Fiducial Recognition - YY1

A Fiducial, also known as a fixed reference point for alignment, allows the machine to determine specific locations on your board within the working surface area. When mounting, the system will be prompted to perform the fiducial recognition process when picking and placing components to ensure proper positioning.

When working with the YY1 machine, you have to manually select a fiducial. The information supplied in this article is specific to the Neoden YY1 Pick and Place Machine and is intended only for users working with the YY1 PnP machine.

Selecting Your Fiducial: A Checklist for Success

When determining your fiducial, it is essential to note that it must be a round marker. Follow these guidelines to ensure proper fiducial recognition:

1. Shape: The fiducial must be a round marker. 
2. Location: The Fiducial should be located up and to the right of the origin point. Choose a fiducial that is a significant distance from the origin point to minimize recognition errors. The farther the fiducial is from the origin point, the better.

3. Isolation: Ensure the fiducial is in an area of the board that is away from other components and/or parts to avoid interference.
4. Placement: These round markers can typically be found on the break off rails outlining your printed circuit board. Alternatively, a round through-hole can also serve as a fiducial, as the recognition algorithm works on contrast.
5. Avoid Clutter: Avoid selecting a fiducial that is close to and similar in appearance to other shapes. If the desired feature is too close to another similar feature, the Vision System will have difficulty recognizing the correct fiducial or obtaining a clean image of the fiducial.

Establishing the Fiducial: Steps for Success

Follow these simple steps to prepare your pick and place machine for fiducial recognition.

Step 1: Positioning the Placement Head over a Component

1. Access: Enter the Edit Fiducial page from the home screen on the YY1 user interface. 
2. Select / Change Component: Click the green button labeled “Select / Change Component.” This will move the placement head to the first component in your list. The component must be clearly visible, so click the same button again until the head moves to a distinct and recognizable component. This is usually a small, passive component. 
3. Centering: There is typically a slight offset from the center of your components at this stage, which needs to be corrected. Use the arrows to center the placement head over your chosen component. You only need to center the head over one component.

4. Save: When satisfied with the position, click the “Done” button under Step 1. Now you are ready for Step 2.

Step 2: Selecting Your Fiducial

1. Move Head: Click the green button labeled “Move.” Move the placement head to the chosen fiducial on your board using the placement head arrows. Ensure the fiducial meets the criteria listed in the Checklist for Success. 
2. Centering Fiducial: Once you have located the fiducial and confirmed it is a round marker located up and to the right of the origin point, center the placement head over the fiducial using the arrows. When satisfied, click the “Done” button under Step 2.
3. Verify Images: Look to the camera display screen to check the two smaller images located on the right side. The first image will be in black and white contrast, and the second should be an exact replica of the fiducial with red lines intersecting through its center. If the image containing the intersecting red lines appears correct, check the values within the gray box labeled “Fiducial (X and Y).” These values should be logical according to the size of your board. If the values are not logical, (for example, X: 600, Y: 600) please repeat steps 2 and 3. If necessary, try choosing a different fiducial.  

4. Save: To complete the entire process, click the back arrow labeled “And Save” to save your fiducial.

By following these steps, your pick and place machine will be ready to recognize the fiducial during the mounting process.