How to Calculate Real UPH for Your Auto-Programmer？

When investing in an automated IC programming system, one of the most critical metrics for production planning is UPH (Units Per Hour). To help you plan your production more accurately, we are breaking down how UPH is calculated and the key factors that determine your real-world results.

• Defining "Maximum UPH": Mechanical vs. Functional

In the automated programming industry, the "Maximum UPH" listed on technical specifications generally refers to the Maximum Mechanical UPH. This figure represents the peak speed of the robotic handling system—the "Pick and Place" movement—independent of the actual programming process.

It assumes a cycle where the nozzle transfers a device from the source to the programmer and immediately to the output. While this provides a benchmark for machine agility, the Real UPH involves the synchronization of the handler with the actual programming time of your specific IC.

• 3 Key Factors Impacting Your Throughput

To calculate how many chips you will actually produce per hour, you must look at these three variables:

1. Number of Programmers: The total number of programming units installed in the automated handler.

2. Number of Sockets: The number of socket adapters and sites available on each programmer. While high-density programmers offer more throughput, the quantity used can be adjusted based on the programming cycle.

3. Programming Time: The duration required to flash data onto the device. This varies from a few seconds to several minutes depending on the file size and IC technology.
 

• The Methodology: Determining "Pick & Place Cycle Time"

The most reliable way to estimate output is by calculating the Pick and Place Programmer Cycle Time. This is the total duration required for the machine nozzles to fully load a programmer, account for the processing window, and unload the devices to the output.

Calculation Example
Consider a system configured with a single programmer and 8 sockets:

• Step 1: The nozzle picks and places 8 chips into the programmer.
• Step 2: The nozzle picks those 8 chips back up and moves them to the output carrier.
• Step 3: Assume this full mechanical cycle takes 9 seconds.

The Formula:

• 3,600 seconds (1 hour) ÷ 9 seconds = 400 cycles per hour.
• 400 cycles × 8 chips = 3,200 UPH.

Therefore, if your programming time is less than 9 seconds, the machine will maintain a steady output of 3,200 chips per hour.

• When Is It Necessary to Add Programmers to Boost Efficiency?

When programming times are longer (e.g., 20 seconds or more), the handler would naturally sit idle while waiting for the process to finish. By adding additional programmers, you can significantly enhance efficiency. This allows the handler to load one unit while others are processing, effectively "masking" the programming time.

Note: As you add more programmers, the robotic arm travels further distances to reach the output carrier. We recommend a conservative reduction factor (approx. 5%) for each additional programmer to account for this travel time.
 

Case Study: DediProg DP3000-G3 Plus
Our DP3000-G3 Plus is engineered for high-capacity flexibility, accommodating up to 6 NuProgPlus-U16 programmers.

• If each programmer handles 16 flash memories with a mechanical cycle time of 18 seconds, the total system cycle time is 108 seconds (18s x 6).
   
• Any chip with a programming time of less than 108 seconds can be processed by the DP3000-G3 Plus while maintaining peak efficiency.

By balancing programming time with the correct number of programmers and sockets, you can achieve a stable, high-volume output tailored to your project.

Learn more: 

【Articles】Auto IC Programmer Selection: Overview and the 4 Core Factors

Contact us

E-mail: sales@dediprog.com