Application of APQ’s AK5 Modular Intelligent Controller in PCB Barcode Traceability System

With rapid advancements in technology, electronic products are integral to daily life. As the essential foundation for electronic systems, PCBs are a critical component in virtually all electronic products, driving high demand across industries. The PCB supply chain includes upstream materials like copper foil and substrates, and downstream applications in telecommunications, computing, and more. Given the rising quality expectations, manufacturers are increasingly implementing barcode, QR code, and other traceability systems on PCBs to encode production data such as manufacturing time and location, solder temperature, component batch numbers, and test results, with codes printed directly on materials to ensure quality.

However, the QR codes on PCBs are often small and must be read quickly and accurately within large fields of view, posing a major challenge for barcode traceability in PCB production. QR code detection systems for PCBs require high-speed, accurate reading of small codes during movement, often leveraging deep learning for effective positioning and multi-pass decoding. With a target accuracy rate of 99.9%, these systems facilitate rapid retrieval of traceability information, enhancing quality analysis capabilities.

In real-world applications, complete PCB traceability systems typically use industrial readers embedded with advanced algorithms, combined with industrial PCs, vision inspection algorithms, and other hardware and software products. The APQ AK5 modular controller, with its high performance, low power consumption, compact design, robust environmental adaptability, data security features, and powerful communication capabilities, is an efficient and reliable solution for PCB barcode traceability.

Key Features of APQ’s AK5 Intelligent Controller

High-Performance Processor
The AK5 utilizes the N97 processor, providing powerful data processing and computation capabilities, meeting the demands of complex smart vision software operations.

Compact Design
The AK5’s small size and fanless design save installation space and reduce noise, enhancing overall device reliability.

Strong Environmental Adaptability
Designed to withstand high and low temperatures, the AK5 industrial PC operates reliably in harsh environments, such as PCB production sites with corrosive gases, meeting diverse detection needs.

Data Security and Protection
Equipped with a supercapacitor and hard drive power protection, the AK5 safeguards critical data during sudden power outages, preventing data loss or corruption.

Powerful Communication Capabilities
Supporting EtherCAT bus, the AK5 enables high-speed, synchronous data transfer, ensuring real-time communication between industrial readers, cameras, light sources, and other connected devices.

In practical applications, APQ has developed a comprehensive solution with the AK5 as the core control unit:

AK5 Series / Alder Lake-N Platform Specifications

Supports Intel® Alder Lake-N series mobile CPUs
1 DDR4 SO-DIMM slot, supporting up to 16GB
HDMI, DP, and VGA triple-display outputs
2/4 Intel® i350 Gigabit network interfaces with PoE support
4-channel light source expansion
8 optically isolated digital inputs, 8 optically isolated digital outputs
PCIe x4 expansion
WiFi/4G wireless expansion
Built-in USB 2.0 Type-A for dongle installation

IPC Assistant / Device Self-Management

Data Protection: Supercapacitor and hard drive power protection ensure data safety and integrity during power outages.
Environmental Adaptability: High/low temperature resistance and fanless design enhance stability and reliability in harsh industrial conditions.
Fault Diagnosis and Warning: Integrated diagnostics and alert systems monitor the operational status of the PC, reader, camera, and light source, promptly addressing issues like disconnections or high CPU temperatures.

The AK Series represents APQ’s flagship modular intelligent controller, utilizing a 1+1+1 model with a host, main cartridge, auxiliary cartridge, and soft cartridge. This lineup covers Intel’s three main platforms and Nvidia Jetson, meeting diverse demands for CPU performance across vision, motion control, robotics, and digital applications. This makes the AK Series a standout solution for industrial control needs, showcasing APQ’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

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Application of APQ’s AK5 Modular Intelligent Controller in PCB Barcode Traceability System