Combined radiative and convective rework system

Abstract

A combined radiative and convective rework system is provided for repair, replacement, removal and rework of an electronic component on a printed circuit board. The system includes a guide for guiding heat-inducing radiation and heated gas towards at least one lead of the electronic component, and for preventing the heat-inducing radiation from damaging the body of the component. A heater, including a source of infrared radiation, provides the heat-inducing radiation and the heated gas. In one embodiment, the guide includes a single funnel cooperative with apparatus for reducing component body heating. In second and third embodiments, the guide includes two concentric funnels which form a volume which is traversed by the heat-inducing radiation and heated gas, and which provide at least one narrow region of heat energy to at least one of the leads, but not directly to the component body. In another embodiment, a plurality of removable guides are provided, each being specialized for use with a variety of different component types and sizes. The system also includes a viewing system for viewing the component along a central axis of symmetry of the guide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.