Georgia Tech experts fight board warping

Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta (http://www.gtri. gatech.edu/rco.html) have developed a new way to monitor warping in printed circuit boards called Thermoire. This patented process provides real-time data about board warping, which can help manufacturers avoid design problems and save money, says Thermoire developer Charles Ume. Thermoire uses a special oven with a glass grating top, through which the board placed inside is visible. A white light shines through the glass grating onto the board, and an inexpensive compact charge-coupled device camera captures warping digitally as it occurs. - J.K.