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We take in PCB design information and then match that to calibration images of a PCB sample using augmented reality. Our software uses this to determine the position of the PCB in the real world, and through our unique augmented reality format we can match your overlays directly into the board is if it was still inside your EDA tool
A project is a unique PCB design (sometimes called artwork). inspectAR accepts either a manufacturing output (IPC2581B) from most EDA’s, or native layout files for simpler designs (Eagle, KiCAD, Altium).
InspectAR is highly extensible and available on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. Detailed hardware and software specs can be found here. Due to the nature of the application, we recommend using high end devices with big screens, quality 4K cameras and a mount to keep it all stable. Detailed camera specs are Our mobile version is designed for free exploratory use, as well as to supplement the desktop version in a professional environment.
We take in PCB design information and then match that to calibration images of a PCB sample using augmented reality. Our software uses this to determine the position of the PCB in the real world, and through our unique augmented reality format we can match your overlays directly into the board is if it was still inside your EDA tool
For mobile versions (Android and iOS) this is easy, your device’s onboard camera will be used, it must be rear-facing and at least 8MP. For desktop, we recommend a 4k web camera with full UVC controls. The Logitech Brio will fit the bill. Any other web camera will work if it is 1080p minimum, the drawback of lower resolution is less zoom to view small & fine pitch components clearly.
In one of two places depending how you make them:
Projects made through app.inspectar.com are stored on our cloud.
Projects made within the inspectAR application are stored completely local, with no way to upload to the cloud afterwards.
Yes & yes, we are backed by the industry’s largest electronics design software provider. Our cloud is deployed on the industry's largest IaaS providers with oversight from Cadence’s IT Security team. Read our cloud security whitepaper here.
Unfortunately not! There is no automated optical inspection (AOI) capability within inspectAR. Those first article inspections to check for component rotations during board bring up are still going to be necessary but will be significantly augmented with inspectAR seeing 25%+ efficiency improvements. Plus, recording problems when they occur is easier than ever, you can take an image with full design information connected.
Yes! You can create markups locally from within the tool and attach them to the design. Other metadata such as files, comments, and more can be embedded to locations on the PCB itself.
Files can be added to any component or net in the design. Tying measurements to their respective net in an immutable way is very helpful.
Yes, this relies on our calibration step, where you match up the board outline you designed with the real-world PCB. Calibrations will need to be repeated when ~30% of the boards surface area changes (due to the assembly of components, epoxy, burns, or whatever!). So no matter what condition or stage of production your design is in, you can still make it work with inspectAR.
We’re glad you asked! Lighting can have a big impact if it causes glare. The best setting is soft, diffuse light instead of direct light. For example, a lamp pointing away from the PCB at a wall would be better than a lamp pointing directly at it. Glare in a known orientation can be accounted for with a specific calibration for that orientation.
Yes! Step one is to fill out this form.
