In one embodiment, an X-ray inspection system may access a first set of X-ray images of one or more first samples that are labeled as being non-conforming. The system may adjust a classification algorithm based on the first set of X-ray images. The classification algorithm may classify samples into conforming or non-conforming categories based on an analysis of corresponding X-ray images. The system may analyze a second set of X-ray images of a number of second samples using the adjusted classification algorithm. The second samples may be previously inspected samples that have been classified as conforming by the classification algorithm during a previous analysis before the classification algorithm is adjusted. The system may identify one or more of the second samples from the second set of X-ray images. Each identified second sample may be classified as non-conforming by the adjusted classification algorithm.

A reel-to-reel method to laser-ablate a circuitry pattern on the fly in a reel-to-reel machine as part of a process to fabricate a printed flexible circuit. The laser ablation method includes using an appropriate laser to irradiate a metal sheet thus ablating the edges of an intended circuitry pattern. Slugs can be removed by using an optional sacrificial liner, and the slugs can be optionally ablated into smaller parts first. The laser ablation can also include an optional method of creating tie bars to provide structural support to the web of circuitry patterns.

A method of making an electrical component includes transmitting electrical energy from a power source through one or more deposition anodes, through an electrolyte solution, and to an intralayer electrical-connection feature of a build plate, such that material is electrochemically deposited onto the intralayer electrical-connection feature and forms an interlayer electrical-connection feature. The method also includes securing a dielectric material so that the dielectric material contacts and electrically insulates the intralayer electrical-connection feature and contacts and at least partially electrically insulates the interlayer electrical-connection feature. The method additionally includes depositing a seed layer onto the dielectric material and the interlayer electrical-connection feature, electrochemically depositing material onto the seed layer, to form at least one second intralayer electrical-connection feature of the electrical component, and removing any one or more portions of the seed layer onto which no portion of the at least one second intralayer electrical-connection feature is formed.

A method for manufacturing a wiring substrate includes forming a conductor layer including first and second pads, forming a resin insulating layer on the conductor layer, forming, in the insulating layer, a first opening exposing the first pad and a second opening exposing the second pad, forming a covering layer on the insulating layer such that the covering layer covers the first and second openings, forming a third opening in the covering layer such that the third opening communicates with the first opening and the first pad is exposed in the third opening, forming, on a surface of the first pad, a protective film formed of material different from material forming the conductor layer, removing the covering layer from the insulating layer, and forming a conductor post on the second pad such that the conductor post is formed of material that is same as the material forming the conductor layer.

A method for manufacturing a wiring substrate includes forming a conductor layer including first and second pads, forming a resin insulating layer on the conductor layer, forming, in the insulating layer, a first opening exposing the first pad and a second opening exposing the second pad, forming a covering layer on the insulating layer such that the covering layer covers the first and second openings, forming a third opening in the covering layer such that the third opening communicates with the first opening and the first pad is exposed in the third opening, forming, on a surface of the first pad, a protective film formed of material different from material forming the conductor layer, removing the covering layer from the insulating layer, and forming a conductor post on the second pad such that the conductor post is formed of material that is same as the material forming the conductor layer.

A method for connecting stacked circuit boards includes: a connecting structure is provided, the connecting structure is a bendable and flexible circuit board; a first circuit board and a plurality of supporting posts are provided, each of the supporting posts is dispersedly fixed to a side surface of the first circuit board; a second circuit board is provided, and two peripheral portions of the connecting structure are respectively fixed to the first circuit board and the second circuit board, the peripheral portions of the connecting structure are respectively near two opposite ends of the connecting structure; the connecting structure is bent to flip the second circuit board super-positioned above the first circuit board, and the second circuit board is connected to a free end of each of the supporting posts.

A method is provided for forming waveguides in a PCB. The method may include forming an opening in a PCB core comprising a plurality of conductive layers interleaved with a plurality of insulating layers, the opening extending from a first side of the PCB core to a second side of the PCB core. The method may also include filling the opening with metal. The method may also include forming a cavity enclosed by sidewalls by removing a first portion of the filled opening, the cavity extending from the first side of the PCB core to the second side of the PCB core. A second portion of the filled opening is a heat transfer element configured to transfer heat from the first side of the PCB core to the second side of the PCB core. The at least one waveguide is embedded within the heat transfer element and configured for transmitting signals from the first side to the second side.

A laser processing method according to a viewpoint of the present disclosure includes radiating ultraviolet pulse laser light onto a workpiece having a stacked structure in which a conductor layer, an insulating layer, and a sacrificial layer are stacked on each other in the presented order, the pulse laser light radiated from the side facing the sacrificial layer, to change a laser ablation processing mode in the sacrificial layer and form a through hole in the sacrificial layer, radiating the pulse laser light onto the insulating layer through the through hole to form an opening in the insulating layer, and removing the sacrificial layer after the formation of the opening.

A printed circuit board structure is disclosed for providing reliable solderability for higher density component placement. The printed circuit board structure includes conductive points disposed on the surface of a printed circuit board which are separated by a channel disposed in the surface of the printed circuit board between the conductive points. The conductive points may be surface mount component terminal pads. The printed circuit board structure is particularly useful for overcoming component density limitations related to extremely miniaturized surface mount components known in the art.

A surface mount component can include a first substrate and a second substrate arranged adjacent the first substrate to form a monolithic body. At least one of the first substrate or the second substrate can include a thermally conductive material that is electrically insulating. A thin film component can be arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first terminal can be formed over a first end of the monolithic body. A second terminal can be formed over a second end of the monolithic body that is opposite the first end. A heat sink terminal can contact the thermally conductive material of the at least one of the first substrate or the second substrate.