REDMOND, Wash., May 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Data I/O Corporation(R) today announced a self-contained, automated device programmer that fits on a desktop. The revolutionary FLX500 programming system will be introduced to electronics manufacturers, EMS companies, and industry press at NEPCON UK and SEMICON Singapore. Both events take place May 9-11, 2006. For High Resolution Image: http://www.ggcomm.com/DIO_Images/flxprhr.jpg
Many electronics OEM, ODM and EMS companies producing medium to high volume products have relied for years on manually operated 'gang' systems to program product data files or firmware into devices. Manual processes are fraught with potential errors, due to handling damage and human errors that can send un-programmed or faulty devices to the production line.
"Customers constantly share with us the costly problems they have with gang programmers -- bent leads, blank devices, incorrectly programmed devices, high levels of scrap -- but at the same time they often do not have the facilities, the operators, the time for training, or the physical space required for a sophisticated automated programming system," stated Megan Miller, Director of Marketing for Data I/O. "The FLX500 offers a solution that drastically reduces the errors and waste inherent in manual programming. The FLX500 is modular and expandable, it supports virtually all device packages, and it is ideally sized to fit almost anywhere. It really makes automated device programming available to everyone," Miller added.
The patents-pending FLX500 technology enables the first 'plug and program' automated programming solution available. The touch screen user interface is language independent, eliminating operator training and the typical operator mistakes. The system requires no special installation. It can be plugged into a standard wall outlet. The self-contained air supply eliminates the need for an external air system. The system picks devices from tray media, places them in sockets for programming, and returns programmed devices to output trays.
The FLX500 has Data I/O's patented FlashCORE(TM) precision programming technology, with high-speed programming for all leading Flash and serial memory devices, NAND flash and programmable microcontrollers. FLX500 supports leading packages, including BGA, uBGA, CSP, PLCC, TSOP, QFP and others, delivering exceptional throughput at more than 500 devices per hour.
Quality Improvements easily attained
The FLX500 brings a new and practical automated solution to a variety of programming applications. A flexible FLX500 rental option allows EMS companies, for example, the flexibility needed to meet short term or volatile contract requirements without a major capital investment.
Automotive manufacturers, facing tremendous cost pressures, will find that the FLX500 provides lower programming costs and greater control than outsourced programming. High quality standards are met with full version control.
For consumer electronics manufacturers the FLX500 is ideally suited for programming devices such as microcontrollers and low to moderate density Flash devices. Device serialization option allows dynamic programming of data elements, such as product ID or MAC address, into devices.
For Programming Centers, job sizes can often be less than 1,000 parts, and changeover becomes a critical factor. The FLX500, with its modular design, allows the lowest possible changeover times. For every application, the FLX500 provides the quality inherent with automating the programming process.
FLX500 at NEPCON, UK
Accelonix (http://www.accelonix.com/), representative for Data I/O in the U.K., will host the exhibit of Data I/O programming solutions at the Nepcon UK event, May 9-11 at the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham. Visitors are encouraged to see the FLX500 at stand G37.
FLX500 at Semicon, Singapore
TransTechnology PTE Ltd. (http://www.trans-tec.com/), representative for Data I/O in Singapore, will host the FLX500 demonstration, as well as other Data I/O programming solutions, at SEMICON Singapore, May 9-11, at the Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore. Visitors can see the FLX500 in Hall 6, booth 928.
About Data I/O
With more than 34 years of innovative leadership in device programming solutions, Data I/O Corporation(R) provides manual and automated device programming systems that specifically address the requirements of engineering and manufacturing operations. FlashCORE(TM) is the architecture behind a family of Flash programmers that deliver the highest throughput and the lowest cost per programmed device. The MultiSyte and UniSite families provide universal support and versatility to address a wide variety of programming needs. The company's newest products are the ImageWriter line of In-System Programming products, and the new FLX500 automated desktop device programming system. Data I/O provides solutions beyond products, including a unique Applications Services offering and global service and support capability. Data I/O Corporation is headquartered in Redmond, Washington. More information is available at http://www.dataio.com/ or call 800-426-1045.
Forward-Looking Statements
All company and product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are used for identification purposes only. The matters discussed in this news release include forward- looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary significantly. These risks include market and competitive factors, and other risks described in the Company's most recent annual report and/or in any of its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this release. Reference to the Company's website above does not constitute incorporation of any of the information thereon into this press release.
Contact: Dave Rohona
Marketing Segment Manager-Automated Programming
