Object-Oriented Simulator Design For an Automated High-Speed Modular Placement Machine Family

This paper introduces the computer model established for a new family of modular type, multi-station walking beam high-speed chip mounter (also called chip shooter) machines, and the implemented high-accuracy simula tion software. The objective of the project was the de velopment of a comprehensive simulation tool that can replace the real machines in experiments regarding sys tem analysis and setup, yet provide accurate cycle time estimation. The thorough analysis of the machines led to the understanding of the characteristics of each part of the system, as well as the hierarchy of the parts and the interaction between them. This well-defined hierar chy and separability of different parts suggest the ob ject-oriented paradigm for the implementation of the simulation software. This paper highlights the major goals successfully addressed by the developed software: the identification of the system hierarchy with its rep resentation in a C++ class structure, the implementa tion providing code efficiency, and the design of I/O features that prepare the simulator to be embedded in an optimization procedure.