Which Microscope Should I Use To Inspect Printed Circuit Boards Or Phone Parts?

Printed circuit boards and phone parts are commonly viewed under the microscope for inspection and for soldering. However, It’s sometimes a challenge to choose which microscope to use to use for the inspection. This is down to the several challenges that users may face when viewing PCB.

Some of these challenges are;

Due to the samples being largely metallic, it is likely that you will get reflections from the microscope’s light and therefore glare to the camera. This can be solved via two methods:
- Using polarised light
- Using a system with an extended dynamic range function
When soldering, the user will need space under the microscope for any tools and to protect the microscope lens from any heat damage. This can be solved by using a long working distance microscope (the working distance is the available space between the microscope and the part of the sample that is in focus).
The user may wish to attach a camera to take photographs, or/and if on a production line they may wish to have a live image on a display that needs to have no delay. There are several camera options for this.
The final challenge is finding the most suitable system, taking into consideration the above points, for the available budget!

So, we will now list suitable systems, in order of budget (lowest cost first), with the advantages and limitations of each system clearly specified so you can make an educated decision on which microscope is best to inspect printed circuit boards and phone parts based on your requirements and budget.

Please note that prices are correct at time of print (July 2019) but are subject to change.

Option 1: C2-D Long Working Distance Stereo Microscope, PCB/Phone Repair LED

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Best Microscope To Inspect Printed Circuit Boards

ADVANTAGES	LIMITATIONS
Long working distance – 119mm as standard (with a maximum of 165mm when using the optional 1x objective).	Halogen illumination which gives off a lot of heat. There is, however the option to upgrade to LED for an additional £33.33 + VAT.
20x magnification as standard (optional 5x – 70x with accessories)	If you wish to change the magnification from the standard 20x, you will need to purchase additional objective lenses or/and eyepieces and these will need changing every time you wish to change the magnification.
Price! Only £302.49 + VAT (price correct at time of print – November 2018).	If you wish to attach a camera, this can be done but through the eyepiece only. You would need to remove one of the eyepieces to insert an eyepiece camera.
Optical microscopes offer the best image quality (as opposed to an all-in-one digital solution)	Small stand limits working area – if you are viewing large samples, you may require a microscope on a more substantial long reach boom stand.
	No polariser
	No extended dynamic range

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Option 2: GX Microscopes HD51 Digital Microscope

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(please note that the screen showed in the picture is not included)

Microscope To View Printed Circuit Boards and Phone Parts?

ADVANTAGES	LIMITATIONS
Extremely long working distance – Up to 232.5mm at 0.7x zoom, providing a field of view of up to 9.5mm	No polariser – although this can be added as an optional extra for £259 + VAT.
Magnification range 8.8X to 119.4X	No extended dynamic range
Field of view from 0.32mm to 9.5mm	Digital microscopes do not offer the same optical quality of an optical microscope
Comes complete with a unique dual mode incident and ring light illumination light source for live-view/live-display inspection systems.This light is LED.	Small stand limits working area – if you are viewing large samples, you may require a microscope on a more substantial long reach boom stand.
Includes a camera with the following advantages:HD imageHDMI output for a fast live image (60 frames per second)USB output to a computer with software includedVery comprehensive PC software for enhancement, still and video storage, annotation and a vast range of measurements with data output to ExcelOn screen menus for camera control including crosshair and reticle live overlay display, video and stills recording
Can be fitted a long reach boom stand if need be (fits on to any post/pillar with 32mm diameter)
Excellent value at £605.83 + VAT

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Option 3: DinoLite Edge AM7915MZT Digital Microscope With RK-10A Stand:

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ADVANTAGES	LIMITATIONS
Long working distance of up to 136mm at 10x magnification (there is also a longer working distance model available – please enquire for details)	USB Digital output (no HDMI output) so slight lag on the live image
Magnification range 10x to 50x and 200x	No large boom stand option – there are many stand options, but all are relatively small
Field of view from 1.8mm to 37.8mm	£1044 + VAT for the complete system
High resolution, crisp images with 5MP resolution	Digital microscopes do not offer the same optical quality of an optical microscope
Flexible LED Control (FLC)Tasking with software, the FLC maximizes illumination flexibility by offering independent on/off control to the four LED quadrants in addition to the 6-levels intensity adjustment capability.
Automatic Magnification Reading (AMR)Without the hassle to stop and check the magnification for doing a measurement, the AMR detects the magnification rate automatically through the software, making the measurement be a more efficient, accurate, and pleasant process.
Extended Depth Of Field (EDOF)Viewing rough surface with height range out of depth of focus, the EDOF can take several images at different focus and stack them automatically within a click.
Observing high contrast or reflective surface, the EDR can help to reveal the details of dark or bright areas by stacking images taken at different exposure levels.
Adjustable PolariserThe built-in adjustable polarizer allows to remove freely the unwanted reflection or glare from the object surface for a better contrast.
Interchangeable CapsThe interchangeable caps provide adaptability to numerous applications with alternative lighting or object interface, such as but not limited to diffused-light, ring-light, and coaxial-light etc.

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Option 4: GX Microscopes UltraZOOM-3 Stereo Microscope With Boom Stand:

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UltraZoom- 3 Stereo Microcope to Inspect Phone parts

ADVANTAGES	LIMITATIONS
Long working distance of 110mm as standard (this can be increased to 165mm with optional accessories), provides plenty of space for tools/welding	The boom stand is very heavy
Magnification range 7x to 63x (optional 3.5x to 351x with accessories)	No extended dynamic range functionality
Optical microscopes offer the best optical quality (as opposed to an all-in-one digital solution). This microscope offers exceptional optical clarity.	No built-in polariser (although a polarising ring light can be purchased for £259 + VAT)
The boom stand has a very high quality construction with adjustable overall height on the vertical pole as well as extendable reach along an extendable horizontal arm. Total height 425mm (490mm including the base) and horizontal boom arm length: 545mm (longer with the focus ring attached).	No built-in illumination (we have a huge range of optional external illuminators available)
Includes a trinocular head for attaching a camera (a camera adapter will be required). We have a huge selection of cameras to choose between, including HDMI options and cameras with attachable screens.	At £1159.07 + VAT for the system without it’s optional extras such as lighting and a camera, this is for users with a higher budget looking to invest in a top quality system with the most flexibility.

Which Microscope Should I Use To Inspect Printed Circuit Boards Or Phone Parts?

Option 1: C2-D Long Working Distance Stereo Microscope, PCB/Phone Repair LED

Option 2: GX Microscopes HD51 Digital Microscope

Option 3: DinoLite Edge AM7915MZT Digital Microscope With RK-10A Stand:

Option 4: GX Microscopes UltraZOOM-3 Stereo Microscope With Boom Stand:

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