REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Data I/O Corporation(R) (Nadsaq: DAIO), the leading provider of advanced programming solutions, announced today that Aztech Systems Limited has selected Data I/O's FLX500 automated device programming system for manufacturing operation in Dong Guan, China.
The Data I/O FLX500 is the industry's first desktop-size automated device programming system. The robotic system picks memory or microcontroller devices from trays, inserts the devices in sockets for programming, and returns high quality programmed devices to trays, ready to move to production. The system provides low-cost automation for OEM and EMS companies wishing to control device programming in-house, and to do so with higher quality results than traditional manual programming can provide.
Aztech has built a growing successful electronics manufacturing services business including design, material management, logistics services and customer program management. Aztech's strategy is to provide important value to customers to reduce their time to market and in delivering products of the highest production standard. Aztech will be among the first of a growing number of operations in China to benefit from the improved quality and reduced cost that can be realized through automation.
"This first sale of an FLX500 in China is a significant indicator of the changing nature of electronics manufacturing in China", said Harald Weigelt, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Operations for Data I/O Corporation. "It has been a long-held belief that low labor costs in China would constrain the growth of automated programming equipment in the industry. FLX500 disproves that theory by making high quality automation affordable and cost- effective. Our target market segments - EMS firms and OEM producers of consumer, automotive, and wireless products are experiencing rapid growth that will accelerate this trend toward automation. Data I/O is well positioned to provide complete solutions for all applications and volumes."
"We see several forces driving the adoption of automated device handling and programming," said Zel Liu, President of Data I/O China. "Device packages continue to shrink, limiting the ability to achieve accurate results from a manual programming process. Consumer products increasingly use higher density flash memory devices, representing an important cost component in the end product. As components increase in value, elimination of errors and scrap becomes critical to profitability. In addition, economists have predicted significant increases in labor costs over the next 3 to 5 years, encouraging Production Managers to plan for efficient use of existing labor force. The FLX500 system made sense for Aztech for all these reasons. As an added benefit, Aztech can standardize worldwide on Data I/O programming platforms and have local support and expertise easily available from our global support centers."
The FLX500, based on Data I/O's patented FlashCORE(TM) precision programming technology, programs all leading Flash and serial memory devices, NAND flash and programmable microcontrollers from leading manufacturers, including Intel, Spansion, SanDisk / M-Systems, Fujitsu, NEC, Samsung, Toshiba, Renesas, Microchip Technology, Freescale, and others. The FLX500 is production-ready, with package adapter support for leading packages, including BGA, uBGA, CSP, PLCC, TSOP, QFP and others, delivering exceptional throughput at more than 500 devices per hour.
About Data I/O
With more than 34 years of innovative leadership in the device programming industry, Data I/O(R) Corporation provides semiconductor device handling and programming systems, manufacturing and process control applications to manufacturers of automotive electronics, wireless and consumer products, and semiconductors. Data I/O Corporation is headquartered in Redmond, Washington, and has sales and service offices worldwide. For more information, see 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 holder 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:
Megan Miller
Data I/O Corporation
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