Apparatus for transferring electronic components in stages

A transfer assembly for transferring first and second groups of electronic components simultaneously, comprising:

• a holding plate containing first and second sets of suction holes, wherein the respective first and second sets of suction holes are operative to hold the first and second groups of electronic components respectively against the holding plate during transfer of the electronic components;
• a first vacuum chamber located next to the holding plate which is connected only to the first set of suction holes;
• a vacuum compartment located within the first vacuum chamber and which encloses a second vacuum chamber that is separate from the first vacuum chamber, the vacuum compartment including a sealing sheet in contact with the holding plate which has vacuum holes connecting the second vacuum chamber to the second set of suction holes;
• and
• a first vacuum source for applying vacuum suction force in the first vacuum chamber but not the second vacuum chamber, and a second vacuum source for applying suction force in the second vacuum chamber but not the first vacuum chamber.