Microscopes

A digital or traditional optical microscope can help engineers check on their high-speed probing activities much more easily. It will assure the probe tips touch on the right contact(s), with correct contact angle and right amount of force.

We use both digital and optical microscopes in our own lab. The information in this page is to help you choose a microscope best suits you.

Digital Microscope

Connects to the USB port of a PC, and displays the result on the screen.
Small size, more portable
Easy to support multiple microscopes for 2-sided probing
Work with all PacketMicro probing stations for testing PCBs

Considerations:

Resolution, build quality, software, long working distance, size, price

PacketMicro is an authorized reseller of Dino-Lite microscopes and accessories. For Dino-Lite microscopes or accessories,
contact sales@packetmicro.com.

Optical Microscope

A traditional optical microscope provides superior visibility for probing small DUTs on a PCB, especially when the PCB is positioned horizontally on a laboratory bench. While it offers several advantages over digital microscopes, it also comes with certain limitations.

Advantages:

Long working distance
Good depth of field (DOF)
Good field of view (FOV)

Limitations:

Heavy, not portable
Difficult to use for 2-sided probing
Difficult for probing a large PCB

You may consider this boom stand microscope for your lab. Remember to consider ring LED light for illuminating the DUTs.

* Please buy from AmScope directly.

DINO-LITE MODEL
	AF4535ZTLE	AM5218MZTL	AF7515MZTL	AF7915MZTL
Description	LWD with Polarizer, AMR, FLC, Wireless	LWD with polarizer, HDMI connector, Microtouch	LWD in metal case with Polarizer, Microtouch	LWD in metal case with Polarizer, Microtouch
Resolution (Pixels) MP	1280x960 (1.3 MP)	1280x720 (60 fps)	2592x1944 (5 MP)	2592x1944 (5 MP)
Working Distance	66.8 mm @ 50x 37.1 mm @ 100x	43.5 mm @50x 29.2 mm @100x	47 mm @ 50x 32.6 mm @ 100x	47 mm @ 50x 32.6 mm @ 100x
Magnification	10x~140x	10x~140x	10x~140x	10x~140x
Polarizer	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Connect to Computer	Yes (USB 2.0) Wireless compatible	No	Yes (USB 2.0) Wireless compatible	Yes (USB 2.0) Wireless compatible
Connect to Monitor	No	Yes (HDMI connector, no PC needed)	No	No
Price	$849	$1,029	$1,229	$1,369
Features	AMR (Automatic Magnification Reading) FLR(Flexible LED Control)	Microtouch: a touch sensitive trigger that minimizes movement when taking pictures.	AMR (Automatic Magnification Reading) FLR (Flexible LED Control)	AMR (Automatic Magnification Reading) FLR (Flexible LED Control) EDOF (Extended Depth of Field) EDR (Enhanced Dynamic Range)

For more info about Dino-Lite Digital Microscopes, visit Dino-Lite FAQ
For features about Dino-Lite Microscopes, visit Dino-Lite Features

Accessories

HDM1 Microscope Adapter

Adapter for positioners to hold digital microscopes

MA02 Microscope Adapter

Extra 360° adjustable bubble leveler correctly orientates microscope to be 90° angle to the PCB

UA16 Universal Adapter

Universal Adapter to hold any probe, microscopes

FP160MS FLEX POSITIONER

The typical field of view for the long working distance microscope is around 4.4 mm x 3.3 mm (x90 magnification). FP160's fine position control helps a user to move the microscope from one test point to the test point outside the FOV with ease.

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