METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING CARRIER TAPE HEIGHT LEVEL AND THICKNESS USING FIBER OPTIC SENSORS

The disclosure is directed to apparatus and methods for detection of out of position (OOP) components in a carrier tape forming machine. An apparatus includes cross track sensors coupled to the bus interface circuitry, the cross track sensors configured to detect OOP components prior to overlaying the components on the carrier tape with cover tape, optical sensors to detect the OOP components on the carrier tape after overlaying with cover tape and prior to sealing and to detect reflections from OOP components seated on the carrier tape, an amplifier coupled to the optical sensors to amplify signals generated by the optical sensors and set a range for determining whether the components are OOP, and relays to receive indications of detected OOP components, and a controller coupled to the relays to stop the carrier tape forming machine as a function of signals received by the relays.