Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1038326
24 PCB007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2018 ance, we also check at the core level—the trace level—before we put mask over them or any- thing with confocal technology. Then we re- place the model numbers in the database with the measured numbers. We answer the ques- tion, "How far off are we?" Then, the drills de- tect the location of every single copper inner layer in the build within a couple microns. The drills give us the dielectric thickness as measured at all of these points. We replace all of those numbers in the database, too, and we can tell you the distribution of impedance at this point in the manufacture. When we get the actual impedance readings, you can take those readings, leverage this or that informa- tion, and provide a whole profile of the panel. People usually spend a lot of money to have this done by an expert in a lab, and it takes them months to get it all tuned in; ours is ful- ly automatic. We can give you a whole profile. We use it for customers and our own process development. Matties: With all of the control and on-the- fly adjustments that you do, yield expectation must be incredibly high. Stepinski: It is. We expect to have total yield or total failure and not much in between. Matties: You're not leaving much room for error. Stepinski: Usually when we have a problem, it's because we have such a burden on the front- end part that it will be a total failure. You're not going to have a margin- al condition. That's good. You don't want to have processes that are spit- ting out marginal product. Matties: It appears the investment you're making on this phase com- pared to the first phase is substan- tially more. Stepinski: Yes, I can't tell you the ex- act number, but it's larger. Matties: Where do you expect the ROI on that investment to fall? Stepinski: The same. Matties: Really? Because you had a quick ROI on the first phase. Stepinski: We originally said five to seven years, but it took less time. We're targeting the same this time; it's the same concept. Matties: Congratulations, Alex. It looks like you're living a dream here. Stepinski: It's a very smart company. The Whel- en family thinks 10 years ahead on everything and so does this factory. Matties: I talked to Mr. Whelen at the EIPC Conference. I asked about their future and how they grow the business and this was a big part of it—being a job shop. They've been captive, building their own products for many years. He had nothing but high regard and confi- dence in you. Stepinski: That's good. It's a big line. You don't see lines this size in North America anymore. Matties: Thank you for your time. This was a great overview. Stepinski: You're welcome. PCB007 Figure 9: A panel moves through the automated wet-etch line at GreenSource.