NSF Org:	CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation
Recipient:	THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO
Initial Amendment Date:	June 9, 1995
Latest Amendment Date:	April 30, 1998
Award Number:	9502897
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Ming C. Leu CMMI  Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation ENG  Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	June 1, 1995
End Date:	March 3, 1999 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$315,000.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$315,000.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 1995 = $177,682.00 FY 1996 = $0.00 FY 1997 = $0.00 FY 1998 = $0.00
History of Investigator:	Jesus Villalobos (Principal Investigator) rene.villalobos@asu.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	University of Texas at El Paso 500 W UNIVERSITY AVE EL PASO TX  US  79968-8900 (915)747-5680
Sponsor Congressional District:	16
Primary Place of Performance:	University of Texas at El Paso 500 W UNIVERSITY AVE EL PASO TX  US  79968-8900
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	16
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	C1DEGMMKC7W7
Parent UEI:	C1DEGMMKC7W7
NSF Program(s):	Manufacturing Machines & Equip
Primary Program Source:	app-0195  app-0196  app-0197  app-0198
Program Reference Code(s):	MANU, 9231, 9178, 9102, 9146, 1045
Program Element Code(s):	146800
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.041

ABSTRACT

9502897 Villalobos In the electronics industry, components are so small and delicate that manufacturing requires automation systems, but the paradox is that a person inspects components visually. This Faculty Early Career Development award's research and educational components will focus on this problem. This research develops an integrated engineering approach to assembly and inspection of surface mounted devices (SMD's). The tasks are: inspection routine generation formulated as a Markov decision problem, development of a physical distributed flexible inspection system, and use of neural network technology for diagnostics and process control, and a very focused on SMD manufacture. The educational focus complements the research, involving undergraduates, advising and undergraduate student recruitment, in addition to new courses. The education plan, while tied to integrated electronics manufacture, is broader in its scope. It will develop three courses, one of which is an entrepreneurship course that will include successful role models from industry to instill the product-to-market spirit. The principal investigator plans to continue his activity with student involvement in applied research, advising undergraduates and graduates, and spending time recruiting undergraduate students, all the marks of a well-rounded faculty member. The research and educational plans have a high probability of improving the technology and engineering resource base. The educational program is strong in student development in a total way. ***

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