Vicor Purchases Genesis for Range of Applications

Vicor, a leader in the development, manufacture and sale of power conversion components and systems since 1981, has purchased Universal Instruments’ Genesis Platform based on its unique ability to adapt to a wide range of process requirements. The new equipment will be used for Vicor’s leading-edge VI Chip line of power conversion products, from low-volume/high-mix, to high-volume, as well as a specialized post-SMT assembly process requiring unique tooling and software solutions. Universal’s ability to provide a complete turn-key solution, rather than the hardware alone, differentiated Genesis from the alternative providers.

Headquartered in Andover, MA, Vicor’s customers include those of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the communications, data processing, industrial control, test equipment, medical, and military electronics markets. Vicor focuses on the power converter industry's unique niche requirements. This business strategy requires their manufacturing processes to be flexible and fits well with Universal's core competency of solution flexibility.

“Vicor is an exemplary model for the Genesis Platform. The manufacturing environment requires a range of capabilities that can only be achieved with Genesis as a common-platform solution,” states Heinz Dommel, Director of Marketing. “Our software and adaptability allow us to provide customers like Vicor with flexible, turn-key solutions for all their needs.”

Vicor will leverage a double-sided SMT line comprised of Genesis GC-120Q Platforms to address fluctuating volume requirements and frequent changeovers. Universal’s single-beam Genesis GX-7S Platforms will form the basis of an additional lower-volume/high-mix SMT line, and also be used to pick and place ferrite cores in a post-SMT assembly process. The latter were standard Platforms adapted with unique tooling and software that enables them to perform the application. Universal’s ability to adapt a standard platform for specialized requirements is important in that it maintains platform commonality across standard SMT and post-SMT assembly processes. Driven by the diversity of the Genesis Platform, this commonality delivers benefits for spare parts, software, customer service, and operator training. “The ability to use a common platform for our NPI and high-volume production SMT requirements is a key to our success in efficient transition through the NPI process here at Vicor. Additionally, the capacity to use that same platform for some unique pick and place requirements, post SMT is a huge plus” states Rudy Mutter, Director, Technical Operations. We viewed the technology behind Universal’s VRM linear motor positioning system and Lightning Head as unique differentiators relative to what else is available in the market.”

Universal’s patented VRM linear motor and Lightning Head technologies provide unsurpassed speed and accuracy performance, while incorporating fewer moving parts for reduced preventative maintenance requirements. Also important in Universal’s turn-key solution is the Dimensions® Line Manager software module, providing board level traceability, off-line set ups, and feeder and component reel management.