouples. The profile PWI is the worst
case profile statistic (maximum, or highest percentage of the process window used), and all other values are less.
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The second benefit is that the PWI greatly simplifies the profiling process. When used in advanced profiling tools,
all profile statistics are reduced to a single number (the PWI) that even the most inexperienced operator can
understand. This means significant savings in terms of training costs and a reduction in defects caused by operator
error. It further means that in a few minutes, an inexperienced operator can setup an oven with the optimal profile, a
job that formerly could take an experienced engineer hours.
The third benefit is that because the PWI reflects the performance of the whole profile, it provides much better
indicator of process capability than tracking a single statistic. The PWI thus provides excellent data for SPC and
other QC monitoring programs while simplifying data gathering and reducing process monitoring costs.
Finally, the PWI gives users a simple method for comparing thermal process performance. Comparisons may be
made between individual lines on the shop floor, between processes at multiple plants, and between processes using
dissimilar equipment. The ability to quantify thermal process performance will give electronics assemblers a means
for comparing the performance of their soldering equipment. This is of value in selecting equipment, for buy off,
and for process troubleshooting.
Table 1 is the result of a series of tests comparing oven performance using several sizes of PCBs. Each board was
profiled in the given oven, and then an automated profile prediction tool was used to find the optimal profile for that
board in the given oven. After the oven setpoints were changed and the oven stabilized, a second profile was run to
confirm that the predicted PWI had been achieved. Table 1 shows that there is significant variation in oven
performance between various makes and models. In this test, Oven C had more zones than Ovens A and B, and
performed better, as would be expected.
Conclusion
The simplicity of the Process Window Index makes its validity as a statistical tool readily apparent and its adoption
as an industry standard clearly offers a significant opportunity for the improvement of the soldering process. The
advantages detailed above point to its value in demystifying the soldering process and open the door to precision
control of a process that has been ignored for too long. Issues like Lead-free electronic assembly mean that
electronics assemblers can no longer be complacent about their soldering process. Sophisticated tools utilizing the
PWI as a standard for accurately measuring the thermal process will mean more efficient production, improved and
simplified process control, and higher quality final product.
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At the PC
If using the Smart Dock (transmitter mode), the software will set the SPS to profile stacking mode via the Wi-Fi
connection. If running datalog mode, the user will connect a USB cable and then the software will set the SPS Smart
Profiler to profile stacking mode.
1. Once the SPS and the Smart Dock are paired or the SPS is plugged directly into the USB port, click the Profile
Stacking button.
See the SPS Smart Profiler Hardware Guide for instructions on connecting the hardware to the PC.
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2. The first screen in Profile Stacking confirms the connection of your SPS Smart Profiler. You must have your
unit on and communicating to advance. The green checkmark indicates the software has identified the SPS, set
it to profile stacking mode, and it is ready to collect data. If the TCs or Internal Temperature are too hot, or the
battery voltage is too low, the green checkmark will not appear. Click the Next arrow to continue (right arrow).
3. The profiler is now ready for you to unplug from the PC (if connected) and with your SPS Smart Profiler,
thermal shield, and PCB with thermocouples attached and plugged into the SPS, proceed to run your 1 st profile
at the oven. Always remember to place the SPS Smart Profiler into the thermal shield prior to running the
profile through the oven.
4. Unplug SPS (if connected) and you are ready to go to the oven to profile. If using in Wi-Fi mode, simply
proceed to run your 1st profile.
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At the Oven
1. Plug in TCs connected to the PCB you are profiling, if you have not already done so.
Check the Alert LED on the SPS for readiness to collect a profile (Alert LED should be off).
2. When ready, put the profiler in the shield and then feed the PCB and profiler into the oven.
3. IMPORTANT: Once the PCB and profiler come out of the oven, open the shield and remove the SPS from the
shield (helps to cool) and view the Alert status. Alert LED will typically be on until the product TCs are below
the defined Start Trigger and the SPS internal temp is cool enough to run another profile.
4. Proceed to collect more profiles at the oven or at other ovens, making sure to pay attention to the Alert LED
status between each run. Follow steps 1-3 until all profiles are collected then return the PC.
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Back at the PC
Downloading and Viewing Profiles
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1. Product Name: Choose an existing product name from the drop down or enter a unique product name.
2. Process Window: Choose a process window from the drop-down list. These Process Windows are created in
the Define/Edit Process Window screen accessed from the main screen.
4. Oven Name: Choose an existing oven from the drop-down list. You may need to modify the existing oven
recipe on the screen that follows.
If the oven list is empty, refer to the “Identify a New Oven to the System” section of the manual.
5. Profile Description: Allows for freehand typing of any notes you may want to include with this profile.
1. Enter new temperature values for the top of the oven zones.
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2. If the bottom of the zones have different setpoint values from the top, deselect the “Top and Bottom Setpoint
are the same” checkbox and enter new temperature values in the bottom row fields as well.
Top
Bottom
4. Click Next.
1. TC checkboxes – The software will identify the number of TCs used in each individual profile and
preselect the TC checkboxes.
2. Include thermocouple (TC) labels (20 char. Max) – Clicking this checkbox allows the user to enter a
label for each checked TC.
Note: If the selected Process Window has Separate Specs for TCs, then you must return to the Process
Window-Edit Specs screen in order select/deselect TCs or change their text labels.
4. Click Traffic Light Button to download and display the first completed profile.
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Contacting KIC
On the Web
You can find the latest KIC product news along
with a library of useful information at our website:
www.kicthermal.com or www.kic.cn
KIC Sales
Contact KIC sales:
USA: [email protected]
Europe: [email protected]
Asia: [email protected]
China: [email protected]
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